Summarize the following:
You should consider reporting a business to the federal government a last resort. Federal agencies typically don't do anything to resolve individual complaints.  Make at least one attempt to resolve the issue in writing, so that you have proof of your attempts to resolve the issue (and the business's response) that you can submit with your report. Send a formal business letter using certified mail with return receipt requested, so you have proof that the business owner received your letter. This is important if you never get any response back from the business, because they may try to say they never got it. When you prepare to report a business to the federal government, pull together as much evidence as you can find of the problem you've had with the business.  It can be helpful to do a little research into the various government agencies that take consumer complaints, so you know what they have control over and what kind of complaints they take. Start at https://www.usa.gov/consumer-complaints. There, you'll find information about reporting a business to the federal government and the types of complaints or reports that federal agencies typically take. The FTC primarily handles reports of businesses engaged in fraudulent or deceptive practices, such as unwanted telemarketers or scam artists.  To file a complaint with the FTC, visit the FTC Complaint Assistant at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov. Choose the category that best suits your complaint to get started filing your complaint online. You can also file a complaint with the FTC by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP. The FTC does not resolve individual complaints, but they may investigate the situation. If the business is contacted by the FTC, they may reach out to you with a compromise. The CFPB is a US government agency that helps resolve any problems you may have with a bank, lender, or financial services company. The CFPB will work with you and the business to resolve the situation.  You can start a complaint with the CFPB online at https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/. The bureau will review your report and may address it directly, or forward it to another agency that is better able to assist you. When you file a report you'll be instructed to set up an account. You can log on to your account at any time to check the status of your complaint.

summary: Attempt to resolve the issue with the business owner. Gather documents and information related to the problem. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Submit complaints about financial products or services to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).


Summarize the following:
If the designer is local, set up a time for them to come by your office, or meet them in a coffee shop. If they’re remote, email them and work out a time for a phone or video call.  Come prepared with a list of questions to ask. Take notes throughout the interview on their answers and your general impressions of them. When the time comes for you to speak, stay calm and relaxed. Remember, they’re the ones who have to impress you! Look at the notes you took while reviewing their portfolio. Talk about the things you liked in their portfolio and ask them about the process of completing those projects. If you saw some work you didn’t like, address that as well. Ask them to explain why they wanted to be a graphic designer and get a bit of their background.  You could say, for example, “Tell me about the logo you designed for this gym. What interested you in that project? How much say did you have in the overall design?” Talk about the different mediums they’ve worked in as well. Say, “I see you’ve done mostly digital work. How confident are you in working in print, which is what my project will be done in?” You want to know that your project will be completed quickly and done well. Ask them how long it usually takes to finish a project of your scope usually. Ask how many rough concepts they typically design through before a client sees one they like. The fewer “rough drafts” it takes them to complete a project, the better. If they usually go through only 2-3 concepts per project, that means they understand what the client wants and is able to deliver. This interview is also a chance to explain your project in depth and make sure that you’re on the same page, and that they can deliver exactly what you want. Briefly describe your business, target audience, what that audience should take away after seeing the piece, and general thoughts about the look and feel that you envision for the piece. Encourage them to be creative with their ideas and honest in their point of view -- you want a designer that will challenge your views in a respectful way. See if they understand the big picture of your business and are excited about, or at least interested in, the message you’re trying to convey and their role in this larger project.  Their views don’t need to be totally in line with yours--in fact, it’s a good thing if they’re not! However, you do want them to understand and connect with your larger vision. Note down anything promising about their ideas as well as any red flags, such as a lack of interest or unoriginal ideas. It’s okay if they don’t, but intelligent and thoughtful questions are a plus. Answer honestly. Be prepared to answer questions like:  “If you’ve hired graphic designers in the past, what made the best ones stand out from the less impressive ones?” “What is the best or worst thing about working at this business?” “What will the pay rate be?” You can say something like, “I’ll be sticking to the pay range listed on the job posting. We’ll talk about the specific rate if you get the offer.” Tell them they can expect to hear back from you within a week. Try not to make them wait any longer than that, unless you’re interviewing another candidate after that time. Specify whether you’ll be calling or emailing them and give them a business card if you’d like. It’s up to you whether to mention you’re interviewing other people or not. You can be subtle and say something like, “I’ll let you know about the offer after I’ve interviewed the other candidates,” or be more upfront and say, “I have several candidates for this position. Why should I hire you over them?”
summary: Set up a time to speak on the phone or in-person. Ask them more about their experience and previous projects. Ask about their work style and efficiency. Describe the message you want to get across. Ask them for their opinions and ideas on your project. Ask if they have any questions. Tell them when you’ll contact them with a decision.