I have experience on client and designer sides both. What I can say is that every side has big problems they have to face when the ordre is being placed. Sometimes clients make it all too detailed (make it red, place it 2 pixels above and add yellow marks etc.) but for designers it's obvious that most of that details will result in aweful design. On the other hand designers just may have neither clue nor interest to find what their client needs. They do not care if it won't bring any results to the client (sales, retentions whatsoever). Another point - one client will be happy with the result while this type of work wouldnt satisfy other client. Some clients are just psychos Some designers are too :uhoh: What I personally think is:
look at the portfolio, speak to your designer before you place the order, ask for some ideas and be sure you like his style in general.
Work-in-progress sketches as mentioned above is VERY important too.