A few months ago I had an interesting experience while picking out a new suit at a local retailer. A very professional looking gentleman in his mid-forties greeted me as I entered the store. Based on his appearance and demeanor I could tell that he had been in the business for a while. Even though he probably knew I was little lost, he didn’t push me or try to take advantage of my confusion by steering me towards more expensive items. Instead he let me discover his store for a little bit and then very politely advised me of a promotion they were having and that if I needed any help to let him know.

He didn’t ask for my size, or what colors I liked, or even which fabric I preferred (like a less experienced salesperson might have). He simply asked what type of occasion I needed a new suit for; casual, wedding, or work? I responded that I had an upcoming work event and within minutes he was showing me three suit options. What amazed me was not how proficient he was at picking out appropriate options for the occasion, but that he had brought me suits in my exact size without asking. Ever the professional, when I mentioned his impressive guess work he just chuckled.

As I left the store I couldn’t help but wonder how that customer experience and level of expertise could apply to what we are doing as web designers. Imagine the equivalent amount of knowledge you would need to create and build the type of website you would get from a professional in the field. Sure you could go to any computer store and have a salesperson select your software, learn to install it yourself, and look for help and advice on the internet. But how would that compare to letting a seasoned pro handpick and tailor a system to suit your needs, much as the gentleman in the suit store had done for me?

I imagine it would be similar to going into a big department store, having someone show you where the suit section is and then helping you find your size. In both cases you end up with a suit, but in the latter you are left to do the real work yourself (including any tailoring or alterations). However, when you go with a web professional you are investing in a customer experience tailored specifically for your needs.

While designing a web solution is perhaps not as simple as asking casual, wedding, or work, the customer should expect a level of service superior to what is offered in the average “department store”. The professional they are dealing should know better than they do what they are looking for in their design based on their background and industry. So the next time you are thinking about doing any web project on your own, you may want to consider which gentleman you would rather have assisting you with your suit.