There are many factors to consider when researching and hiring a designer or firm. Consider the entire package: the quality and value of the work, responsiveness, ability to meet your deadline, costs, etc. Partnering with an experienced designer or firm may (or may not) cost a little more in terms of money than another one but may save you money and time in the long run.
Recently, a client said a stock photo company had contacted them to request payment for allegedly not having the rights to a photo. The photo had actually been purchased by the client’s previous designer. The client then had the designer get in touch with the stock photo company to show proof of purchase of a license.