Why not make a logo yourself? Read the article https://venngage.com/blog/logo-design-tips/ and using the recommendations you can do it yourself. Give it a try. You will save a lot of money.

Contests are bad. They often don't give you the best quality. You should deal with a pro designer

Check out logosnap.com ... It sets up your logo design as a contest (starts at $200) and you get a bunch of entries to choose from.

I spend time on the design unlike a lot of people who charge $5. I have great quality and I will research your business. I respond very quickly to emails. Check out my terms in my about page.

I sell logo design on etsy. Here is my link to my shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop/LionfireDesign

Try www.fiverr.com. Everything is $5 and there are some pretty talented folks there!

OP here.

What can you expect to pay for a "good service" and how would you be able to judge if they are good?