most business clients are not designers and really don't know what they want until they see it. I'd much rather design after a meeting with the client regarding budget, usage and objective results expected, then provide several different rough layouts. After the several rough proofs are reviewed (in person if possible) we have a better idea of where we are going. In other words we don't waste time on a "finished" design too early in the process. Mark all layouts with your "boiler plate" template and "Copyright". We charge a fee for spec layouts and all signage estimates and lock pdf's. The fee actually works to our advantage as clients feel they have an investment in the process from the start.