An independent studio, by design.
Z&S Trading Co. is a small, focused design and web studio based in Utica, Michigan. Here's how we work and why we built this.
Built for small businesses that deserve better.
Z&S Trading Co. is an independent design and web studio working with small businesses across Southeast Michigan and beyond. We build websites, design print materials, and create brand assets that look like they came from a much bigger operation — at prices that don't.
Too many local businesses are stuck choosing between websites that look like they're from 2008 (or no website at all) and big agency prices that put quality work out of reach. We started Z&S to close that gap.
Our approach is simple: focus on the craft, skip the bureaucracy. No layers of account managers. No creative briefs that take longer than the project itself. No surprise invoices at the end. Clients work directly with the team responsible for their project — every time.
We're selective about what we take on, because every project gets real attention. Most clients come through referrals, and we keep it that way by doing the work right the first time.
The basics
2–5 days for print
Four things we won't compromise on.
Our values aren't a marketing exercise. They're how we decide which projects to take, how we charge, and how we deliver work.
Real craft, every project
No templates dressed up as custom work. Every site is hand-built. Every print piece is designed from a blank canvas. Volume isn't the goal — quality is.
Honest pricing
Clear written estimates before work starts. No surprise invoices, no scope creep we didn't agree to, no upsells you didn't ask for.
Fast, direct communication
You message, we respond — usually within hours, always within a day. No project portals, no account manager layers. Direct access to the people doing the work.
Fair on price, ruthless on quality
We charge what the work is worth — less than agencies, more than freelancers selling templates. The bar is whether we'd be proud to put our name on it.
The process, end to end.
From the first email to delivered work, here's exactly what working with us looks like.
Initial conversation
Email or phone call to understand your business, what you need, and what success looks like. Always free, never a sales pitch.
Written quote
Within 24 hours, you get a clear written estimate with line items, timeline, and total. No mystery, no fine print.
Build phase
We get to work. Sites take 1–2 weeks. Print pieces take 2–5 days. AI Receptionist projects vary by scope — we'll tell you exactly when.
Revisions
You review, we revise. Unlimited rounds until it's right. We don't rush you and we don't nickel-and-dime you for tweaks.
Launch & deliver
Websites go live (we handle DNS and hosting setup). Print files get delivered press-ready. AI agents get deployed and tuned.
Ongoing support
We don't disappear after launch. Need a tweak six months later? Send a message. We're here.
Ready to work together?
Tell us about your business and what you need. We respond within 24 hours.
Start a project