Preflight Alternatives

How agencies collect client assets — and why most methods don't work well

Most agencies collect client assets through workarounds: shared Drive folders, Dropbox file requests, email threads, or content platforms designed for something else entirely. This page compares the real options side by side so you can decide what fits your workflow.

The tools agencies actually use

When we talk to agencies about how they collect logos, photos, brand guidelines, and copy from clients, the answers cluster around a handful of tools — none of which were designed for the job.

GatherContent
Content operations platform
A full content workflow platform now owned by Bynder. Built for structured content production and CMS publishing. Not built for file intake. Starts at $99/month, steep learning curve, clients need accounts.
Full comparison →
Google Drive
File storage & sharing
The most common answer. Free and familiar, but enforces nothing. Clients upload any format, any size. No validation, no required-field tracking, no branding. A storage tool used as an intake tool.
Full comparison →
Dropbox
File storage & sharing
Has a "File Request" feature that's better than a shared folder. Still no spec enforcement, no validation, no templates. Solid storage; weak intake. Business plans start at $15/user/month.
Full comparison →
Email
What most agencies actually use
Send a brief. Client replies with attachments. You ask for the right format. They resend. Repeat 4–6 times. No structure, no validation, no tracking. Free, but costs you hours per project.
Try Preflight instead →

Side-by-side comparison

Feature Preflight GatherContent Google Drive Dropbox Email
Guided client upload portal ~ ~
File format enforcement
Dimension & size requirements
File validation (deep scan)
Required vs optional tracking ~
No client account needed
Agency branding ~
Reusable project templates
Completion notifications ~ ~
Setup time <10 min Hours 5 min 5 min 0 min
Starting cost Free $99/mo Free $15/user/mo Free

Which tool should you use?

If you're producing website copy at scale and need structured content workflows, CMS integrations, and team collaboration on written content — GatherContent (Content Workflow) is worth evaluating, despite the price and learning curve.

If you need to store and share files internally — Google Drive and Dropbox are both excellent. Keep using them for that.

If you need to collect files from clients — logos, photos, documents, brand assets — and want them to arrive in the right format, validated, without six email threads — that's what Preflight is built for. It's the only tool in this list designed specifically for the client-to-agency file intake workflow.

Built for exactly this problem

Stop adapting storage tools for intake. Preflight is free during early access.

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