HELP! Colour Profiles

When you open the reference file, is there an embedded profile ( i.e., sRGB, ProPHOTO RGB, etc. )?  This subject is very technical, but I will try to help you along.  I understand your frustration because your situation ( should not be ) is somewhat typical where client has unrealistic expectations.  Because you are working in an ultimately print workflow, the file will eventually be printed and the result will be a reflective color environment based on lighting and paper. Client has been seeing his logo in a transmissive color environment ( i.e., web browsers ).  This is ***-backwards ( pardon my french ).  You are going to have to squeeze all of the color gamut out of that reference file and try to retain as much of it as possible.  I would attempt this by opening the original reference file and assign a fairly wide gamut to it ( i.e., Adobe RGB ).  In InDesign use all Best color presets you can get your hands on.  Save a copy of the original reference file saved with a decent profile and convert a copy to an appropriate CMYK color space profile.  What are your application Color Settings?  It could be that the reference file was saved in sRGB color space, which looks good in a web browser, but gets clipped dramatically upon conversion and/or print.  Once you have opened in Adobe RGB and converted to CMYK, you can ( as an option ) adjust the color curves to get better color.

It's difficult to recommend anything without seeing the file.  If possible, attach the .psd to your post.  InDesign has application color settings.  If you have Adobe Bridge, you can synch all of your application color settings there.  I am concerned about an obvious shift where it is obvious to the customer.  He says the business cards match, but in reality they may not.  The way things are going, he will continue to run into problems matching color further on even if he does business with someone else.  When you open the PSD in Photoshop, assign the Adobe RGB there and save it under a new name so you know in the furture it is Adobe RGB.  Forget the JPEG ( use it for web only ).  I am assuming the file is PSD because it needs to be PSD for whatever reason.  In InDesign, set your CMYK workspace to an appropriate profile ( like SWOP Coated v2 ).  Now, if the file is so dulled down that it is noticeable, then you could adjust the "CMYK" curves to brighten it a bit.  This is an excellent opportunity to gain some more work ( if possible ) with this client.  That will require educating him/her in the proper logo production techniques.  No way should a logo be produced in Photoshop and especially RGB color space.  You've been in the business long enough to know what the proper procedures are.  If they are unwilling to invest in a rock solid solution, then it may be better to reject their business and move on.  Client is basicly blaming you for their mistakes.  The frustration is that the client likes monitor color which is an illusion.  At this point, client has to be more cooperative and lead you to their business card printer so you can investigate what they received from said client as a file and in what color space using what profile.  If printer accepted an RGB based file, ask them for their workflow requirements and file parameters.  This should give you a little more background so you can beging to build a solid foundation for said client's corporate identity.  If their vendor, along with themselves, refuse to cooperate, then forget them.  It's in their best interest to supply you with everything you need to accomplish whatever outlandish color they were able to achieve.

When you open the ( PSD ) file in Photoshop, use the Eyedropper tool to get a read on some of the areas of the logo ( enlarge it on screen to do this ).  Have your info palette open and check the CMYK and RGB colors for out-of-gamut color ( usually you will see a triangle with an exclamation point next to the read ).

Let me know what you find when you do that.

I get a sense the logo is a little more complicated than it should be.  Sign shop can do very nice work, but it is their responsibility to attain accurate color where possible.  Client is winging-it.  By accurate color I mean standard color reproduction.  If client wants you to do more work it is time for a sit-down.  You have to plead your case that he must trust you to deliver optimum results.  Forget about the problems with the logo, they probably will be turned-off by that.  Instead, walk them through the power of their brand and the ability to maintain consistency in all media.  Otherwise they will continue to have misrepresentations n the marketplace.  I assume you've done this before, so I will not outline what is required to do that.  However, explain to said client that a brand guide would solve a slew of problems in their marketing communications.  I also get a sense that client is small and may not see the value of investing time and money in investing in a rock solid foundation.  If so, their building will continue to fall down.