The Deck Stain Did Not Look Very Good

The first time that we got our deck stain put on, it did not turn out very well. The stain was spotty in some places and it faded very quickly, or it seemed to fade after only a short time to me. I think it took only a year to fade, which does not seem that long. I want to have the very best kind of deck stain used this time and I want it done right. If you have any way of knowing how good a contractor is, then I would appreciate if you would help me know what to look for and what works.