FAQ

With OS Commerce, Magento, or shrink-wrapped carts, the actual shopping experience follows a template. There are unpublished limitations as to what's visually and logistically possible, without a major rewrite of the code. Our system isn't limited by a shrink-wrap cart's lack of logic or design flexibility. All our projects are built using our content-management framework, which we call Transmission. It uses PHP, Mysql, Apache, and Linux or UNIX. We design the entire site visually first, before coding begins. This way, designs appeal to your actual shoppers, and not just some programmers. We build exactly the features and logic you need for your business, with almost no limitations.

The short answer: Yes, we do design-only projects. Please see Our Work. The longer answer: There are unpublished limitations as to what's visually and logistically possible with a an off-the-shelf cart, without a major rewrite of the code. However, the cart's developer should be able adapt our designs to their system while keeping the overall look and feel.

At the end of the project, we provide a single-domain license to use, copy, modify, but not resell the programming code itself that we provide. It's commercial Open Source software. You take possession of all the source code at the end of the project, along with programmer documentation, design files, and a custom user's guide.

You get exclusive ownership of any and all design elements we create for your project. In other words, we don't re-use your designs. They belong exclusively to you.

We don't charge recurring fees or a percent of sales. We usually charge a flat rate, based on your project's size and requirements. You'll need to pay recurring fees for hosting and your payment gateway — but not to us. Shared hosting will run about $50 a month. Your own dedicated server will cost $200 per month or more. Payment gateway pricing varies by plan.

In almost all cases, the answer is, "yes". There are unlimited Open Source scripts that work with our system. We use 3rd-party calendars for ship-to dates, we use an Open Source CMS, we've integrate 3rd-party email programs, shipping software and shipping tools, fulfillment software; we use Open Source Flash players, can integrate CRM software (such as Salesforce), and on and on. There really are no built-in limits with our system. We regularly use existing scripts (Open Source or commercial) when it's faster than building some feature from scratch. The point is create an ecommerce application that exactly meets the needs of your unique business, and that can scale in the future.

In the case of an ecommerce project, the entire website can be managed and updated by the client, without needing a webmaster or technician. In the case of an informational website or brochure site, we can integrate a CMS that exactly meets the project's needs. Generally, there are two kinds: a content manager that adds blocks of information (such as news articles), and a WYSIWYG editor, which works something like Microsoft Word.

We provide programmer documentation and a custom user's manual. With this level of documentation, future programmers can get "up to speed" quickly. Any experienced PHP programmer can work on Transmission and make future updates. Since every ecommerce project is different, each one gets a custom manual.

Projects usually come with 60-days free after-support. During the project, we have a well-structured and clear process for navigating the complexities of an ecommerce project. As consultants, we can provide expert advice on ecommerce best practices, Web standards, usability standards, and the many technical and creative options available.

Yes. Or, if needed, we can provide hosting recommendations.
Here are the basic server requirements:
Operating System: Linux/Unix
Web Server: Apache. (v. 2 or higher), with enabled mod_rewrite module.
Data Base: mySQL (v. 4.0 or higher)
Scripting Language: PHP (version 5.0 or higher) with ability to set PHP settings, sessions support and enabled GD module. Mod_rewrite engine is required.

We provide the tools your SEO specialist needs to do his or her work. So, for example, meta tags, title tags, alt tags, and content are completely editable for all products and static pages. Also, product URLs are "cleanable," which means the URL path itself can be named with keywords. We ensure that all pages can be properly indexed (nothing blocks indexing or spidering). We create a Google map.

Our focus is usable ecommerce that converts (sells). SEO is a specialized field, and it's outside of our core competency. To get the best results, it's important to use a specialist. We can refer several well-established SEOs.

We do visual branding, which means website design, GUI design, logo design, and other visual design that expresses your brand ideas and ideals. Our work results in design and programming output, and not so much scholarly discussion. :-) We assume our clients have a pretty good understanding of their brand's personality and their target market. Based on your input and our research, experience, and talent, we represent that visually — in the form of a logo design and a website design. Our projects are all Web based, as opposed to a true branding company that works across media and physical spaces. However, we do create print and advertising materials to support our Web clients. Many examples are available in our branding section.

For full details, please download Our Process. Some Web design and development companies may try to entice potential clients with a high number of comps (or design concepts). Instead of delivering a half-dozen mediocre designs, we develop and present our best concept, which takes about a week. We go for quality of quantity. Most of the time, the first comp is approved, because we really invest the time, research and thought into it. We don't show casual comps. This approach produces superior work. Please see Our Work.