© 2007 Chrystal Clear Images - All Rights Reserved
CHRYSTAL CLEAR IMAGES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Here at Chrystal Clear Images, we try our best to address the questions of our prospectve clients/clients as thoroughly and honestly as possible. This page was designed as a stopping ground for those of you who may have the same question or may have forgotten to ask a particular question. We have compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions and have dispayed them here for you to view. We hope that you find this page helpful and as always, if you need to contact us for any reason, you may do so as necessary.
THE FACTS ABOUT OUR FAQS
Is Chrystal Clear Images a LOCAL company?
Yes, Chrystal Clear Images is based in a home office located in Houston, Texas and is contactable via email by using either of the following email addresses: info@chrystalclearimages.com, chrystal@chrystalclearimages.com or chrystalclearimages@yahoo.com We can also be reached by phone by calling (713) 742-6026 during the reasonable business hours of 10 am-6 pm (cst) Mon.-Fri. ans 12 noon-6 pm on Sat.
Can I afford a website?
Chrystal Clear Images takes pride in designing websites that are both affordable and professional. We make functional websites that your clients and customers will find easy to use, therefore subsequently using the net, for them, becomes a pleasant experience. Simple, easy to use websites that achieve their purpose(s) are best for business and cost much less than most "bells and whistles" websites out there that look pretty but confuse visitors.
Contact us for more information regarding how we can work with you within your budget, you'll be pleased.
How much will it cost?
Because there are a variety of reasons for having a website there are also a wide range of website design options available. Our services, for website design alone start at $75.00 for individuals and $175.00 for businesses and move upwards from there depending on the clients personal or business needs; you are welcomed to view our PERSONAL SERVICES PRICES, BUSINESS SERVICES PRICES and NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION SERVICES PRICES and remember to keep an eye out for our monthly specials for a bargain that suits you.
Also keep in mind that flexibility is key. There's nothing stopping you from starting off with a 3 page site and then gradually, as business picks up, upgrading to more pages.
What's the difference between a .com, .net and all those other . domain names?
Good question, and we're glad you asked. As you’ve no doubt seen, domain names come in all kinds of endings, called domain name extensions. The only domain extensions we use and most highly recommend are .com and .net. However, you may read more about each below:
.com - The most popular, .com literally designates it as a Commercial site. People have been conditioned to remember .com more than any other ending. We recommend ALWAYS choosing a .com if available.
net - Second most used and quite popular. Literally designated as Network.
.org - For non-profits although these rules aren’t always followed. Unless you have a non-profit business, we do not recommend using this extension.
.gov - Strictly for government sites only.
.edu - For educational institutions and similar areas.
.biz - For business, although it hasn’t gained much popularity and we don’t recommend use of this extension for anything at this time.
.info - Supposed to be for informational sites only, although as more domain names are snatched up each day, more people are using .info.
What should I know before my website is built?
The main thing to understand about your website is the purpose of your website. It's important to understand what you want to achieve from your site. Buying a milk truck to haul rocks is not logical, neither is getting a 3 page website to display 5000 photographic images that you are selling online.
SCENARIO 1: To illustrate the point, an appropriate scenario may be painted: A fabric designer who is promoting her designs online and hosting a series of expositions to display the fabrics. She could simply use one page to give details of the functions including slideshows displaying various designs, then another page with further information and an "E-RSVP" form to accept bookings in advance.
SCENARIO 2: A three or four page site would be useful to display information regarding your musical band or thesbian group, detailing where and when to view performances plus group member details, images, tryouts, downloadable information or brochures, etc. These can be hosted using free or paid hosting as required, albeit paid hosting with your own domain assumes a more professional status.
It's great if you can have a good idea of what is going to be in your pages, what pages you want, and whether they simply display images and info and whether you need a contact form (as distinct from a simple mail link), or even a database, as early in the piece as possible as knowing where you wish to go with your website will save you money in the long run. Talk to Chrystal Clear Images for some no-obligation advice on how to ascertain your needs or request a quote.
Do I need to write the contents of my pages?
We can help but generally speaking, yes, you do, unless of course money is no object and you'd like to get Chrystal Clear Images to write all of your pages for you. Only you know exactly what text you want to appear on your pages. Chrystal Clear Images is happy to help with the wording and marketing style if you like but you know your business or event better than anyone else; in the end the final result is your choice. Usually the client writes the content and Chrystal Clear Images adds a copy of what is given us, along with any images received to the website.
You can save a lot of time and money by typing the text into a Microsoft Notepad file or in a Microsoft Word file, so that we can copy and paste directly from your file and simply add the xhtml and css formatting.
If you chose not to do the above, we do provide Administrative/Clerical services, at an additional cost to you, and would be happy to write text for the whole website; just remember of course, that the more time you save the more money you save.
Do I need to supply my own photographs?
Well, yes and no. We can point you in the direction of a professional photographer if you wish. A more elegant solution might be to use your own or a borrowed camera to take photos and let Chrystal Clear Images edit the photos to make them more suitable for the web.
It all depends on how much you want to spend. Images of individual products might be best taken by a professional who specialises in this type of photography. Nevertheless, don't waste money unnecessarily. It all depends on your budget.
Do I need my own computer and internet connection to have a website?
No, no, no, definitely no. If you don't have an internet connection or even a computer, you can access the internet via your local library or at an internet cafe. We are happy to show you were and even how if need be.
How can I accept payments/make money from my website?
Our best answer, Paypal! Chrystal Clear Images is a PayPal Certified Developer and we specialize in E-commerce solutions that work in the best interest of our clients.
The 2 most simple, but important reasons that we recommend Paypal is because 1. PAYPAL OPERATES ON A SECURE SERVER and 2. PAYPAL SAVES YOU MONEY!
There are no expensive monthly fees, and all you pay is just a small percentage of your sales, literally, only cents on the dollar vs. credit card payment gateways which demand a merchant account with your bank, and expensive monthly payments, so if you are not selling large amounts you will probably be losing money with a credit card processing account... in our opinion, it's better to stick with Paypal, at least until it becomes good economic sense to facilitate credit card payments that come with high monthly processing fees.
Which payment methods does Chrystal Clear Images accept?
We are happy to accept payment via Paypal, personal and business checks, money orders and/or cash. Keep in mind that ALL CHECKS must clear before payment is considered accepted and work begins on your project.
Will Chrystal Clear Images organize my domain name and hosting?
We organize everything including domain name, hosting and subsequent upload(s) so that your website is online with no headaches for you. If you prefer you may organise your own domain and host server but we still need access to the server if we are to upload.
We hope that this list of questions is able to answer all of your questions. Feel free to contact us should you have a question not covered by our F.A.Qs page.
THE FACTS ABOUT OUR FAQS
Is Chrystal Clear Images a LOCAL company?
Yes, Chrystal Clear Images is based in a home office located in Houston, Texas and is contactable via email by using either of the following email addresses: info@chrystalclearimages.com, chrystal@chrystalclearimages.com or chrystalclearimages@yahoo.com We can also be reached by phone by calling (713) 742-6026 during the reasonable business hours of 10 am-6 pm (cst) Mon.-Fri. ans 12 noon-6 pm on Sat.
Can I afford a website?
Chrystal Clear Images takes pride in designing websites that are both affordable and professional. We make functional websites that your clients and customers will find easy to use, therefore subsequently using the net, for them, becomes a pleasant experience. Simple, easy to use websites that achieve their purpose(s) are best for business and cost much less than most "bells and whistles" websites out there that look pretty but confuse visitors.
Contact us for more information regarding how we can work with you within your budget, you'll be pleased.
How much will it cost?
Because there are a variety of reasons for having a website there are also a wide range of website design options available. Our services, for website design alone start at $75.00 for individuals and $175.00 for businesses and move upwards from there depending on the clients personal or business needs; you are welcomed to view our PERSONAL SERVICES PRICES, BUSINESS SERVICES PRICES and NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION SERVICES PRICES and remember to keep an eye out for our monthly specials for a bargain that suits you.
Also keep in mind that flexibility is key. There's nothing stopping you from starting off with a 3 page site and then gradually, as business picks up, upgrading to more pages.
What's the difference between a .com, .net and all those other . domain names?
Good question, and we're glad you asked. As you’ve no doubt seen, domain names come in all kinds of endings, called domain name extensions. The only domain extensions we use and most highly recommend are .com and .net. However, you may read more about each below:
.com - The most popular, .com literally designates it as a Commercial site. People have been conditioned to remember .com more than any other ending. We recommend ALWAYS choosing a .com if available.
net - Second most used and quite popular. Literally designated as Network.
.org - For non-profits although these rules aren’t always followed. Unless you have a non-profit business, we do not recommend using this extension.
.gov - Strictly for government sites only.
.edu - For educational institutions and similar areas.
.biz - For business, although it hasn’t gained much popularity and we don’t recommend use of this extension for anything at this time.
.info - Supposed to be for informational sites only, although as more domain names are snatched up each day, more people are using .info.
What should I know before my website is built?
The main thing to understand about your website is the purpose of your website. It's important to understand what you want to achieve from your site. Buying a milk truck to haul rocks is not logical, neither is getting a 3 page website to display 5000 photographic images that you are selling online.
SCENARIO 1: To illustrate the point, an appropriate scenario may be painted: A fabric designer who is promoting her designs online and hosting a series of expositions to display the fabrics. She could simply use one page to give details of the functions including slideshows displaying various designs, then another page with further information and an "E-RSVP" form to accept bookings in advance.
SCENARIO 2: A three or four page site would be useful to display information regarding your musical band or thesbian group, detailing where and when to view performances plus group member details, images, tryouts, downloadable information or brochures, etc. These can be hosted using free or paid hosting as required, albeit paid hosting with your own domain assumes a more professional status.
It's great if you can have a good idea of what is going to be in your pages, what pages you want, and whether they simply display images and info and whether you need a contact form (as distinct from a simple mail link), or even a database, as early in the piece as possible as knowing where you wish to go with your website will save you money in the long run. Talk to Chrystal Clear Images for some no-obligation advice on how to ascertain your needs or request a quote.
Do I need to write the contents of my pages?
We can help but generally speaking, yes, you do, unless of course money is no object and you'd like to get Chrystal Clear Images to write all of your pages for you. Only you know exactly what text you want to appear on your pages. Chrystal Clear Images is happy to help with the wording and marketing style if you like but you know your business or event better than anyone else; in the end the final result is your choice. Usually the client writes the content and Chrystal Clear Images adds a copy of what is given us, along with any images received to the website.
You can save a lot of time and money by typing the text into a Microsoft Notepad file or in a Microsoft Word file, so that we can copy and paste directly from your file and simply add the xhtml and css formatting.
If you chose not to do the above, we do provide Administrative/Clerical services, at an additional cost to you, and would be happy to write text for the whole website; just remember of course, that the more time you save the more money you save.
Do I need to supply my own photographs?
Well, yes and no. We can point you in the direction of a professional photographer if you wish. A more elegant solution might be to use your own or a borrowed camera to take photos and let Chrystal Clear Images edit the photos to make them more suitable for the web.
It all depends on how much you want to spend. Images of individual products might be best taken by a professional who specialises in this type of photography. Nevertheless, don't waste money unnecessarily. It all depends on your budget.
Do I need my own computer and internet connection to have a website?
No, no, no, definitely no. If you don't have an internet connection or even a computer, you can access the internet via your local library or at an internet cafe. We are happy to show you were and even how if need be.
How can I accept payments/make money from my website?
Our best answer, Paypal! Chrystal Clear Images is a PayPal Certified Developer and we specialize in E-commerce solutions that work in the best interest of our clients.
The 2 most simple, but important reasons that we recommend Paypal is because 1. PAYPAL OPERATES ON A SECURE SERVER and 2. PAYPAL SAVES YOU MONEY!
There are no expensive monthly fees, and all you pay is just a small percentage of your sales, literally, only cents on the dollar vs. credit card payment gateways which demand a merchant account with your bank, and expensive monthly payments, so if you are not selling large amounts you will probably be losing money with a credit card processing account... in our opinion, it's better to stick with Paypal, at least until it becomes good economic sense to facilitate credit card payments that come with high monthly processing fees.
Which payment methods does Chrystal Clear Images accept?
We are happy to accept payment via Paypal, personal and business checks, money orders and/or cash. Keep in mind that ALL CHECKS must clear before payment is considered accepted and work begins on your project.
Will Chrystal Clear Images organize my domain name and hosting?
We organize everything including domain name, hosting and subsequent upload(s) so that your website is online with no headaches for you. If you prefer you may organise your own domain and host server but we still need access to the server if we are to upload.
We hope that this list of questions is able to answer all of your questions. Feel free to contact us should you have a question not covered by our F.A.Qs page.
© 2007-2008 Chrystal Clear Images - All Rights Reserved