In Taiwan, regardless of what company you interview as a prospective web design company or web solutions provider for your Taiwan web needs, be sure to look into the following questions:
1. Find out exactly what 'graphics work' , programming work, functionality, and database work is included in the price. Confirm, specifically, what the web site should look like and how it should work. Don't have false expectations! BUT, at the same time, make sure you have done your research first so you can clearly communicate your needs. KNOW what you want and KNOW what you need!
2. Find out if the web developer is doing design in CSS or tables.
There is a big difference between designs put together with well-formed CSS and table-based design. While they both might look the same, the latter is an out-dated way of building sites and if you’re going to build a new site you might as well have it put together correctly. Plus, CSS designs generally work better for search engines because the content is more accessible and the presentation code is more succinct.
3. Find out what design process the web developer is using.
This is a question that you should probably know the answer to. Knowing
the answer will help you make better plans and organize your resources
appropriately to complete the project. Things such as the number of design revisions allowed may save you money and headache ahead of time. AskMorris mainly works using wireframes. It is also good to find out if the web developer is using a lot of javascript, flash or technologies that may hinder search engines from indexing your sites content properly.
4. Find out the total Monthly Costs that apply after the project is done. (most likely hosting or maintenance ) This can often add additional monthly costs. Be sure to ask:
- If I keep my web site with you
- If I keep my email with you
- If you help me buy my 'domain name'
- If you maintain my website;
...what would my total monthly billing amount be?
5. Find out the total cost of the project in detail. You will want to make sure that you understand what is included in the total price. Be clear on what you expect should be included in the price!
Find out how many projects the company has completed. In most industries there is no substitute for experience and web development is really not any different. When a web design company quotes you a price it's not like bidding on the construction of a building where a thorough blueprint already exists. Especially when custom software is involved e.g. when building a CMS platform or there is complex functionality involved. There are often a lot of unknowns that a company must build into their quote. The more experience a company has, the more confident you can be you’ll get a great product when everything is said and done.
6. Find out if you will be forced to buy hosting that you don't want or if any 'transferal fees' apply. E.g. what are the charges if you move your web site away from this provider's server? Ask how support & security issues are handled. How are backups handled? These are *critical* operational areas that affect many clients and a good company should be able to tell you in great detail how they handles these kinds of issues.
7. Find out how long this company been in business. While you may not want to write off a great company just because they are new, you should certainly know about it before you enter into an important relationship. Do your home work and see what other clients say about this web solutions company. Ask for referrals AND talk to the referrals. Remember, the best predictor of future results is a web solution company’s current track record with the majority of its clients!
8. Find out what happens after the site has been built. If you feel a long-term partnership is important to your success you should find out what happens when the project is completed. Some companies are pretty good at an initial project but are terrible at support and maintenance. Get a good understanding of how your account will be managed after the project is completed and what kind of resources you can count on for the remainder of your relationship. If you are buying into a CMS (Contet Management System) platform or anything else with an administration panel you need to learn, make sure trainings and good documentation, tutorials or instructional videos are included in the price.
9. It is good to make comparisons between different 'web solutions' companies to get the 'best fit' in terms of your needs for pricing and functionality. BUT it is silly to compare a SOHO / freelancer to that of an experienced full fledged company. These two groups do not belong in the same category in both services and pricing so making comparisons between these two will only create a lose - lose situation. You will only do everyone - yourself, the web solutions company, the SOHO / freelancers - a disservice. It is a bit like comparing oranges and apples because each entity has a different quality and service to offer.
CONCLUSION
There are many things to keep in mind when hiring a web
solutions company but above all, take your time, don't stress out and find a company that makes you feel comfortable and sure of that they are taking you and your needs seriously.
