FAQ

FAQ

Our FAQ page will offer you answer on some of the most frequently asked questions we come across.

Why do I need a website?

Companies are always looking for cost-effective, turnkey solutions that will increase their profitability without increasing their costs. 

Every day, consumers spend almost $7.4 billion shopping on the Internet. Everyday brick and mortar businesses are losing money to the Internet.
Having an online presence will increase your profitability substantially as more and more people are turning to the internet to conduct business.

Is my business/organization too small for your company?

Not at all! Sure, we work with Fortune 500 companies and some pretty big organizations, but we also work with a lot of small and medium sized businesses. Some of our best and most successful clients started out as one-person companies! Of course, one of the big advantages of partnering with EDS while you are just starting off is that you won't have to shift companies as you get larger. We know what works and what doesn't, so we can help you grow according to YOUR schedule.

Does location matter?

No. While Ecommerce Design Solution has its head office in Toronto Canada, and EDS in the US, we have development houses in the both,and hold a strong global presence. But, whether you're near one of our offices or not, we are happy to be your Web development partner. Indeed, as evidenced by our international clients, being in the online industry makes it both possible and easy to work together regardless of physical location.

Why can't I find pricing on your site?

Ecommerce Design Solutions builds a wide range of web projects and each site is custom built. That means custom graphics and custom functionality - specifically for your needs and built for your audience. So naturally, we need to sit down with you and truly think through your web site (with you!) before we can deliver a proposal with a cost estimate. Contact us today and set up an in-person or phone meeting to learn how EDS can help you with your web site. Besides, the initial meeting is free, so give us a call!

Please contact us for a free consultation and we will gladly evaluate your needs.

Can you work with my marketing department and/or advertising agency for graphic development?

Yes, if desired, EDS will gladly work with your marketing department or advertising agency for graphic development to ensure that your Web site is properly communicating your brand. However, this third-party involvement can influence the length of the graphic design process.

How does my project stay on task?

When choosing to partner with EDS you will be paired up with a dedicated Project Manager who will oversee a team of developers until your Web site is launched. Here at Ecommerce Design Solutions and EDS we rely on our extensive Intranet system for the management of several areas of our business to facilitate internal communication and progress. One area of our Intranet is used by our Project Managers to ensure the proper management of a project-a step-by-step system, which has proven to keep projects running smoothly over the years. Of course, successful project management also relies on clear and continual communication between EDS and the client. During initial meetings, your project manager will work with you to determine the best method of keeping you up-to-date as the project progresses and, shortly after the kick-off meeting, you will be provided with a detailed project plan that will outline the scope of the work and key milestones. As development progresses, you will be provided with graphic design previews and a beta site, which rely on your feedback, approval, and testing. Indeed, keeping your project on task is a mutual effort.

What happens after my site is launched?

When applicable, our Content Management System (CMS) allows you to make changes to your site without any programming knowledge and reduces ongoing maintenance costs. However, for any issues that may arise, or for updates that are not covered through your CMS, we have dedicated Customer Service and IT or Maintenance departments to handle issues and modifications in a reliable, timely fashion.

What kind of technology do you support?

EDS is experienced in the following programming languages and applications: HTML, Java, JavaScript, Active Server Pages (ASP), ASP.NET, Java Server Pages (JSP), DHTML, AJAX, Cold Fusion, CGI/Perl, XML, PHP, Oracle Database Server, Microsoft SQL Database Server, Flash, and others. All technologies will be non-proprietary, mainstream, and will rely on open architecture.

Are there advantages to building a whole Web site in Flash?

There are advantages in implementing Flash components into your web site, but we do not recommend planning the whole architecture in Flash, as it's more difficult to expand and enhance functionality later. Additionally, there are some limitations in search engine visibility if a site is built entirely in Flash.

Do you recommend using Flash for advertising and interactive pieces?

Absolutely. Flash is one of the most versatile and capable platforms of content delivery on the web. It's by far one of the most browser compatible players, and we recommend that Flash is at least considered for interactive components, and even for certain dynamic content.

What is the difference between streaming and downloading video?

Streaming is a protocol that enables the user to watch the video shortly after clicking the link. You are requesting pieces of video as you watch it, and nothing is saved to your hard drive. By downloading a video, you must wait until the whole file is copied locally before you can watch. And you will have to remove the file yourself once you are done watching. Each protocol has its pros and cons, so the best choice depends on the type of web site or content you are offering.
 

Do you host sites as well?

Yes. While it is not a requirement, we do host about 90% of our clients in our secure data centers, which ensure the reliability and security of our clients' Web site.

Do you provide marketing services for my new Web site?

Definitely! EDS is skilled in all types of online marketing, including Search Engine Optimization, web promotions, emailing marketing, SEM, SMS, CRM solutions, pay-for-click advertising, link building, banner advertising, , and Viral marketing. We also have experience and strategic partnerships for offline advertising!

Will I be able to be found on the Search Engines without SEO?

No, with out search engine optimization your web site will only be found if someone knows your HTTP or near the far back pages of the search engines. However, we do offer many other marketing services that may be inline with your business needs but as subject matter experts in our industry, we highly recommend SEO as this is one of the most effective and cost effective methods of getting your site out there on the engines.

Is it expensive to have a web site designed & developed?

Not at all, our professional design team, web promotion and development team's, will look at all of your requirements and your needs, and walk you through each step in the process letting you know what the details are and the financial requirement on your part so that you are better prepared in planning a budget for your web design needs.We also will give you plenty of advice and cost saving measures to ensure you receive the highest return on your web design and ecommerce business investment.

I have a web site that needs additions or changes, what can I do?

Not a problem. Our helpful designer and development team will work with you, to provide the changes, additions, construct a new web design or restructure your existing web design site, so that it meets all of your expectations.

I want a web site developed, but I do not understand the language most companies speak or how to explain my needs?

Our Friendly design and development staff will speak to you in a language that you can understand. We will also listen to your basic needs and offer suggestions that will help you determine exactly what you need for your business ensuring it to be a success and simplify the process for you.

How can I increase visibility and Reach global internet markets?

We can increase your visibility and get your site noticed by creating a web design that is flawless and well represents your business. We also offer a wide range of internet marketing solutions to increase traffic to your site through search engine submission, search engine optimization. At the heart of that strategy, is a professional web design that has common elements of proven success. The design should have a blended strategy that complements your products, services, practices and strategy in order to create strong synergy.

Why is it important to collect customer data?

Many statistics can be gathered from the customer traffic to your website. Information such as how often they visit and times of day from your website can be useful. Additionally trending measures can also be gathered on various aspects. It is also easy to collect relevant information, facts, or opinions from your website visitors by providing a feed back form. Clients can choose to provide information or to participate at there discretion.

More important you will also want to know what your clients need and expect in planning for future growth of your on line business, we can create a custom database solution for you, that will allow you to manage, change, add, edit, report, statistic's, inventory, member and client information, access, sign on, upload, change pricing, feature products or services and much more to allow you to be in total control of your business on line.

Are your web developers properly trained?

Our professional web designer and developers have all received training and have advanced educations, graphic art, and in web development languages and we have an ongoing training program to ensure that our knowledge is kept up to date. They attend regular seminars conducted by Industry experts and continuous education.

Do you use ready-made website templates? 

No. We know and understand that each of our clients have a unique business for ecommerce products or services or personal need.

We prefer to give you a custom web design, Logo, Banner, Flash, or ecommerce business design solution to meet your individual need and that is unique and represents your investment and company with the highest standards and quality.

What options do I have for maintenance of my site?
We offer you a complete Web Maintenance Support Plan. From minor to major changes, a support plan will offer you the convenience and flexibility of updating, modifying or adding to your website with the relative ease of a phone call or an email to us.

How long does it take to complete my website?

An average site of would normally take 14-21 days. However, the time depends on the complexity and dynamics, of the site and pages and also on the participation level of the customer.

It is crucial for the customer to provide all requested information on a timely basis. We try and involve the customer as much as possible. Some prefer to be part of the process along every step, while others would rather let us use make decisions based on our past experiences.

My Question is not listed here and no answer satisfies my question. To whom should I ask?

Feel free to Email us at info@ecommercedesign.ca or use our handy contact us form here on our site.

We will reply within 24 hrs. It is our desire to help you understand all aspect of web design and development process with clarity to help you make an informed decision.

Thank you again for considering Ecommerce Design Solutions.

We maintain an open door policy to each of our clients out phone lines are always available and our emails are always answered in a respectable amount pf time for each prospective client and each of our existing clients. When I say no one does it better than Ecommerce Design Solutions, The Proof is in our service and our work!