We've set up this Frequently Asked Questions page to answer some of the many questions we've been asked over the years about our services. If you question isn't answered here, just shoot us an email.

Q: Why should I hire you when I can grab anybody off the street to do it for practically nothing?

A: While the question may sound harsh, we hear it all the time. While it's true that most people who own a computer could upload a "web page" on their own, it takes experience and skill to craft dynamic websites that work. As evidence to this, we've worked with many clients who initially went the cheapest possible route, and later regretted it.

Q: What does it cost to do a website?

A: While this is a question we're asked almost daily, it's one that has no easy answer. There are really so many variables involved that quoting a price-per-site is impossible. Your total cost will depend on the size and complexity of the site, amount of programming, special features like Flash animation, video, e-commerce, etc.

Pricing for FireBox sites is affected by the features and functions the site will include. If you've got a project in mind, take the first step by filling out our quote request form.

Q: Will I be able to update my site myself?

A: Absolutely. In fact, providing clients with the tools they need to maintain their own sites is our specialty. While other developers will make you a prisoner of your own site by requiring you to come back to them for updates, we empower you from the beginning to be able to do it yourself. And it won't require you learning html or buying an expensive software license.

All FireBox clients, regardless of size, have access to our custom content management software (CMS). This software allows you to add/edit/move/delete all pages of your site any way you'd like, on your schedule. And as an added benefit to being a FireBox client, you will receive most new upgrades for free (very expansive upgrades may take much longer to perform and may include upgrade fees).

Q. What software tools do you use?

A. We utilize a wide range of software depending on the task at hand. Software we use daily include Photoshop and Dreamweaver.

Q. What web programming languages do you use?

A. Currently, FireBox is exclusively a PHP development studio. We also use mySQL for dynamic database integration.

Q. Do I have to be hosted with a provider that has PHP and mySQL?

A. Yes. In order to take advantage of our custom content management system and the rapid deployment it makes possible, the provider that hosts your site must have PHP and mySQL installed. This is not usually a problem, as most hosting companies provide this setup, usually at no added cost.

Q. Do I have to host my site with your preferred hosting partner?

A. No. While we highly recommend you utilize our preferred host, we will never force them upon you. That said, if you decide to use another host, it must be one that supports the features we will be building for your site.

Q. Do you provide hosting for non-clients?

A. No. FireBox remains focused on providing high-quality, functional and dynamic websites and applications for our clients. As such, we're not interested in being in the "hosting business". That said, whenever a non-client asks us to recommend a good, reliable host, we'll still always recommend our hosting partner, Flagship Hosting.

Q: How long does it take to build a site?

A: That depends. Many times it depends on the client. If you supply us with everything we need up front, like text, photos, etc, it can go very quickly. However many larger projects can take several weeks to a few months. We cannot stress enough that communication and prompt delivery of materials is critical in the development process.

The single biggest reason for project delays result from delays in receiving client content. We've had projects that could've taken three weeks take many months because the client did not communicate well and/or did not supply us with materials we needed. The short answer is that you should be prepared to commit yourself to the project before hiring us.

Q. How can we track progress on our project as it's being developed?

A. All FireBox clients have access to our online project management site. Once logged in, you will be able to view each project and its tasks/subtasks in order to track their progress, view design comps and prototypes, etc. You also will have access to a file library that includes documents such as your original proposal and quotation, contracts and invoices.

And after your site launches, your project area also becomes your source for posting tech support and new feature requests. This enables us to keep our maintenance workflow streamlined and keeps site revisions and bug fixes on track.

Q: You're pretty far away from my location. Will that be a problem?

A: Absolutely not. The advantage of the Internet is that it transcends physical distance and time zones. As long as there is email, instant messenger, speakerphones and FedEx, distance doesn't matter. In fact, we've done websites for clients we've never once met in person!

Q: What are your hourly rates?

A: While, again, all sites are quoted on a per-project basis, we do formulate quotes based on a standard hourly development rate of $75. Once a site is built and launched, our maintenance rate is $50 per hour.

Q. Wait a minute, you just said we'd be able to update our own sites. Why do you have a maintenance rate?

A. While our CMS allows you to edit any page of your site at any time, there are occasionally things that will require more advanced work that we would need to handle. This includes adding new features and functionality, new flash animations, new databases or software installations. We offer maintenance plans based on hourly work, or based on monthly "retainer" structures.

Q. What forms of payment do you accept?

A. We accept Visa, Mastercard, PayPal and checks.

Q. Do you offer financing?

A. Currently we do not, but this may be an option in the future.

Q. What are your payment terms?

A. All projects start with a one-third down payment and all invoices are net 10 days. Larger projects that may stretch over more than 2-3 months may have their payments broken up further. The second third is due upon completion of initial html prototypes, and final payment is due before the site is launched publicly.

Q: What kind of stuff can you provide for my site?

A: Just about anything you could want. In addition to quality graphic design, we provide database-backed programming, Flash animations, streaming audio and video, and more. Just cruise through our portfolio to see examples of what we've included in other sites.