Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about our company and services.

 

How do designers work with The Dev Department?

We are the behind-the-scenes development service. So, typically designers bring us projects upon which they want to bid and we prepare an estimate. Sometime we are a visible strategic partner to their team and sometimes, the designer's client doesn't even know we exist.

Check out our page on How it Works.

How much do you charge for a web site?

We quote every job individually, so there is no flat-rate. However, here are some ballpark numbers:

  • Entry Level CMS Site: $1,500.00+
  • Mid-Level CMS Site (brochure-ware + e-commerce + some interaction - 10 to 30 pages): $3,500+
  • Large CMS Site (complex e-commerce + intranet/extranet + user level access + etc): $7,500+
  • Web Application (complex web apps): $15,000+
What is the standard turn-around on a web site?

We base turn-around on when we start development. So, once you have delivered all of the materials needed (see below), we can typically turn develop a beta site for your review in 15 to 60 days depending on the complexity and completeness of the planning materials.

What do I need to provide?

The designer provides all the planning and design. We don't start development until we have ALL client approved materials. This includes:

  • a site outline with page level descriptions
  • wire frames of each unique page or page type
  • all site content
  • all server and domain information
  • neatly layered PSD files

Seems overwhelming? Don't worry, we make it easy when you complete our Web Designer Certification Course.

Aren't you just a fancy offshore labor pool?

Yep! You figured us out! LOL

Although our programming team is located in Southeast Asia, we differentiate ourselves from offshore labor firms in that we employ a permanent team of developers who have been thoroughly trained in our development process.  We hand pick and hand train our team. Unlike oDesk and offshore firms, when you hire us, you are hring a team of experiences and trained professionals whose skills are proven.

Also, we provide managed development. This means that an experienced (U.S. based) Project Coordinator and Solution Partner are working throughout the entire development phase to ensure world-class results.

To top it off, we are devoted to providing lifestyle and career development opportunities to our overseas team. We reward leadership, creativity and promotion to team members so that they can grow in their careers without having to leave their culture and families behind.

Are you going to show examples of my projects to other people?

NO WAY! As part of our Master Development Agreement, we maintain strict confidentiality about your projects, our costs to you and your clients. We don't solicit your clients or your employees. We are your team and you are the boss.

That being said, we are frequently contacted by clients looking to be paired with a design firm and we are developing a directory of certified designers where you can (voluntarily) showcase your work web and print work as well as get referrals.

Do you warranty your work?

By all means. We provide a 60 day conditional warranty from the date we deliver the final invoice on a site. The warranty covers:

  • Omission of originally contracted requirements
  • Defects in workmanship (spelling, functional errors, layout/spacing issues)
  • Server issues (if hosting with us)
How do you handle maintenance?

We handle two types of maintenance: scheduled and hourly billing. Scheduled is pre-paid and is performed on a specific date each period (month, week, quarter). Hourly is scheduled to be completed within 7 days of being requested. Our scheduled billing contracts begin at $350.00 per month.

Do you ever work with larger firms?

Nope. We ONLY work with freelance and boutique design firms. Our rule of thumb is if you have more than 10 employees, you need to stop being cheap and hire a developer or two.

Do you ever do just static HTML?

Yes, we sure do. If all you want is for us to cut up some PSD files, we can do that.

Can I just deliver my own HTML to cut down on cost?

You can and we will build a CMS site for you, but we won't warranty our work and deliver the site as is. Further, we don't charge any less for that service, but we might charge more. Why? Because it's harder for us to quality control your code. Realistically, the cost is not that much different, so do yourself (and your client) a favor and just give us the PSD's.

I have a site I need "fixed" before I can redo the whole site.

Great! Go find someone to fix it and call us when you want it done right.

I just need a little help with...

http://www.lynda.com. Seriously. We build web site for designers. We don't teach designers how to build web sites. We do, however, offer classes on useful technologies.