I have based my score on a 100% fact and have all emails for proof. Below I will have outlined bullet points for my decision below regarding my experience. Please note my website is still not live and going on 5 weeks behind schedule.
No names will be mentioned in anything I say.
- Didn't realise I would never be allowed to talk to my designer over the phone.
- Didn't realise my designer was outsourced and not actually directly employed by the company.
- Didn't realise my designer was on the other side of the world, so emails had to be timed to get a fast response.
- All the information I provided for quotation of website was clearly not read.
- I've probably spent more time repeatedly explaining how the site should look and work than time spent making the site. (This is my opinion)
- Countless emails and images created sent asking questions with no replies.
- I had to remind the designer a few times how the company design process works, which I was given by the company.
- Countless times I've phoned asking to speak to managers and put to another one saying they oversee my designer work. That's 4 managers so far I have spoken to and every time I need to repeat all my conversations to get them up to speed.
- I have drawn up dozens of pages and templates yet still had to correct pages at least half a dozen times.
- Some pages I have just excepted as wasn't getting anywhere!
- Email links to show how site should work using other site examples clearly was never looked at.
- I nearly had to pay extra to get site pages added as they missed this information I provided at quotation stage.
- I was told that I would receive a Content Management System as per there stage 10 process (what they don't say is that they basically give you the software used to make the site along with a 134page manual) so unless you're a website designer already good luck uploading your own information and managing your own site at a later date. I have seen content management systems before this isn't one. They should say we will give you the word press website software to manage your site so you better start training in advance to learn how to use it.
- I emailed help desk loads of times got am emails for a return call will be made within 48hrs, 2 months later still waiting.
- I was supposed to get a manager to go through all pages taking notes, never happened.
- I have now been asked to highlight what I need to know for using the website designer program for uploading all my information, and extra pages. My response I need to know how to use everything as I have never used this program!!!!!!
- I now have to wait till they get my designer to explain to other staff how to upload and change everything, so then they can tell me as I can't talk to my designer!
- I spoke to another manager for the first time yesterday No 4 and he wasn't very helpful, basically said the programme you got is easy to use and if I have any questions on how to use it just email. My response was cant someone just show me how to use it? Instead of wasting more time.
Based on the information above you may think I'm exaggerating but I have decided to take this further regarding this experience.
As a small business owner, if you want to create a new fresh website that has allot of information and different tools to use on it I urge for you to deal with someone local, or at least someone you can talk too directly. What's more frustrating I turned down a few local quotes, wish I didn't as my experience would have clearly been less stressful and my site would no doubt be finished and live.
There seems to be a lot of happy customers so I assume there sites where pretty standard, if you have a technical large site look elsewhere. Especially if your company needs it!
I will update this post with actual facts and statistics once site is finally finished and live. read more
