Question about Websites - SBB Digital Scrapbooking Forums | Scrapbook-Bytes

julie_1_02 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-08-2004

I'm considering getting a website to showcase some of my work, offer some freebies, and possibly down the road- sell some elements. I'm wondering what is the best package to get--cheapest and most effective.
I especially am curious how much bandwidth I need. Also, for those of you who have commercial sites, how do you sell your products? Using paypal, or what? Do you send a link via email once payment is received?

I'm curious to hear what kind of hosting and bandwidth you all have, especially those of you who have large commerical sites (Gina, Tonya, Anna, Ali, Maya, Ronna) plus anyone else who has good ideas and input!

Thanks for your help. Maybe your input will convince me to get on the online bandwagon!

AmyTeets · #2 (**permalink**) 09-08-2004

No help here but GOOD LUCK!
Amy

jill8026 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-08-2004

Hi Julie,

Congrats on your possible site....in regards to your questions...i am no expert but I thought some statistics might help you figure things out...I didnt have a clue about any of this stuff when I did my site and it would have helped if I did!!!!! I transfer about 450MB a month of bandwith ( do not recall being asked how much bandwith I needed, it just came with my package!)...my site in total uses 7 MB of disk space right now...I ordered a package with a hosting company for 100MB of space so I have plenty of room to grow and have people FTP photos to me...RIght now I only accept checks and paypal but am looking to include credit cards by early next year.

I am only doing design services so that may vary a little from what you are looking to do...so when I sell something I collect in full after the final proof has sent but before I send out the final product....if they send a personal check they have to wait until it clears...

FYI I use www.ehosting4less.net, their prices are great and I have had no problems at all so far with their service.....

I hope this helped a little bit!!!!!

Jill
www.expressionspd.com

AmyJ · #4 (**permalink**) 09-09-2004

From my shopping experience which was bound with some very specific needs and a lot of little know how-

Some of the things to consider for a shopping site might be: SSL support and whether the host will accomodate or has a shopping cart.

As far as bandwidth and space, that all depends- You'll definetely want to find out what the clauses are if you go over or want to make a change.

I just looked and last month I had less than 2 GB of bandwith used and I get over 10 GB- I think 15. But my site is still very new and growing all the time.

mayize · #5 (**permalink**) 09-09-2004

Jill I think your site is gorgeous!

When I choose a host I try to find one that allows upgrades easily. For instance, I use www.jatol.com and I can pay an extra $5.00 a month for every 5 gig in bandwidth I may need. That way I can start out small and not pay for anything until I need it. Quite a few hosts offer this kind of upgrade.

Just my two cents : )

Michelle24 · #6 (**permalink**) 09-09-2004

I am right there with you girl...lol! I am a designer for SBE, but I also wanted to start up my own site to advertise the cd I am about to release. I have no clue about the bandwidth that I will need a month. It will be a learning experience once I open up. I should be opening the doors in a few weeks, maybe less!

I will let you know how it goes!

Most of my sets will be linked to SBE, but there will be some that are exclusive to the site and linked to paypal, and some freebies, so that will take up some bandwidth.
I wish you luck!

rigdonia · #7 (**permalink**) 09-09-2004

AddAction.net has a great offer right now. I have been with them for a year and am pretty happy with them. Very little downtime and they have lots of included stuff - shopping carts being one of them lol and a friendly staff. If you need any more advice, I'd be happy to help!