• Increased complexity and customization available
  


• Custom look can lend a more professional, unique feel to your site
  


• Experienced help with your online business and goals
  


• Technical translation and increased support

• May take hours or days to make changes to your site
  


• Requires time for meetings and reviews
  


• Can be huge differences in services, support, and level of professionalism across vendors
  


• Pricing system may start reasonable and then escalate, which can be difficult to budget

There are many companies and individuals, local and otherwise, that offer these types of services, so you will need to shop around to find the right fit. Many etailers feel more comfortable using a local contractor, while others have no preference. Check the "Learn and Interact" to the right for a list of designers in your state or region.

Considerations:

• Always have a contract signed by both parties.
• Decide up front who will retain the code, design, features, images, and content after payment is received.
• Reach agreement on rates or total price. Rates are generally per hour or per element (page, graphic, application), so keep close tabs on hours and carefully weigh changes. Total Price often has more flexibility, with a limit on number of pages, applications, etc., with additional rates if you go beyond those.