Here is a list of common questions that customers often ask Swift Image. Just click
on the question to find the answer.
1. Why don’t you charge for design?
The Swift Image business model requires a certain number of customers, each paying
a small monthly fee. Provided the websites we take on remain within the parameters
stated in the Pricing Options, and our customers adhere to our maintenance plan,
then we are able to produce websites without needing to charge for design.
2. Why don’t you have a minimum term to your agreement?
If we do a good job for you, you’ll stick with us. So we don’t want to put up an
unnecessary obstacle to you using our services.
3. If you don’t have a minimum term, why do you need terms and conditions?
It is important that we are both clear on the basis on which the services are going
to be provided. In addition, many of the conditions in this Agreement we ourselves
have to adhere to with companies that are supplying us services that we use for your
benefit. Therefore, we have to mirror them in our Agreement with you. Finally, and
unfortunately, we need to make sure that we are protected from those few people who
may try to abuse the system.
4. Can I pay for a year in advance?
Yes. And what’s more, if you do we’ll only charge you 11 months for the price of
12 - a saving of 8%. However, please be aware that we do have a “no refund” policy.
5. What geographical areas do you cover?
Due to the nature of our work, it is easy for Swift Image to provide its website
services on a national basis. However, as people often like to deal with local firms,
we do tend to operate mainly in the following UK counties and towns:
Bedfordshire: Bedford, Luton, Sandy, Biggleswade, Shefford, Ampthill, Flitwick, Dunstable,
Houghton Regis, Barton-Le-Clay, Kempston;
Hertfordshire: Stevenage, Hitchin, Stotfold, Letchworth, Welwyn Garden City, Baldock,
Hemel Hempstead, St. Albans, Watford, Hertford, Hatfield, Harpenden;
Northamptonshire: Northampton, Kettering, Rushden, Wellingborough;
Cambridgeshire: Cambridge, Huntingdon, St. Neots, Royston, St. Ives.;
Buckinghamshire: Milton Keynes, Leighton Buzzard, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley;
London: Kingsbury NW9, Queensbury, Burnt Oak, Colindale, Park Royal NW10, Barnet,
Brent;
Middlesex: Harrow, Stanmore, Kenton, Greenford, Perivale, Northolt, Ruislip, Northwood,
Edgware, Wembley.
Please don’t be put off if you don’t live in any of these areas - we’re still very
happy to help you.
6. What do I do if I already have a domain name?
Ideally, we would like the domain name transferred to our account so that we can
administer it for you whilst you are our customer. Alternatively, we would need access
to your domain account so that we can make the necessary changes.
7. How do I report a fault?
Note: We will acknowledge this email with a reply within 48 hours. If you do not
get a reply, you must assume that your email has not reached us.
8. How do I request a change?
Note: We will acknowledge this email with a reply within 48 hours. If you do not
get a reply, you must assume that your email has not reached us.
9. What does “limited use” mean?
We will endeavour to make any changes you need. However, it is important that you
are on the correct pricing option in order to support our business model. If your
needs are greater than the pricing options allow, then we will offer you a bespoke
plan. Maintenance: Limited Use shall be defined as the equivalent of 3 man hours
programming time per annum. Email: Limited Use shall be defined as the setting up
of up to 15 email addresses.
10. What does “reasonable use” mean?
We will endeavour to make any changes you need. However, it is important that you
are on the correct pricing option in order to support our business model. If your
needs are greater than the pricing options allow, then we will offer you a bespoke
plan. Maintenance: Reasonable Use is defined as the equivalent of 12 man hours programming
time per annum. Email: Reasonable Use is defined as the setting up of up to 35 email
addresses.
11. If I have to stop using your services, do I need to give you notice?
Yes, 30 days.
12. What experience does Swift Image have of website design?
The proprietor of Swift Image is Chris Addams. Chris started his working life in
1979 as a computer programmer, programming a large ICL main-frame computer for Remploy
Ltd. in London, NW2. He then spent many years in a variety of business development
roles, covering sales & marketing, design, general business administration & management,
working for firms such as Digital Mobile Communications Ltd. in Wembley, and Primesight
plc in London SW1. Immediately prior to starting Swift Image, he spent 8 years as
the Commercial Director of a national business services organisation. As well as
responsibility for managing the company’s own websites, over 6,000 templated websites
are currently provided to small and medium sized enterprises. (The concept itself
was recognised in the Orange Business Awards, where it was runner-up in the “Best
Use of Technology” section). In his spare time, Chris is currently studying part-time
for a degree in Computer Science, specialising in web development.
13. Why aren’t you registered for VAT?
We are a small company, whose turnover is currently below the VAT threshold. Should
we exceed the threshold, then we will register for VAT and will notify you accordingly.
There is a small amount of time involved in registering the domain name. Then there
is the matter of producing an invoice to you for the cost of buying it on your behalf.
And to make the transfer of monies ‘out’, and then to pay monies ‘in’, there are
bank charges. You will find that we are very inexpensive, and by letting us buy the
domain for you, you’ll also save time in transferring it to us.
15. Is a “Royalty” fee paid for the images you use on the websites?
Yes. We pay that, so you don’t have to worry.
16. What happens if I miss a payment to Swift Image?
As you’ll pay us by standing order, it is unlikely that you will miss a payment.
However, in the event you do miss one, we won’t take your site down straight away.
We will let you know that a payment has been missed and ask you for a credit card
payment. The missed payment will then be taken by PayPal.
17. Who is liable for the content of my website?
You are. That is why we provide you with the opportunity to see the site before it
is made “live” and submitted to search engines.
18. Can I have Flash banners on my website? (i.e. moving images)
Yes. But do you really need them? Here’s what Business Link have to say:
“Avoid flash. Flash is used to create animation, sound and interactivity. However,
due to its file size it can be painfully slow for pages to download – particularly
for those on 56k modems – while some browsers can’t even read Flash. Also, search
engines don’t index Flash pages, so your website won’t be featured in their listings.
If you want to use Flash, make sure you also provide a HTML version of your website”.
The moving images on this site are created using Javascript, which is much more efficient.
Yes. But it would be a surprise if this would be the best value for the customer
in the long run. A typical 6 page site would cost around £500 and hosting only would
then be £5 per month. Please remember, you will almost certainly want to make changes
to your site from time-to-time. Taking a Maintenance Plan allows you to do this without
charge, and without the up-front design cost. But it is up to you.
20. A friend of mine has offered to do my site for me - what would you say to that?
Funnily enough, we’ve been asked this so many times that we’ve printed a leaflet
about it! Please click here to view it as a PDF. The thing we’ve found is that
many willing friends often don’t even get around to starting. Others find that it
is beyond their area of expertise, even though they might be good with computers
generally. And when it comes to making any changes, people are reluctant to burden
their friend. Another thing to consider is what would happen to the company website
if the friendship breaks down? All in all, most people would agree that it is best
to use the services of a professional web developer.