1. I have a design or a template I've purchased - can this be used for my eBay?

Yep - if you already have a template or design that you've purchased and simply need it converted to an eBay design - I can do that for you as long as there are no copyright issues. I can also discount my design rates by 15% when doing so. Please note that I cannot convert Flash Site templates. If you have purchased a Flash Site template, I will only use the static version for your eBay design.

Also note that when I convert your design, I will only customize the areas of the eBay store that you have purchased. For instance if the design you have purchased contains a layout design for your landing page, but you have not purchased a package that includes a custom designed landing page, I will not use that portion of the template you have purchased. I also have to divide the design into different "boxes" so I highly suggest a design that can be segmented into different areas such as the header, left menu and content area. See "anatomy of an eBay store" on my eBay design page for more information.

2. What is the design process?

I try to keep my process as simple as possible. In a nutshell there are 3 phases to the process.

Rough Drafts
I create 3 initial ideas for your new design (if you've provided a design or template, the rough draft phase is skipped). These are provided in .jpg or .gif format and are e-mailed to you for review. The rough drafts contain ideas for layout, colors, logos, etc. They're pretty bare in the draft phase, but it gives me an idea where to start with your design. From the drafts you can let me know what you like (or don't like), color changes, font changes, layout changes and so on. Revisions are unlimited through the rough draft phase.

Testing:
For the testing phase I convert the final draft to an HTML page and upload it to my testing server for testing (called 1st runs). I will e-mail you the link and a login to the testing page so that you can watch the progress. You have 4 additional revision rounds available after the initial upload (numbered as 2nd run, 3rd run, 4th run and 5th run). It is very important that you note all of your revision requests in rounds since you are limited to the number of revisions you have. Any revision rounds after the 5th run are charged at a rate of $45 / round.

Integration:
Once revisions have been completed, I will either install the design for you, or provide you with all code, graphics and a step-by-step manual for you to install the design. If you will be hosting your own graphics, I will ask you to upload all of your graphics to your server first, and then I will set the image paths in the code. Once the design has been installed, you may request additional changes, but I'll have to charge for the changes.

3. Can I edit my custom design?

If you have a basic knowledge of HTML or software that allows you to edit HTML easily - you can edit your custom designs. Keep in mind that any custom design has to be hardcoded (meaning all links have to be full paths, etc.). The design also has to be broken up into different areas since there are strict policies regarding eBay designs.

My templates are designed to be compatible with the "Design" views and editors of the eBay Sell Your Item form, Turbo Lister and a variety of listing services, too.

4. Do I have to provide anything for my design?

First you need an eBay account and if you're ordering an eBay Store design, you will need to open an eBay Store for your store design to be installed. eBay Stores are only available through eBay.com - they are not stand-alone websites.

You will need a place to host the graphics I create for your design. eBay doesn't provide suitable hosting for template and store design graphics.

You will also need to provide the text and content information for policies, "me" page information, or the content for custom pages.

I can usually provide stock photos and graphics. If there are particular images, such as a logo or product pictures that you would like used in your design, you will need to provide those. Other than that, all I need to know is what kind of a design you're looking for and honest feedback on the drafts and revisions I send you. That is most important!

5. Will you need access to my eBay account?

I will only need access to your eBay account and hosting accounts if I will be installing the designs for you. If I do the installation, I will request that your change your eBay password temporarily when I do the install, and then change it back when I'm done.

6. When is payment due?

For projects under $300 - full payment is required to begin your project. Projects over $300 only require a 50% deposit to begin, and then the balance is due upon completion. I will not hand over the code or install your design until the balance is paid (sorry I have to be so strict on that). If your project is over $800, I may be able to work out additional payment options, just ask me about it when you request your quote.

7. What are the design restrictions for eBay?

eBay has many rules and and policies as most of you already know, and eBay design is no exception. The basic policies on eBay design are that I cannot design anything that violates other policies such as keyword spamming, off-eBay links (except on the "me" page), prohibited promotions and things like that. I also cannot use most javascript and I cannot overwrite any of the "eBay owned areas". So, I pretty much design within the boxes they give me, but you'd be surprised what can be done with straight graphics and HTML.

You can read the full policies for designs in eBay's help section as well as the developer's program.

8. Where are the graphics hosted?

eBay does not provide hosting for the graphics I create for your eBay designs. In order to use a custom design with eBay, your graphics must be available somewhere on the internet in order for the graphics to load in your store (like your category graphics, template graphics, etc).

Most of the eBay listing services like Auctiva, Marketplace Advisor and Ink Frog give you image hosting with your account, and you can host your graphics there. You could also sign up for hosting elsewhere - Photobucket has a free service that works great!

Other hosting options: my alter ego 3 Son's Solutions, 1and1.com or even if you have ProStore, the graphics for your design can be stored there.

I do provide restricted hosting for templates and store graphics for $39.95 / year as well. This hosting is is just for the graphics used in your design and you do not have access to the hosting itself.

9. Who own's the design when it's done?

You do - you own all code, graphics and files when everything is complete and the balance is paid. You are welcome to use the design where you need to. If you need to work with another designer on another project using the design I created, that is your right to do so, just contact me for files if you need them.

10. Do you install the designs?

Yep, I always offer free installation as a courtesy to my clients (we all know how hairy eBay can be). It will require me to login into your eBay account and hosting account, though, so it all depends on your comfort level.

Should you opt not to have me install your designs, I provide you with the code to copy/paste where you need to. I also give you a very thorough step-by-step manual (screenshots and everything!) to help guide you through the install.

11. How do I use the listings template?

Depending on how your create your listings on eBay, it's mostly a simple copy/paste of the HTML code into your description box, and then you edit the text for titles, descriptions, instructions and things like that. Some listing services like Auctiva, Marketplace Advisor and Ink Frog have a place where you can install the template with special tags to make it even easier to use custom templates on eBay.

A couple of eCommerce and shopping cart sites like ProStores support templates for eBay listings, too. You can install the template code with special tags to create your listings.

I do have a light version of what I call my "Template Generator", but it needs an overhaul and then I'll be offering that up, too. Look for it soon!

12. What listing services are your templates compatible with (Auctiva, Ink Frog, etc.)?

I imagine my templates can be used with just about any listing service that allows you to use custom HTML code, but these are the most common services that I can provide pre-coded with the special tags (also called macros) already in the HTML.

• Auctiva
• Ink Frog
• Marketplace Advisor
• Vendio
• ProStores

My templates are-not Seller Sourcebook compatible on their own, but you can have them installed by the Seller Sourcebook staff. If you don't see your listing service here, feel free to ask and I will see what I can do.

13. What are your terms of service?

I try to keep my terms simple without a whole lot of fine print. I'm a very straightforward kind of gal, and keep my terms just as straightforward.

My basic terms:

• Most projects have a turnaround time ranging from 2 - 6 weeks. Rush service is available for additional cost, and the rush fee must be paid up front.
• I only require a 50% deposit to start projects over $300 (rush projects require a 50% deposit plus the rush fee in full).
• Balances must be paid in full before I install your design or provide you with the files.
• For payment I can accept most major credit cards, Goggle Checkout, Paypal. check or money order (there is a $35 NSF fee for returned checks). You can pay through our online checkout, directly through your payment account at Paypal or Goggle Checkout, or by fax/phone.
• Should you wish to terminate my services before the project is completed, I will retain any fees paid up to the termination date and provide all files and designs completed up to that point.
• The client owns all completed designs.

Click here to read my full terms of service.

14. Do you offer rush service?

When time permits, I do offer rush service depending on the project. Rush service will reduce the usual turnaround time by 1/2. So if the usual turnaround time for an eBay store design is 4 - 6 weeks, rush service would have it ready in 2 - 3 weeks instead.

There is a 50% rush service fee added to your project cost, and it must be paid in full with your deposit.

Other ways you can reduce your turnaround time is to purchase a template for me to convert for you (you'll get a 15% discount on your project cost and shave a good 1 - 2 weeks off your turnaround time), or you can purchase a pre-designed template directly through my online shop.