Finding a High-Quality Web Services Provider.

Look for the following features in your Web Services provider. Taken by itself, each item may not be that critical, but in aggregate the picture may be significant.

1. Does the provider's experience cover the needs that you envision you will need?
   
   
2. Is the business registered with the state? Better yet, are they an LLC or a corporation? Are they trademarked? Look for a sign that the business is here to stay.
   
   
3. Do they have examples of their work? Don't rule a company out if they haven't done your specific type of site, but make sure they have done something similar. If they haven't, get them to do a prototype up-front with little or no cost to you.
   
   
4. Do they appear knowledgeable? Are they willing to share information with you and answer all your questions? Can they provide you with a description of their experience?
   
   
5. Do they explain things to you? Do they speak in jargon, or in words most people understand? Do you feel that you understand what they say and why it's being said?
   
   
6. Are they flexible with design? Will they adapt to changes in need or opportunity? Can they adjust to necessary changes as you go along, or are they 'locked in'?
   
   
7. Is the person that you're meeting with the same one that will perform (or at least have oversight on) the work?
   
   
8. Can they give you a list of references that you can talk to?
   
   
9. Do they have established forms such as agreements and plan details which spell out promises, schedules, rights of ownership, and so forth?
   
   
10. Do they tell you all the costs up front, before you pay a dime?
    
    
11. Will the software on your website be something that is widely available, expandable, connects easily with other software, and is easy to use?
    
    
12. Is the software that they use proprietary to them? Does it require that you host with them, or can your website be easily moved to another provider if necessary?
    
    
13. Are they flexible with forms of payment, offering multiple payment options to fit your needs?
    
    
14. Do they follow a code of ethics?
    
    
15. Most importantly, do you feel you can trust the developer?
    
    

Ask questions. Do the answers sound reasonable? Do they agree with what you know? If not, can they explain the difference?

Shop around. Get a second opinion on things you don't know.

Remember that pricing is not the most important concern, but it can be important because it may tell you something about the developer. Think beyond the simple price involved.