We had a lunch-time discussion
today about web hosting. Namely, what does the name ‘web hosting’ imply
and is that name accurate?
Miller’s “Web Hosting” is a
full-service online proofing service with the added convenience of
hands off order fulfillment. If you like, you send us your files as a
proofing order and never need to do anything further. Your customers
view the images, make their selections, and place their order.
Depending on options you chose at setup, they might also order any
retouching and have the order shipped to them via FedEx (at their
cost), receiving the prints in 24-48 hours. No doubt they’ll be quite
impressed with your efficiency and expertise in packaging! Quite a deal.
The
confusion comes, however, because that may not be how you prefer to
offer “web hosting”. For some, that simply implies a place to upload
the images for viewing, you still would like customers to come to you
to place the order. Others would like that storefront to collect the
orders, but then receive an e-mail so they can handle fulfillment
themselves.
Some customers want their hosting partner to
send periodic marketing e-mails, potentially offering specials or
simply reminding visitors to place an order. Other customers absolutely
hate that idea.
In total, wildly different circumstances,
but all following under the umbrella of ‘web hosting’. Recognizing the
differences among our customers, we also partner with ImageQuix and Collages.net.
for their “web hosting” solutions. Their system might be a better fit
for your workflow, yet still allow the unmatched print quality you’ve
come to expect from Miller’s.