Questions we get
New to the Internet? Don't panic. Having a website is not all that complicated. Read more. . .
  1.  What is SWEET SOLUTIONS?
SWEET SOLUTIONS is an independent web design business based in northwest OH USA. It is owned and operated by designer Patricia Petro with back-end tech support provided by Tom Schmidt of Schmidt and Associates.
  2.  How long has SWEET SOLUTIONS been in business?
SWEET SOLUTIONS first appeared on the web in 2002 with the launching of its inaugural website design for Summersong's Inspiration for the Spirit. Since that time, we have designed and developed a wide array of web pages and have provided professional design services for various clients.
  3.  What kind of services does SWEET SOLUTIONS provide?
SWEET SOLUTIONS specializes in web design and development and offers:
  4.  Why should I choose SWEET SOLUTIONS to design my website?
SWEET SOLUTIONS is a small design firm. We only take on a limited number of projects and work on each individually, so we can give clients our personal, undivided attention from start-to-finish. We are committed to providing clients with great service, aesthetically pleasing designs, and standard-compliant web pages that effectively meet their specific needs. We have successfully completed every project undertaken and our track record for customer satisfaction is flawless. With every custom design, you can expect:
  5.  Does SWEET SOLUTIONS charge for quotes and/or consultations?
There are no charges for our quotes or consultations. We freely invest the time to understand your needs so we can develop web solutions and affordable packages that are tailored to your budget and specific goals.
  6.  How much will custom design cost?
Because there are so many variables and each project is unique, custom costs vary. Costs generally depend on the type of project, number of pages, design elements used, amount of work to develop, and time needed to complete. Custom-designed websites can range from under $200 (for a basic 3-page site) to more than $5000. . .but you can get online with a custom WordPress blog for less than $100. Our pricing is standard with the industry and, oftentimes, less than what other designers charge. If you are on a tight budget, we will work with you to put together an affordable package. We want to get you online and give you the most for your money.
  7.  Do you offer discounts for non-profit organizations?
Yes, we do offer discounts. However, we are selective and only take on one or two non-profit projects a year. Mention that you are non-profit when you request a quote. Your organization may qualify for reduced pricing.

NOTE: Personal or business sites, where no profit is being made, are not considered non-profit organizations.
  8.  How do I place a custom design order?
Designing your website or blog begins with a clear idea of what you want. Most people know what they want, but cannot articulate it. Nor can they visualize how their ideas and specific needs will fit into a layout that translates clearly online. Confusion is normal.

To start, we need information about your project—type of project, number of pages, and any special design features you would like. Email us the details or use our handy Quote Request Form to tell us what you want and when you want it. Provide as much information as possible so we can get back to you with an accurate quote. There is NO COST. . .NO OBLIGATION. If you decide to proceed, GREAT! If you change your mind for any reason, that's OK too.
  9.  What happens next?
When we have a fairly good handle on what you want, we detail a project outline and present it to you along with a cost estimate, time frame, and mockup of a proposed layout. You are welcome to add or subtract design elements to come up with a working plan for your site. When our proposal is accepted, we send you a contract (which is essentially the approved project outline, cost estimate, time frame, and copy of our Terms and Conditions) which we both sign. A 50% down payment of the total cost estimate is due at the time the contract is signed. We will invoice separately. When we receive payment, we can begin.
10.  How do I pay for a custom design?
You can pay by check, money order, or with a credit card through PayPal. 50% down payment is due before we start; 50% balance plus additional fees incurred during the design procees, if any, are due when the project is completed. All funds are USD. We do not accept cash.
11.  What happens after I give you the down payment?
Once we get started, it's go go go. Your project becomes our priority. Choices are made. Your project starts to take shape. We guide you every step of the way and, as your website (or blog) is developed, we provide screenshots so you can watch it grow. You have the final say in every decision. The end result is a website you can be proud to call home, delivered on time and within budget, that showcases you, your business, or organization beautifully.
12.  How long will it take to build my website?
Designing a great website is a detailed process where each page is hand-coded and meticulously tested for correct navigation, spelling, accuracy, and validation before final release. Timelines vary depending on the project. Generally, designing a layout might take a week or more, depending on the layout and number of pages. Once a layout is approved, it usually takes 1-3 days to develop, code, and complete each page. Don't quote us—there are a lot of factors that affect the time frame. Larger and more complex sites take more time. Blogs and newsletters may take less. Completing a project depends mostly on you. There will be decisions for you to make. . .text, photos, and/or graphics for you to provide. . .and every finished page will require your final approval. How quickly you respond will ultimately determine how long it takes to finish your project.

Custom WordPress themes that require the same "skin" for all pages take less time. Once the initial decisions are made and the layout is approved, it is just a matter of our finishing the theme to your specifications and getting it online.
13.  How do I get my custom site online?
When we receive the balance due on the project, we will send your website files to you in a zip file via email. You have the option of uploading the files to your server yourself or having us do it. There is no charge for us to upload, setup email, and test your custom website.

In the case of custom WordPress blogs, we will upload the site files, setup email, and test. You must have WordPress installed on your server. For us to install WordPress, there are additional fees.
14.  I don't live in the US. . .can you still design for me?
It does not matter where you live. Though we are based in northwest OH, we service clients worldwide. Everything is done via email and, in some cases, snail mail. Conference calls are possible, but it is not necessary that we meet face-to-face.
15.  Do you offer any guarantees? Committed 100% to customer satisfaction
If, during the first thirty (30) days of custom work, you are not happy with the service you receive from SWEET SOLUTIONS, you may request, in writing, that your service be discontinued. A prorated refund, based on work completed, will be sent.
16.  Do I need to know HTML and CSS to make edits to my website?
To work with your website, a basic knowledge of HTML and CSS is necessary.

If you are a newbie and unfamiliar with basic HTML/CSS/JavaScript, there are many helpful sites and forums online. For beginners, we highly recommend Lissa Explains It All. The site has clearly-written tutorials and a wealth of information that answer any and all questions on web design elements.
Buy the book
For information on working with WordPress and its many blog features, you can go directly to the WordPress site. We also recommend "WordPress for Dummies" by Lisa Sabin-Wilson, an easy-to-read book and useful reference for everything you need to know on the popular blogging platform.

With any SWEET SOLUTIONS custom website, you get thirty (30) days FREE customer support. During that time, we answer any questions you may have and help you to perform routine tasks and self-maintenance, such as simple text edits and graphic swaps. Your familiarity with HTML and CSS will help us help you.
17.  What is added flair?
If you are looking for ways to jazz up your site, SWEET SOLUTIONS can add these special features and more to your web layout:

Javascript
Dynamic menus, top or side
Mouseover/rollover effects
Page transitions
Live date/time
Encrypted email
Breadcrumb
Post-it notes

Photo Galleries
Thumbnail viewers
Slideshows
Lightbox
Watermarking

Flash
Dynamic flash intros
Flash banners

eCommerce
Shopping carts
Live Content
Contact forms with Captcha
Deluxe PHP registration forms
Event calendars, simple or deluxe
Newsletter sign-up forms
Tagboards
Guestbooks
Forums

Embedded Audio/Video
Movie trailers
Flash films
Background music
Sound clips

Other Design Elements
I-frames
Pop-up pages
Facebook
Ajax accordian

Can't find what you want on our list? Ask us about it.
18.  Can I get my money back if I find out I can't use a design?
SWEET SOLUTIONS offers no warranties on your ability or inability to use a custom designed website. Also, because of their digital nature, there is no refund on custom work or other design work once the files have been sent.
19.  After my website is complete, how will I maintain it?
SWEET SOLUTIONS provides free 30-day customer support on all completed custom projects . There are also online reference sites, such as Lissa Explains It All, that provide a wealth of knowledge about HTML and website design.

If you feel you will be unable to maintain your website once it is completed, we recommend that you budget in for ongoing Site Sweep™ Maintenance or Full Site Management to ensure that your investment is protected.
20.  I did something and now my site looks funky—can you fix it?
During the 30-day customer support or with Site Sweep™ Maintenance, we troubleshoot any problems you may have at no extra charge. After 30 days and without a Site Sweep™ Maintenance or Full Site Management program, repairs are billed at our current hourly rate (one hour minimum each instance).
21.  My site is old and ugly—can you fix it?
If your existing, older website looks funky, is loading slowly, has sloppy code running together on its pages, unsightly formatting errors, obsolete or degraded HTML tags, broken links, spelling mistakes, or missing graphics or pages, it may be time to clean house with a new design. We can provide you with a free quote.
22.  I am completely new to this Internet stuff. . .where do I start?
Don't panic. Having a website is not all that complicated. Once it is designed and online, it is just a matter of making updates. . .and if you do not want to make the updates yourself, we can do it for you.

The first two things you need to do:
After you have a domain name and hosting service, complete the Quote Request Form. Let us know what you want. We will walk you through the design process and do our best to make it an easy, exciting, ultimately rewarding experience.
23.  Is there anything you won't/don't do?

Read our Terms and Conditions for all the legal mumbo jumbo.