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Hello from Wales, UK

Discussion in 'Introductions' started by stitch-up, Jan 28, 2012.

  1. stitch-up

    stitch-up New Member

    This morning I googled "t-shirt website template" and came across this site :)

    My name's John and as the title says, I'm from South Wales in the UK. My partner Angie & I started a small business about 2 years ago doing mainly embroidered clothing and some dye-sublimation printing. Last year, we made a significant purchase of a NeoFlex Direct to Garment Printer - this Youtube video gives a brief idea of what we can now do Neoflex digital textile and solvent printer - the best of both worlds - YouTube

    We badly needed a ecommerce website and, having zero knowledge I went on a now defunct site called Rent-a-Coder and had someone create a template for us mainly to advertise our embroidery & shirt printing items.

    I spent many weeks adding products - it was a huge learning curve. I was never entirely happy with the website but lacked the knowledge/skill to change it - it was based on the osCommerce platform.

    Back last year my website was hacked and was being used for stealing bank login details!!! Google blacklisted it and I got several emails from security organisations representing the banks. It was a nightmare scenario for me. I had basic knowledge of using an FTP program and eventually I just deleted everything as I couldn't handle the fact that innocent people were being defrauded while my site remained up!

    So this is wher I'm at just now - I have web hosting but no website and it's about time I got this sorted!

    I guess one of the basic questions I have about Free Website Templates is, why? Why would anyone want to create 'me' a template for nothing? I've never expected anyone to do anything for me for nothing :)

    I guess that's all for now, I'm going to have a look around :)

    John
     
    stitch-up, Jan 28, 2012
    #1
  2. ishkey

    ishkey Moderator, Logos, Sports Crests Staff Member Verified Member

    There is a whole lot to creating a ecommerce website, securing and maintaining a server from attack. Guess that's why those people get the big bucks. As you found out the liability is extremely high and the attacks keep coming 24/7. I have created several, some handed off to the owners after a period of time, others I maintain on a per basis, 2 maintain full time. The learning curve is steep and never ending. Laws in different countries keeps changing. Software constantly needs patching and upgrading all because someone else doesn't want to work for a living but rather steal your hard work, as you have found.

    As to your basic question about why someone would want to create a Template for you!
    Well for now that section is closed and may open later, for now it brings people in and they my select one from WIX that the owner of the site lists, of which he receives a small payment. They may even Host their Web there and move up to the paid service.
    When the forum changes over I'm sure there will be more items available.
    Having different varieties of Free templates also gives an indication what people want by looking at the stats of what is viewed, another opportunity.

    Anyway nice to have you on board maybe you can find some posts that will help you. Who knows maybe even a Free Template you can convert and use for your new site.
     
    ishkey, Jan 28, 2012
    #2
  3. Geoff Tyrer

    Geoff Tyrer Member

    Hi John,

    Rather than have someone build you a custom web site from scratch maybe look at the packages that are available.

    There are ready-made e-Commerce systems (or online shops) that you can intall and customise for your company - with your details, logo, colour scheme - and most importantly your products. They are "template" systems but far more complex than the type of template available here.

    The big benefit for you is that they will have be used intensively for years by others and you are unlikely to encounter the problems you suffered.
     
    Geoff Tyrer, Jan 29, 2012
    #3