Nick Creates - Hosting Services

Initial Payment and Refund Policy

A 50% upfront payment is required to start the project. This payment is non-refundable once the project has commenced. If the domain has been registered, only 25% of the payment will be refunded. Refunds are not applicable for design or development work already completed. Refunds will be processed within 30 days of request.

Intellectual Property

Upon full payment, the client will own the final website design. Nick Creates retains the right to showcase the project in their portfolio and use it for marketing purposes. For security purposes, Nick Creates will hold all passwords and access to the website design and hosting services. The client will not be granted access to the website's backend or administrative functions.

Content Provision

The client is responsible for providing all content, including text, images, and other media, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing. Content should be provided within the agreed timelines to avoid project delays.

Maintenance Agreement

The $145 per month maintenance fee applies to all packages and requires a mandatory one-year commitment. This fee covers regular backups, security monitoring, minor updates and fixes, performance monitoring, and support. Early termination of the maintenance agreement will result in a cancellation fee equal to the remaining balance of the annual commitment. Major updates or feature additions are not covered under this agreement and will be quoted separately.

Service Availability

Nick Creates aims to provide continuous service availability but does not guarantee uninterrupted service due to potential technical issues, maintenance, or unforeseen circumstances. Clients will be notified of scheduled maintenance in advance.

Limitation of Liability

Nick Creates is not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages that result from the use of, or inability to use, our services. This includes, but is not limited to, loss of data, profits, or business interruption.

Privacy and Data Security

Nick Creates is committed to protecting client data and ensuring privacy. Any personal information collected during the project will be used solely for project-related purposes and will not be shared with third parties without the client's consent, except as required by law.

Third-Party Services

Nick Creates may integrate third-party services as part of the project. While we strive to use reliable third-party services, we are not responsible for any issues, downtime, or data breaches associated with these services.

Changes and Revisions

All requests for changes or revisions must be made in writing. Significant changes or revisions beyond the initial scope of the project may incur additional charges and will be quoted separately. Extra revisions are defined as modifications requested by the client that go beyond the agreed-upon scope of work. Each extra revision is billed at $40.50.

Termination of Service

Nick Creates reserves the right to terminate services at any time if the client violates the terms of the agreement, engages in illegal activities, or fails to meet financial obligations. In such cases, no refunds will be provided, and any outstanding balances must be settled immediately.

As Nick Creates retains control of all passwords and access credentials, there will be no administrative access to revoke upon termination. Instead, clients will receive detailed instructions and support for transferring ownership and access to a new provider if applicable. Clients will have the opportunity to download their data before the termination process is finalized. Nick Creates will initiate a data transfer process to ensure all client-owned content and data are securely transferred to the client's new provider. This assistance is included within the fee for early cancellation or can be provided for an additional fee at the end of the term.

Client Responsibility

Clients working with Nick Creates are expected to fulfill the following responsibilities to ensure smooth project execution and maintenance:

Timely Provision of Content: Clients are responsible for providing all necessary content, including text, images, and other media, within agreed timelines. Delays in providing content can result in project delays.

Payment of Fees: Clients must ensure timely payment of all fees as per the agreed payment schedule. This includes upfront payments, recurring maintenance fees, and any additional charges for extra services or revisions.

Communication and Feedback: Clients should maintain clear and prompt communication with Nick Creates. Providing timely feedback and approvals is essential for keeping the project on schedule.

Compliance with Terms: Clients must comply with the terms and conditions set forth in the service agreement. This includes adherence to any usage policies and guidelines provided by Nick Creates.

Safeguarding Access Credentials: Clients must safeguard any access credentials provided by Nick Creates for specific purposes (e.g., content management). Unauthorized access or misuse of credentials can lead to security breaches and data loss.

Data Management and Security

Nick Creates is responsible for maintaining backups of client website content. Clients should be aware of the following:

Regular Backups Implemented: Nick Creates will schedule and implement regular backups based on the frequency of content updates and changes. Automated backup solutions will be in place to streamline the process and ensure data safety.

Access Credentials: Nick Creates will manage all administrative access to ensure security and integrity. Clients will not need to manage these credentials directly. Unauthorized access or misuse of credentials by the client can lead to security breaches and data loss.

Data Backup Assurance: Nick Creates provides robust data backup solutions, ensuring that data can be recovered quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime and data loss risks.

Technical Support

Technical support is available during business hours via email, phone, or a support ticket system. Business hours are defined as Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, excluding public holidays. Clients can expect prompt responses to their support requests.

Nick Creates strives to address all support requests within 24 hours. Response times may vary based on the severity and complexity of the issue. Critical issues, such as website outages or security breaches, will be prioritized and addressed immediately.

Clients can submit support requests through various channels, including email, phone, and an online support ticket system. Each request will be logged and tracked to ensure timely resolution. Clients will receive updates on the status of their support requests.

Remote assistance tools may be used to diagnose and resolve technical issues. Clients will be asked to grant temporary access to their systems for troubleshooting purposes. All remote sessions will be conducted securely, and access will be revoked upon resolution.

A comprehensive knowledge base will be provided to clients, featuring articles, tutorials, and FAQs. This self-service resource allows clients to find solutions to common issues and learn more about managing their website. The knowledge base will be updated regularly to reflect new features and best practices.

An escalation process will be in place for unresolved or critical issues. Clients can escalate their support requests to higher-level technical staff or management if needed. Clear escalation paths and contact information will be provided.

Hosting Environment

Nick Creates will ensure that the hosting environment meets the technical requirements for optimal performance and security. The hosting provided will be shared hosting, which is suitable for most clients. However, depending on the traffic and specific needs, additional costs may incur if a dedicated server is required or requested.

Shared hosting environments are suitable for typical website traffic and functionality. Clients with higher traffic or specific performance needs may require a dedicated server. Nick Creates will assess and recommend upgrades as necessary, outlining any additional costs involved.

While Nick Creates handles the hosting, recommendations for upgrades or changes to hosting providers will be based on performance, security, and support capabilities. Clients will receive a comparison of hosting options if an upgrade is necessary and assistance in selecting the best provider.

Proper server configuration is essential for optimal performance and security. Nick Creates will handle server setup, including software installation, resource allocation, and security configurations. Clients will receive support during the server configuration process to ensure all technical requirements are met.

Continuous performance monitoring will be conducted to ensure the hosting environment supports the website's needs. This includes monitoring server load, response times, and uptime. Clients will receive performance reports and recommendations for any necessary adjustments.

Security measures will be implemented to protect the hosting environment from threats. This includes firewalls, malware scanning, and regular security updates. Clients will receive a security plan outlining the measures taken and best practices for maintaining a secure hosting environment.

Reliable backup solutions will be implemented to ensure data recovery in case of failure. This includes regular backups, off-site storage, and automated backup processes. Clients will receive instructions on accessing and restoring backup data if needed.

Additional Services and Features

Any additional services or features beyond the standard maintenance package, such as major updates, feature additions, or custom requests, will be quoted separately. Clients will receive detailed proposals and cost estimates for additional services.

Custom development services can be provided to meet the client's unique requirements. This includes developing new features, integrating third-party services, and creating custom functionality. Clients will receive custom development plans and progress updates.

Existing features can be enhanced to improve functionality and user experience. This includes optimizing performance, adding new options, and refining design elements. Clients will receive enhancement proposals and implementation timelines.

Consultation services are available to provide expert advice and guidance on website development, maintenance, and strategy. This includes technical consultations, design reviews, and SEO audits. Clients will receive consultation reports and recommendations.

Project management services can be provided to oversee additional services and ensure successful implementation. This includes planning, coordinating, and managing resources. Clients will receive project management plans and regular status updates.

Performance audits can be conducted to identify areas for improvement and optimize website performance. This includes analyzing load times, server response, and user experience. Clients will receive audit reports and action plans for performance improvements.

Security enhancements can be implemented to protect the website from emerging threats. This includes advanced security measures, regular security assessments, and incident response planning. Clients will receive security enhancement proposals and ongoing support.

Custom Packages

If you have specific requirements or need features not covered in the standard packages, we offer custom packages tailored to your needs. Please contact us for a consultation to discuss your project details and receive a personalized quote. Consultation fees may apply and will be credited towards the final project cost if you choose to proceed.

Custom packages are designed to provide tailored solutions that meet the client's unique needs. This includes custom development, specialized features, and bespoke design. Clients will receive a comprehensive custom package plan and timeline.

Flexible pricing options are available to accommodate different budgets and requirements. This includes modular pricing, subscription plans, and one-time fees. Clients will receive a detailed pricing structure and payment schedule.

Ongoing support is available as part of custom packages to ensure long-term success. This includes maintenance, updates, and technical support. Clients will receive a support plan outlining the services included and response times.

Performance monitoring and optimization are included in custom packages to ensure optimal website functionality. This includes regular performance audits, monitoring tools, and optimization strategies. Clients will receive performance reports and recommendations.

Collaboration with the client is essential for developing and implementing custom packages. Regular meetings, feedback sessions, and progress updates will be conducted to ensure alignment with the client's goals. Clients will receive a collaboration plan and communication schedule.