Recently, I’ve had the most frustrating experience with CSSRockstars; possibly the most fucked-up and fruitless back-and-forth email debate I’ve had for a while. Even now, weeks later, it still makes me angry. And so I write this in the interest of catharsis and understanding.
At first everything seemed great, we sent them an Illustrator layout they sent back an XHTML and CSS build. All for $149 USD – sweet! The code looked good, I ran through it with the lead developer on the project and aside from some very minor changes we were very happy with CSSRockstar’s work. I was especially stoked as I had several other layouts stacked-up for them and was starting to get really excited about the possibilities of outsourcing.
Then it went wrong. Wrong in the most irritating and depressing way. I’m not even sure how to describe it. It seems to have been 1 part communication failure and 1 – much, much larger – part complete disregard for the customer (yours truly).
And now they won’t even reply to my emails. It’s insane, I want to spend money with these guys but they don’t seem interested in taking it!?!
Does anyone else out there know how to get through to these guys?
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s interesting to read your post. Our company was looking to hire them today but could not find a phone number on their site anywhere, which we think it strange. We have worked with psd2html for a while, and although they are good, the fact that they are in the Ukraine often delays things. I was excited about the prospect of working with a company like this that was based in the US, but now I’m apprehensive. Can you drop me an email to let me know generally what went wrong? Thanks!
Hi Ryan,
Actually, you hit the nail on the head, the main reason it didn’t work is CSSRockstars only communicate sporadically by email. My issues could easily have been solved with a phone call or Skype chat. It’s now my opinion that you can’t really outsource this sort of work without a little bit of tooing and froing to check everyone is on the same page – they are not willing to engage in that sort of conversation at all.
Danny No Sleaves (http://outlawdesignblog.com/) sent me this list which I am to try instead: http://www.psdtohtmlreviews.com/
I own a web design company and am always looking for people who do psd to html conversions. I have heard good and bad stories about CSS Rockstars. Would have been awesome if you had discussed in detail as to what went wrong. It would have helped in deciding whether to go with them or not.
JC, is that a site for reviews by users or is it another site where you can buy a spot ? I don’t see any user submitted reviews on their site.
The issue at CSSRockstars was terrible communication, like almost non-existent. Avoid them at all costs!!!
I highly recommend Danny No Sleeves at http://outlawdesignblog.com/
Jeff, which review site are you referring to?