Many web designers use PSD to HTML conversion services now. Still it doesn’t mean all PSD to HTML services providers follow the best business and coding practices. So, how to make sure you choose the right provider? Here are some tips.

• Find out a company specialization.
  Every PSD to HTML company has its strengths as well as weaknesses. For example, a company can be a real pro in implementing your website for WordPress and a beginner with Drupal. Of course, it is better to choose a company that has deep expertise and a good amount of work samples close to your project requirements than those who just claim that they can do this work too.
• Prove the PSD to HTML company expertise level and reputation.
  It can be checked by considering customers’ references, samples of completed projects, and a number of repeat orders. The adherence to the corporate standards also plays a significant role here as well as strict control of the developed HTML/CSS code by the QA department and company’s management. Pay attention to the order execution speed too.
• Check the level of customer care and after sales support.
  Different communication channels (online chat, IMs, phone, etc.) should be available and grant fast reply. Find out of company’s Client Area. To err is human, so ensure the potential PSD to HTML services provider would acknowledge and fix HTML/CSS bugs, if any. Though it is important how the disputable issues are decided, including the possibility to reach the company’s top management.
• Compare prices and services behind them.
  Cross-browser compatibility (at least for the leading browsers), W3C validity, SEO semantic coding, code commenting, etc. are regarded by the professional services as basic requirements and are included in a standard service package by default. Though in some PSD to HTML companies these options are available only for additional money. This is done in order to reduce the nominal price and therefore to attract more customers. Also, a low price may result in longer project completion time and take more than 16-24 hours.
• Assure the provider is ready to sign a non-disclosure agreement with you.
  Could sound trite though just in case the NDA would save you lots of nerves and secure your business idea and/or customers.
• Do they utilize up-to-date technologies and standards?
  Being not yet completely accepted, HTML5 features are already supported by the main web browsers and open new possibilities for online businesses. The leading PSD to HTML conversion services providers have already started to adopt the HTML5 and CSS3, as well as conversion for mobile devices and responsive web design.
• Added value services.
  Availability of back-end developers among company’s stuff may be a plus too. In case you need more than just a markup, you would get programming job or CMS theme implementation from one provider.
• Try to have 2-3 PSD to HTML/CSS services providers in your short list.
  In case you urgently need to convert your design and the primary provider is overloaded, you will have a reserve option. Also you will have a possibility to choose the best provider according to their strengths (e.g., PSD to Joomla!, PSD to WordPress, etc.) and your project requirements.
• Make a test order.
  If it is your first PSD to HTML/CSS project or you select a company for long-term cooperation, start from a relatively small pilot project to test the quality, service level, communication and mutual understanding.

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, though the points highlighted above could be useful to make the right decision. Forewarned is forearmed, so the more you know about your PSD to HTML services provider, the higher the chances are that the choice is right. Anyway it would be great to continue the list and share experiences in order to discuss the problem from different sides.

See also the article How To Get The Most From PSD-to-HTML Providers.