Here are a few tips/tricks for navigating order platform as well as answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Here we'll show you how easy it is to create an order for services.
Here we'll cover the process of downloading your finished photos and configuring the property website.
Here we'll cover the process of creating flyers, brochures, post cards, and social media cards on our property website platform.
You can order a single use property website (branded and unbranded) for your listing without hiring Sparks Media Group to provide the photography/media services, this video will explain how.
Working with Zip Files
Photos are available for download from the Client Center. When photos are downloaded, they are delivered as a Zip File. This is a standard way of delivering photos and the Zip File is nothing more than a folder. Following are instructions on working with Zip Files.
Windows Users
When you download files from a website, the destination of the files on your computer is determined by the settings in your browser. Sparks Media Group recommends using the Chrome browser by Google. In the Settings for Chrome, you are able to determine the destination for the files by clicking Advanced Settings and checking the box that says, “Ask where to save each file before downloading” in the Downloads section. There are similar settings on all browsers so check with your company's IT Support if you need help with these settings.
When you download photos from the Client Center, the system will generate a Zip File. If your browser is set to ask you where you want to save the Zip File, you can assign the location when prompted. Otherwise, locate the Zip File on your hard drive. This is usually in the same location as other files you download from the Internet (usually in folders like "Downloads" or "Desktop").
The Zip File will be named with the property address for the project to help you identify it. Right click on the zip file and select the Extract All command. Select the location where you would like to store the individual photo files. At this point, the photos are downloaded from the Client Center to your computer. Make note of the location you chose so that when you need to upload them to the MLS, you know the location of the files.
You are now ready to upload your photos to the MLS and other websites. For help with uploading photos to the MLS, please contact your local MLS organization’s Support Desk for assistance with their upload procedures.
Mac Users
When you download files from a website, the destination of the files on your computer is determined by the settings in your browser. Sparks Media Group recommends using the Chrome browser by Google. In the Settings for Chrome, you are able to determine the destination for the files by clicking Advanced Settings and checking the box that says, “Ask where to save each file before downloading” in the Downloads section. There are similar settings on all browsers so check with your company's IT Support if you need help with these settings.
When you download photos from the Client Center, the system will generate a Zip File. If your browser is set to ask you where you want to save the Zip File, you can assign the location when prompted. Use Finder to locate the Zip File on your hard drive. This is usually in the same location as other files you download from the Internet (usually in folders like "Downloads" or "Desktop"). Double Click on the Zip File to open the folder.
You are now ready to upload your photos to the MLS and other websites. For help with uploading photos to the MLS, please contact your local MLS organization’s Support Center for assistance with their upload procedures.
Yes, we photograph in all conditions. We offer free blue sky replacement to make those down and dreary rainy photos bright and sunny!
We have a photo shoot preparation guide that we've prepared. Feel free to print this out and bring it to your listing appointment. This guide will prepare the owner for our arrival.
Actually we'd prefer you not be there, we'd love to see you but because COVID-19 and to protect everyone we are requiring that the properties be vacant with a combo box OR if you have to meet us OR if the owners have to let us in that's fine we just cannot start the photoshoot until everyone is out of the house.
Should Client need to modify or cancel a confirmed appointment for any reason, Client is responsible for notifying Provider no later than 6:00PM Pacific Time the day prior to the appointment. If Client modifies or cancels an appointment after 6:00PM Pacific Time the day prior to the appointment, a Late Notice Fee of $75 will be assessed. This Late Notice Fee applies to reschedules, cancellations and postponements for any reason. For same day cancellations up to 3 hours prior to arrival will result in a 50% fee being charged. This 50% fee is of the entire order total. For notice of cancellations of less than 3 hours including on-site cancellations, noshows and/or no notice given will result in full charge of total order price. Requests for refunds made by 6:00pm Pacific Time on the day prior to the scheduled appointment will be processed in full without a fee. Requests for refunds made after 6:00pm Pacific Time on the day prior to the scheduled appointment and up to one hour of the appointment will be processed in full but a Late Notice Fee of 50% of the total shoot price will be assessed in those circumstances. Requests for refunds with notice given within an 3 hours of the appointment or following an on-site cancellation or no-show will not be honored. Provider shoots rain or shine. Client is responsible for verifying that the weather conditions will be satisfactory to the Client the day prior to the agreed appointment. Fees for cancellations and postponements will apply irrespective of the reasons for them, specifically including but not limited to weather conditions, acts of God, nature, war, terrorism, civil disturbance, and the fault of a third party (e.g., tenants, stagers, painters, landscapers, contractors, subcontractors, etc). You can let us know by emailing order@sparksmediagroup.com or changing the date/time of your order to a new date/time you'd like.
You will receive an order summary in your email, at the same time we also receive notification of all orders. Because of the number of orders we receive we do not usually follow up with each order. 9 times out of 10 we are able to meet the agents first request for date/time. You will only hear from us if there is an issue with the date and time you requested. Otherwise, assume we will be there!
Photos are delivered within 24 hours (usually a little less). 3D virtual tours tours are delivered within 48 hours. Measured floorplans can take 48 hours. Video services can take 48 hours. Virtual staging can take 48 hours.