Large file upload

[jferrari]

I print on canvas for local photogs and want them to be able to use a simple website order form (for instructions and/or drop ship addresses, etc.) and then be able to upload their image files to my server. File size should be up to 100Megs or so even though many are smaller. I've searched this site and spent hours on the net searching and have yet to find a suitable (free or inexpensive) solution. What do you folks use? TIA.     - Jim

[bill t.]

This may not be your best bet, but here's an example of a professional upload service geared towards large files.  They'd be into you for $30-$60 / month for this.  There are many more such services.  Most high end hosting companies can set you up for uploads through features that are part of your account.  These approaches will be relatively costly, but they offer good security and active technical support.

http://www.sharefile.com/try/ALX/?src=google&tst=alx&cat=44&v=t10&gclid=COHoxJPKiLICFad7Qgode3IACw

Here's code for implementing file uploads using a form in a .php site.  It's pretty geeky, but it gives you an idea of what's involved which honestly isn't all that much for brains that can deal with this stuff.  As mentioned on the page, this undoubtedly could attract interest from the bad guys as well as your clients so you would want a security conscious web programmer to be involved in such an implementation.

http://www.w3schools.com/php/php_file_upload.asp

[jferrari]

Thanks for the speedy reply, Bill. The first suggestion is way too much money, I'm just small potatoes. I've found several sites with the PHP coding as found on the second site you suggested. There are security issues and file size concerns, too. So far, the least expensive "solution" I've found is http://www.uploadthingy.com/ but was wondering what other print vendors were using. Thanks.    - Jim

[RFPhotography]

You want clients to be able to upload to your server, right?  Why not just create a folder on your server for uploads and give clients the FTP particulars?  It's what I do when someone needs to transfer a large file to me.  It's also what I do when I need to transfer a large file to someone else.  If your host charges you for storage or transfer it may not work but a lot of hosts now offer unlimited storage and throughput.  Plenty of free FTP programs out there.

[jferrari]

Hi Bob and thanks for your speedy reply. I'm aware of FTP, but, unfortunately, several of my clients are very good photographers. When it comes to things like FTP clients, well, they're very good photographers. I just thought that there might be other people on this site that printed for others and had discovered some software solutions similar to those the large canvas print shops use. Thanks.    - Jim

[Colorwave]

I print for others, and build a few sites with Rapidweaver (Mac only).  I just switched to a new file upload format that has a rudimentary human test (I could give out passwords, or use captcha on it, but am only really concerned with a few random spammers).  I had to configure my host's PHP file to get past PHP's built in small file size limit, but I've tested it with 200Mb with no problem.  It gives the client a success page upon completion, and sends me an automated email.  I paid $15 for this, as a "stack" that works with my other software.  I don't know what you use for your own site, but I'm sure that there are equivalent versions for WordPress and other platforms.  I don't really see the point of paying a monthly service for something so simple.  If you can't find a comparable product, it wouldn't be too hard to make a basic page and have it linked to your other site, even if it was created with other software. 

Here's my page:  http://colorwaveimaging.com/upload/

Let me know if I can be of any assistance.

[Graham Mitchell]

There are a few easy-to-use services which would be perfect for your needs. I've used these:
www.mediafire.com (free plan allows files up to 100MB, permanent storage)
www.wetransfer.com - free, and files up to 2GB (deleted after 2 weeks though)

[jferrari]

@ Graham - Thanks for your help. I'll check them out.

@ Ron - Great site! I'm envious. I'll look into the PHP solution again.

[dgberg]

"Send this file" from 4.95 to 9.95 per month. As a medium and large file uploader you cannot beat it.
Not a combination upload and automatic order form but you can send file sizes to 500mb.
There is a comment section that your client can put all the information that you will need.
Check my website under uploads.

I looked at some of the full service Roes packages. As a low volumn seller I prefer the personal contact with a client through the entire transaction and elected to go with Send this file.
I think the clients like it as well. There are always questions about what paper,canvas,mount type.
Some times trying to automate too much takes the most important person out of the equation,you.
No one will ever sell your work better then you.

[HSakols]

I use You Send It.  And it's free.

[Justan]

Another option is to rent what is called a "SharePoint" site and configure that for uploads. These are widely available and the cost ranges for nothing, if you have a service that offers this (Comcast, as example offers this with some of their internet services), up to a few $$ per month.

They are pretty easy to configure and can configured as so-called blind uploads – meaning that the sender can send but not see anything on the server, or a site which requires a name/password for access, or a site which has no security, but i don't recommend this.

[Ellis Vener]

Have you look ed at Dropbox? www.dropbox.com

[jferrari]

I settled on Simple2FTP. It was important for security purposes that uploads would be to my server vice a third party "dropbox" type service, of which there are many. Thanks to all that replied, I appreciate the input.

[Mike Guilbault]

I've been using YouSendit for a few years now and not only do I like it, but my clients love it too.  This is how I deliver my digital images and how I tell others to send me large files.  The basic service is free, but there are other paid options as well that really don't cost that much.  Highly recommended!