Beginner with E-mail - Few questions for the exports

I have attempted to send out Newsletters and e-mails to customers (aka test e-mails to myself and a few other e-mail clients for tests with other coworkers). I attempted to create professional looking newsletters with images and colors. However, the only thing that shows up in the e-mail clients is just the text. What is the best way to create professional looking newsletters with images. My goal is to send newsletters like how tigertirect.com and circuitcity.com. Any tips and suggestions? Do I need to purchase one of those business e-mail newsletter creators over the internet?

Thanks!

mailchimp.com

So I take it that if I want what I am looking for, I need to purchase the business e-mail creators like mailchimp.com? Anyone else use mailchimp or recommend another site?

I would love to send out monthly newsletters to my customers and prospect customers that include html and/or pictures. There are no pictures that display when I send out e-mails from zencart. I would love to get the opinions of others on this forum for how they e-mail their customers. I had one person mention mailchimp.com. I would love to have my newsletters look professional like a circuitcity.com or bestbuy.com e-mail. Do I need to purchase a subscription with a business e-mail site? Any recommendations?

mailchimp.