JamesC

Starting with a new host?

Here are a few tips that might come in handy when either changing or starting with a hosting company.

1. Before you sign up look at the contact information provided by the company, email addresses, instant messenger, snail mail address, and of course phone numbers.

Email Addresses:
First thing before you sign up should always test out the email response just because they list a contact email does not always mean they will respond to it I have seen where hours even days may go by before the client gets an answer to a simple question.

Instant Messenger:
This seems to be a common thing these days an internet business posting their Instant Messenger ID for support issues, which is a great idea “If” there is someone on that ID during the day or night when you need help. So I would not place much confidence in this means of support.

Snail Mail Address:
Of course we all know that this is not any good for support issues plus it can be misleading (on the internet you can claim to be anywhere you like) but it can come in handy when doing research or back ground checks on a business.

Phone Number:
Now in my book this is a vital one to use, let’s say it’s Friday evening and your site just disappears. It is the busiest time of the week you are losing traffic and sales!!
Well a phone number that you could call (even if it is not a toll free number) could save you big dollars.

2. Monthly or Yearly payment options; I suggest starting out with a monthly payment plan I know all hosting companies will offer a great deal on the yearly payment plan but this locks you into what may become a year of trouble.

3. Upgrade options. Once again fine print in this area can cost you big bucks. So be sure to read the upgrade options carefully.

Now days anyone with a few dollars a month can set up a hosting company on the net. Many do and once they have made a few dollars they close that site down, take the money they made and start another one just to sucker someone else out of money and leave a lot of businesses out in the cold with no web site and no way of retrieving their expenses.

So good luck and remember to do your research.

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