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Can I judge a host by their website?
| Posted by DennisK, 03-23-2006, 01:55 AM |
| I have been looking for a reseller account for our non-profit (501 c (3)) organization, and you should know first, these forums have been a big help in the process. Thank you.
I used the "Find a Host" search and indicated that we need hosted web space to help other local non-profits get started in our county, and asked if any discounts would be available. I received about a half dozen responses, although almost all seemed like automated replies. The typical discount offered was one month free hosting. No complaints there because I got what I asked for and without any hassles.
I also ended up on a mailing list or two, inadvertently I assume, and I called one company to confirm that this was an error. During the course of the conversation, the hosting company owner offered half off any of his packages. I was very excited about this, and our board of directors asked me to proceed with the arrangement.
Only now, I'm starting to doubt this choice of hosting company, and I'm wondering if my reasons are legit, or if I'm simply having a bit of buyer's remorse.
The prospective host has not replied to my email requesting the coupon code he said I'd need. His website does not have a way to email Support unless you have a user account. Some of his web pages do not always load in the iframe, and some of them are completely missing - like the one for Customer Service. There are a few small things about the website, like "Copyright" being spelled with a "W", that make me question the attention to detail of this company.
It can all be explained, I suppose, if the website was recently built and the designer is still working on it. And if there is only one guy running the whole company, he may be unavailable temporarily for any number of reasons.
Since this person is so willing to help our organization out, I'd really like to do business with him. He's offering every thing we want - LAMP, CPanel, WHM, unlimited db's and domains - all at a very good price. And to not do business with him would seem like a huge disloyalty on my part. However, a good business relationship is also very important, and I have an obligation to our organization to find the best fit.
So what do you think? Based on your experience and interactions with other hosts, are you of the opinion that I should be more patient and forgiving of this host, and stop being so picky because of a bad website? Or, can these issues be seen as a sign of possible trouble ahead?
Thanks for your feedback.
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| Posted by cartika-andrew, 03-23-2006, 02:07 AM |
| This is really the key point here... And even though you are representing non-profit organizations, this does not necessarily mean that you need to (or should) find vendors that also operate on zero profit.
Im not sure how reliant these organizations will be on their web services, however, often times, trying to save a few dollars a month can end up costing you alot more down the road...
These sort of items do not tell you anything with any certainty, but, they most definately are an indication.
You should report these to the forum - it really isnt appropriate to be using the host quote feature in order to build a spamming list - this would also be a concern if you are choosing a host, who they themselves, are sending questionable mail....
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| Posted by swflnetworks, 03-23-2006, 02:41 AM |
| DennisK, as a former hoosier.. I wouldn't want you to get stuck in a host that wouldn't fit.
Lesson Number 1: If a host puts you on a mailing list before you even join, then blacklist them and take them off your list of possible choices. As if they have to put you on a list to keep your attention, then their companies ethics in other parts cannot be all that good.
Lesson Number 2: If you're a non-profit. You need to go with a legally registered and licensed business.
You might actually go with a dedicated server, as if you have (501 c (3)) status, then you should have tax exemption status where you can call it a write-off for your organisation as long as the server is used for your organisation.
If you choose to use a dedicated server, I recommend to you:
www.layeredtech.com
www.gnax.com
www.15minuteservers.com
If you're hell-bent on a reseller account, then I recommend:
www.resellerzoom.com (Advanced or Premium account only)
Just a few tips
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| Posted by whatever, 03-23-2006, 02:44 AM |
| Although the website of a website should not necissarily be the deciding factor, unless you are completely confident in a web host I would not sign up. You even said that you feel obligated to select the correct host for your non-profit organisation - but that does not mean choose a non-profit host where everything is performed by the owner.
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| Posted by my_other_identity, 03-23-2006, 08:21 AM |
| May we know what company you're referring to?
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