Questions to ask your web hosting company before signing up

Before you finalize a web hosting company for your hosting needs, you should consider getting an answer for the following questions before you sign up.

While you get in touch with the web hosting company for asking some questions, first make sure if they are answered on the web hosting company's website. If those questions are answered and still you ask the same questions you will most probably get a reply to refer the website and this will label you as a probable nightmare support client as the web hosting company will fear that you wll not read instructions and support FAQ's. So, ask the following questions and get answers to them before you signup for web hosting services.

Dear Web Hosting Company,
I am planning to host my website [insert your web address over here]. My web site will require the features such as [insert a list of features]. I think the package mentioned your website suits my requirements very well, but before I sign up I just have a few questions to ask you.

1. Do you have some special pricing for a non profit organisation or for a educational institute ?

2. If I sign up for an annual package - then do I get any discount?

3. Do I have to pay any set up fee ? Have I got to pay in advance?

4. Is there any trial period that you offer, or do you have any sort of money back guarantee?

5. Is there any transfer limit on the package that I am considering, If Yes, then what is the limit and what basis daily, monthly or yearly?

6. Can you let me have a list of few other web site that are currently being hosted by you?

7. How fast can my account be activated after I sign up?

8. Is it necessary to register a domain name through you? What if I have already registered the domain name? How long does it take for the domain to be propogated?

9. How will my site appear? Will it be necessary to append http://www. before my website name?

10. How well is your support department equipped, Do you offer 24/7/365 support? What are the means of support - Email, Phone, Fax, Live Chat?

11. What are the number of email accounts that you offer? Do you offer SMTP server and a catch all account?

12. Will I have an access to control panel? Will I be able to add, delete, edit and modify email accounts on my own or will I ahve to be dependent on you for the same? Will I be able to change my password on my own?

I await to receive your response on the above questions, also do let me know any other valuable information which you think I might have missed out.

Answers to above questions will give a clear idea of what features and facilties you would be getting from your web hosting company.

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