Posted on August 3rd, 2011Just as corporate companies and non-profit organization abide by a code of conduct, so should your web hosting provider. Established and reputable web hosts understand the importance of standing by their promises when delivering services to customers. Whether offering money back guarantees, canceling accounts, taking proactive measures to ensure security and privacy, or delivering quality customer service, web hosting providers should strive to respect a code of conduct.
Money Back Guarantees
Depending on the web hosting provider, money back guarantees vary greatly. While some don’t offer any sort of money back guarantees if customers aren’t completely satisfied with the services delivered, other hosting providers offer a 30, 60, or 90 day money back guarantee. Yet other providers extend an anytime money back guarantee with no questions asked for refunds. Regardless of the guarantee promised, it’s essential for web hosting providers to adhere to the contract in regards to the guarantee.
Cancellations
When it comes to canceling a web hosting account, it’s often a convoluted and complicated situation. Once the terms of a contract expires, customers may opt to cancel accounts and choose a new hosting provider without much hassle, however, it’s more difficult for customer to cancel their accounts early. If a web host fails to deliver on promises written in the contract, then customers have the right to terminate the contract at any time. For customers wishing to transfer a website before the user agreement ends, they may find more resistance from hosting providers. Ultimately, it’s contingence upon the terms written in the contract as to whether or not customers have the legal right to move websites.
A caveat: many disgruntle web hosting customers complain that providers continue to charge monthly fees after cancelling accounts or switching hosts. For this reason, it’s a good idea to authorize web hosting charges on debit cards, prepaid Visa cards or PayPal. While unauthorized charges may not break a banking account, however, hosting providers doing so breech a code of conduct.
Security and Privacy
Security and privacy are very important issues for both customer and hosting providers. Before signing a contract, new customers should review the privacy policies. Inquire whether or not the web host sells customer information to third parties. Also, ask if the host participates in spam practices. If the provider shares sensitive information or spams customers with unsolicited e-mails, then you may want to question the host’s code of conduct in order to ensure your privacy.
Customer Support
Many customers are easily led astray when depending on support when attempting to resolve technical issues. While hosting providers may offer quality support, often it’s only available during specific business hours with limited operation hours on the weekends. Also, telephone customer support doesn’t always include toll-free numbers; thus customers seeking technical assistance. Efficient customer support is vital for maintaining a reputable website; thus it’s essential for hosting providers to abide by a code of conduct to ensure delivery of quality customer support services.
Conclusion
For web hosting providers to be considered trust-worthy and reputable, it’s imperative hosts fulfill the terms of a user agreement and abide by a code of conduct. While it’s impossible to please everyone, the effort in trying is greatly appreciated among satisfied customers and repaid with customer loyalty.