Getting a Refund from Your Web Host

There is a countless amount of web hosting providers on the market and unfortunately, many companies are making offers to customers that they just can’t guarantee. Not only is this very misleading, but terribly frustrating for the customer who finds out the hard way that everything isn’t what it seems. These hosting illusions constitute as false advertising and are teetering on the borderline of fraud. Once of the biggest problems facing customers today is related to refunds, better yet, a lack there of. This article will provide you with a few tips on fighting back against those shady web hosts who can’t live up to their claims and helping stop them from unleashing their bag of tricks on other customers.

Examining the Guarantee

Almost every hosting provider offers some type of money-back guarantee. They advertise their service as “risk-free”, making a claim that they will refund your money if you are not 100% satisfied. The treachery usually lies within the fine lines of the contract. This is why it is absolutely critical to make sure you know the refund policy in and out before choosing a web hosting solution. Does the host offer a full money back guarantee or simply refund a portion?

What are the features and services that would prevent you from getting a full refund? It is important to have a clear understanding of this policy so you don’t go into a panic and most importantly, become a victim of poor business practices. If you find that your web host is in the wrong, it is definitely time to take action and put an end to the madness.

Taking a Stand

When encountering a shady web host that doesn’t want to hold up their end of the bargain, the first move you make should be a trip to the (BBB) Better Business Bureau website. Keep in mind that even though you might have made it a priority to sign up with a BBB accredited hosting provider, doesn’t mean that the company is employing respectable practices. And while the Bureau can get you some results, the best way to ensure action is by making a little noise. You can do this by keeping the online community informed and posting comments about your experiences on popular web hosting directory sites. Once the BBB starts getting a good number of complaints, they will likely investigate to find out what’s really going on with your provider.

If a web host took your money, didn’t provide the level of service as advertised and didn’t provide a refund upon request, you can take matters one step further by reporting the company to the Attorney General in where ever state their business is located. You could also send a report to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) Department of Consumer Protection. A company who wants to stay in business will respond quickly to requests from such authorities and usually work fast to resolve issues.

Read the Fine Print

Even though several web hosts will make outrageous claims they can’t keep, it is up to you to make sure they can deliver as promised before making a commitment. By signing the dotted line without reading all the details, you could be signing away your right to a refund.

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