Let the Buyer Beware

I’ve run into a first in the world of Web hosting companies – a company that not only has limited and poor technical service but offers no money back to new customers who sign up in good faith. Happened to me as I was seeking affordable virtual dedicated service (VDS) service as a backup alternative for some of my Wordpress blogs.

The company is DigitalSpace.net, located in Columbus, Ohio. Never heard of them? Well, there is perhaps a reason. Web hosting companies with good reputations and integrity are talked about. A few, like DigitalSpace.net, are to be shunned.

DigitalSpace.net claims to offer a 30-day money back guarantee on new accounts. But, then, the language becomes murky and ambiguous. No customer needs that sort of hassle, particularly in today’s online world where the emphasis is on customer service and when there are other alternatives. Perhaps my experience can be a lesson to all of us. I have never before run into a hosting company that did not honor its refund commitments or a reasonable request from a customer.

What action can you take? Plenty.

• When a company’s terms are in violation of Consumer Protection Acts, they don’t have a leg to stand on. DigitalSpace.net falls into that category.
• Inform the company immediately that you demand a full refund.
• File an immediate dispute with your credit card company against the merchant.
• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission which oversees online transactions. The FTC has a user-friendly Web site – http://ftc.gov/
• File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.

Incidentally, my primary Web hosting company is MediaTemple, a bit pricey but outstanding service. I highly recommend checking them out.