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Aaron Hill
3,983 PointsShould a web designer also secure hosting and domains for clients?
So, this past month I lost a client because I explained to them that they would have to get hosting and secure a web domain for themselves and I would design the website. Should I have told them I would handle everything and let them focus on their work, or did I make the right decision? Ultimately hindsight is 20/20, so I'm asking for the future.
4 Answers
Andrew Shook
31,709 PointsI always include hosting and domain name in my proposals for a project, with the understanding that those are yearly charges that they will have to paid for. If they already have those things already then I just adjust the price accordingly. I also include any kind of server configuration and installing the site too. I find that the more options you give a client to choose from the better.
After the project is done I give them the GoDaddy account info and sever admin info(usually Linode), and let them know that if they have any issues they can contact me. Most of my clients often just decide to pay me for an hour of maintenance a month. So I just do any upgrades to the server and renewals as needed
Kevin Korte
28,149 PointsI'm going through something similar building a website for a friend's business. It's probably easier for me to have this discussion with him since we have a personal relationship as well as professional.
I as a designer have no problem getting the domain name, and the hosting for them set up, getting the DNS squared away, and helping them choose a hosting plan that will fit their needs, expected traffic, and budget. We've sat down and talked about the cost, the re-occurring cost he will have to pay, what he is getting and why we are buying this service.
I however will not in any way purchase these services with my account, or my card. If the client is willing to give me the details needed to set up the accounts and the card number to buy the services I will. I'd prefer to go through both processes with them there, because it doesn't take much time to set up, once it's done. From there all I usually need is an FTP account into the server and I'm golden from there.
Granted, this is for shared hosting plans. If the client was wanting a VPS that is something I would help them find a good provider of a VPS, but I would not, nor really could not set up a VPS and feel super confident in doing so. I'd suggest they hire a server guru for that.
Aaron Hill
3,983 PointsThat is precisely what I am talking about, Kevin. Any out of pocket expenses up front I would prefer to limit, especially where it concerns a recurring monthly fee or even a yearly contract. If I have to use my card to pay for something, exchanging it to their card or transferring information can become a hassle, but not so much so that I want to lose a client over it.
Kyle Racki
10,389 PointsAaron,
I would recommend that if your clients are that hung up about it, sit down with them and pop opena Domain registrar and hosting company website, run through it with them, buy the domain but put it on their card, then map the DNS to a hosting account, again in their name and CC. Then tack an hour onto their bill.
They're happy because you just let them buy what they needed without having to think. You're happy because it's in their name and credit card.
Steve McKinney
29,274 PointsI believe you made a good decision, if this was to come at no extra cost then in the long run it would be quite expensive for you. Even if you were to be paid for it, I still think it's not worth the effort or money. If the server goes down at 3am on a Saturday, it's your responsibility.
Servers, domains and that kind of area is something I'd steer well clear of, so much can go wrong. You may want to recommend personal preferences, so when you're handling file transfer etc it's simpler.
Andrew Shook
31,709 PointsIt seems like servers always pick the most inconvenient times go down.
Keith Doyle
25,973 PointsThen again... is there ever a convenient time for it to go down?
Aaron Hill
3,983 PointsI explained to the client all the additional charges they would incur up front and gave four of my personal choices regarding host accounts, but I could tell from the conversation I had on the phone that the client had no idea what I was talking about.
Bastian Schiller
20,873 PointsBeyond any technical issues of this question, always keep in mind: The clients often does have little knowledge about the technical side, which sometimes worries/scares them. You are the one that has to make the client feel comfortable. So i always include hosting and domain in my pricing. I always make sure, the client recognizes that i take care of everything. THAT is important, because do you know where i get most of my leads? After the project is ready, i do a final meeting with the client (where the client often is totally happy because of his new website) and ask him "who do you know needs a website as well"? You have a little time window where the client is so happy, that you nearly can get anything and you will end up with 2 or 3 leads, of which usually one becomes the next client.
P.S.: If you don´t include it in your price, make sure you tell the customer the hosting and domain costs some extra money. Don´t tell the client your website costs X and when you´re about to leave approach with "there is one more thing"… Worked for Steve Jobs, but not with clients ;-)
Aaron Hill
3,983 PointsAaron Hill
3,983 PointsAndrew, I have been contemplating lowering my overall price, which includes a month of tech support to familiarize clients with their new site, to a one time site design charge and then an hourly rate following that for any support issues they may have. Will try your approach next time. Thanks for the info!