What should I look for in a web host?

Satellite1 · 11-18-2005, 11:49 PM

When starting up an E-Commerce site, what is considered to be required that your web host provides? If you guy's could help me out. I just don't know much about it, and don't want to make a stupid decision. Thanks!

nado · 11-19-2005, 12:02 AM

I guess it depends on what sort of shopping cart you intend to use and what content you'll be putting on your site.

Some hosts offer easy install options within the control panel for shopping carts. Most shopping carts use PHP and MySQL which come standard with most hosting packages these days.

Then if you want to put many detailed photos or videos then you'll need a fair bit of space, although something as low as 200MB will probably do fine

Satellite1 · 11-19-2005, 12:26 AM

Thanks !

nado · 11-19-2005, 01:59 AM

Another good thing to do is send an email to a host you're thinking about and tell them what you're after and ask what they can do for you.

This way you can test their support.

Sarafina · 11-19-2005, 03:16 AM

The host has their interest in mind so I wouldn't trust them to tell you what you need.

Make sure it has PHP/MYSQL as well as Elefante installer or another scripts installer and 24/7 support. Everything else is upgradeable and pretty much standard.

GriZzly · 11-19-2005, 10:06 AM

Look for a host that clearly states what your bandwidth allowance is and any overflow fees. Most hosts that offer you 'unlimited bandwidth' are b.sing you and leaves you not knowing when your site will go offline due to too much traffic.

benoitb · 11-21-2005, 03:01 PM

The most important thing to look for is reliability and support.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarafina

The host has their interest in mind so I wouldn't trust them to tell you what you need.

Make sure it has PHP/MYSQL as well as Elefante installer or another scripts installer and 24/7 support. Everything else is upgradeable and pretty much standard.

Not all companies operate like this.

joshw · 11-22-2005, 11:32 AM

Have you considered buying your own server and hosting your own site? Depending on the size and scope of your site, it might be cheaper.

asher · 12-16-2005, 07:36 PM

Hi,

I would definitely recommend 3ix.org - i host my site with them (zedfone.com) and I've spent quite alot of time looking for hosts and found them to be the best.

Esp in regards to price - you can go online for as little as $1 per month... with a cart and everything, very customizable and professional...

Cartman · 12-22-2005, 05:44 PM

Reliability, support, speed, and price.

I've gone through a number of hosts, and finally found the right guys a few years back.. Their uptime is great, their support is incredible (all done online, but responses are usually within 30-60 minutes, even at 9pm at night), their speed is awesome, and their price is competative. eMax Hosting

There will always be cheaper guys out there, but you do get what you pay for. I use a cheap host for some of my recreational sites (How can you argue with 1-year hosting and a free domain name for $15 for the year?!), but for my e-commerce sites, I don't mess around - Any downtime can cost me WAY more than my monthly hosting costs.

nado · 12-22-2005, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cartman

Reliability, support, speed, and price.

I've gone through a number of hosts, and finally found the right guys a few years back.. Their uptime is great, their support is incredible (all done online, but responses are usually within 30-60 minutes, even at 9pm at night), their speed is awesome, and their price is competative. eMax Hosting

There will always be cheaper guys out there, but you do get what you pay for. I use a cheap host for some of my recreational sites (How can you argue with 1-year hosting and a free domain name for $15 for the year?!), but for my e-commerce sites, I don't mess around - Any downtime can cost me WAY more than my monthly hosting costs.

Do they have an affiliate program

gambit · 12-23-2005, 11:42 AM

When it comes to e-commerce, Security is the most priority. Reliability & free 24x7 telephone support comes second.

You can check out http://www.cyfocus.net/e-commerce-builder.asp

Here are some of the partial list:
-SSL enabled
-Site administrator password protection
-Data encryption
-Fraud Module
-Easy-to-use Wizard to build your store
-Seamless synchronization of order data between your online store and QuickBooks
-Order & Inventory management
-Shipping & Tax calculators
-UPS OnLine® Tools
-24/7 Phone Support

pentupentropy · 12-24-2005, 11:02 PM

if you want a dedicated server, xlhost has some awesome deals. You're going to add $35/mo to everything for cpanel, but I would definitely suggest it if you have no experience. For shared hosts, watch what you need with your shopping cart especially if you need things your host may not have, like

REGISTERED_GLOBALS = OFF

You can't go wrong asking in a place like this. Telling us what you need is better than telling the salesman at a hosting company. I've worked with huge hosts and small ones and I used to work for one of the biggest in the industry, and they're all out to sell something. If your needs are small, you should have little problems, and you might be better off just asking who NOT to host with.

nado · 12-25-2005, 12:18 AM

I'm currently with www.dreamhost.com ... can host unlimited domains, 5GB space, 250GB bandwidth and they've been around since 1996. So far they've been good, a little slow but we're only using it as a temporary solution until we get enough traffic on our websites to get a dedicate server or two.

Pretty good price, I think it was about US$7.95 per month. But we used a promo code which you can find floating around the net and places like the something awful forums... and that gave us $97 off for the year. Plus they have some awesome affiliate program where you get $97 for referring just one person.

I don't have a clue how they make money!

cheers
nathan

joviyach · 12-26-2005, 01:29 PM

Reliability is the thing I look for. I would rather pay $9.95 a month as long as the web host delivers on everything they say. I am using phpwebhosting.com , and I have no complaints. I have 4 MySQL databases running there right now, and I could add more immediately if I want. I have unlimited POP3 email addresses to distribute, I can point more than one domain at the account, I have unlimited bandwidth, and unlimited diskspace. All they ask is that I don't run a porn site there. I pay $9.95 a month for all of this, and to me it's a worth it. I have never had a single problem.