Explaining what FQ offers

[Erica C.]

I am a non-technical person at heart. But I have learned enough CSS, HTML, and XHTML to be able to create web sites. :smile:

I use FQ and recommend it to my clients. Usually I just talk about the CNC and mailing lists, uptime and terrific customer service. But I have a case where a client doesn't need a mailing list, is satisfied with his current host and is paying rock bottom prices there. I don't know how to compare FQ's offerings to a client's current host. I have no doubt that FQ is a better host but I can't address technical differences between a different host, in this case, Main Names.com (https://www.securepaynet.net/gdshop/rhp/default.asp?prog_id=MainNames) and FQ.

Thanks.

Erica

[Wassercrats]

You can start by telling him that Main Names can't be properly researched because it's not mentioned at all on http://www.webhostingtalk.com. There are probably hundreds of hosts mentioned there (or maybe dozens) and I wouldn't use a host that wasn't unless it was a free host for an account that didn't matter much.

[kitchin]

All about the transparency. If something's not working, I don't want waste time asking Unresposive Company if the problem is at their end, or if they have changed some obscure technical setting, or if they are making up what they just said to me.

[Erica C.]

All about the transparency.
Ah, the way we can come here and find out what's going on if there is a problem. Thank you. Any thoughts on what to do if my client hasn't experienced any problems? I don't know how responsive the host in question is.

Erica

[kitchin]

Tell them you'll charge the difference it it causes you headaches!

[Wassercrats]

If you're going to recommend Futurequest to someone who's satisfied with a cheap web hosting service, I'd also suggest other cheap web hosting services that you can find decent reviews of. I'd only mention Futurequest alone if it was an important website.

[Matt]

Main Names is "Powered by Wild West Domains" (i.e. GoDaddy reseller), which you can certainly find reviews of on WebHostingTalk.com. Erica, if your client is happy where he/ she is and not particularly enthusiastic about following your recommendation, I suggest you just leave the issue alone. Otherwise you will be regularly having to explain to your client why he/ she is paying more and why something works a little bit different here. I wouldn't make an issue out of it. If your client trusts you, values your judgment, and his/ her web site, he or she will eventually come around.

-Matt

[Marbledog]

Ditto what Matt said. That's happened with me with 2 or 3 clients - happy with their current host; I wanted to, but didn't push Fquest; eventually client became dissatisfied with something - service & unexpected price hike, I think - and POOF they are now Fquest accounts. Took a couple years.

[Wassercrats]

On the other hand, there would be no resentment if you suggest Futurequest in a generic way, on a page of your website, with some tips on finding a good web host.Main Names is "Powered by Wild West Domains"But if it works like Futurequest resellers, the customer service wouldn't be powered by Wild West Domains.

[Andilinks]

Matt and Marbledog have suggested the best and most professional of all possible sales techniques: the soft sell.

Suggest it and let it go, confident that the client will eventually come around...

When I feel myself being subjected to high pressure sales techniques I very bluntly proclaim that I will buy the thing. But I will wait until I'm not feeling pressured and no sooner. The salesperson usually moves on at that point.

[Erica C.]

Thanks for all the feedback.

I certainly don't want to pressure my client. I do want to be able to explain the technical aspects of web host offerings better. I trust FQ based on my experiences and what I've read here. However, I don't have the expertise or experience to explain why I'd recommend FQ over a host that seemingly offers more (bandwidth, space) for less money. Those offers make me suspicious--you can't get something for nothing--but I don't know enough to explain what's going on with those hosts.

I'd gratefully take any pearls of wisdom on the topic. :bow:

Erica

[Andilinks]

Yes, you did ask for selling points and were mostly told not to sell too hard. I do know that the security is top notch and the sysadmin is a genius...

But all the great things can be summed up by kitchin's astute observation: it's about transparency. The competency here is essential but the willingness and ability of the technical staff to communicate and communicate quickly are the key to making it work for most of us.

You may find more in the bottom half of this page (http://www.aota.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&f=21&page=1&pp=25&sort=lastpost&order=desc&daysprune=-1).

[Mandi]

My favorite thing to tell clients about FQ used to be how they stayed 100% online through the 6 weeks of hurricanes we had in the late summer/early fall of 2004, including direct hits on the data center (I say we, because I lived there then too.) It's still a good story, and measure of their mega prowess.

Edited to say, I don't mean that I lived in the data center, LOL - I'd just change it, but it's kind of a funny typo and it's apparently Mandi Making Stupid Posts (http://www.aota.net/forums/showthread.php?t=22267) day. (Coming soon: Feel Sorry for Your Favorite Blond day . . . )