I would appreciate some advice re. the payment for hosting a website. It may appear an odd question but I’m unsure which way to go.

 

I have made several sites for family but have always paid for the domain and hosting myself, then asked for the money from them every three months or so.

 

Suddenly I’ve been asked to build two sites for other people and I’m not sure what to do once they’re completed. I’m looking at three options:-

 

1. Having tested it on different browsers should I simply hand over the code and images etc for the owner to upload himself.

 

2. Upload it and make absolutely sure there are no flaws in the different displays, then hand over the code etc. This may mean the owner having to physically be by me to buy the domain and hosting, sorting out his passwords etc so he has total control.

 

3. Retain the code etc and ask the owner to pay for his own domain / hosting then pass onto me the login details, so that I can access the site should I be asked to.

 

Many thanks for any help.

 

Kuler

Personally, I rent a reseller package from Clook and host all my clients myself, atleast for the first year as it is a great source of revenue.

 

I pay £30 for the server every month but charge each client £30 a month hosting and maintanance. If you are willing to offer a couple of hours work inclusive of the price then its a pretty fair deal assuming they utalise you.

 

Most of my clients only ever ask for updates every few months and a couple have small bits everymonth.

 

I invoice monthly at £30 or offer the full year for £300 if they pay up front.

 

If you are not able or willing to support your clients, it can be a pain in the arse sometimes, then I would use option 3, never hand over work without full payment.

I always have the client set up their server. It's not to hard for any of them especially since they use GoDaddy (eww) or Bluehost. Then I upload it to their server for them. Never had a problem in all the years I have been doing this.

Many thanks for your advice.

I'll probably take the second option, as mentioned by Cib, and will make sure I have a contract set up so both parties know what's happening.

Thanks again

Kuler