Starting an Online Business All-in-One For Dummies®, 3rd Edition

Putting the Long-Term Contract in the Past

An important factor in choosing a host is the nature of your contractual obligations. Long-term contracts are a distant memory when it comes to hosting a Web site. If a host that you're considering requires this type of contract, consider other options first. You're likely to find an equally good deal with another host that requires nothing more than a monthly commitment.

Don't get excited yet: You're not free and clear of all rules and obligations. You still must abide by certain terms of agreement. You might have to pay a small setup fee, along with the first few months of service in advance, none of which is refundable. Or you might be required to provide 30 days' notice before terminating service. More often than not, you pay monthly fees in advance of using the service, so plan ahead.

Because you always sign a paper agreement or click to accept an electronic document, a contract is still in place. Although it might not bind you to a block of payments over a specified period, it specifies the terms of your relationship with the host.

Always read the fine print of any contract, terms of agreement, or other legally binding document. You may find that some contracts limit what you can and cannot do on a Web site.