Cheap web hosting and domain registration

Unethical issues?

[3Mice]

I was about to host my site with one of these cheap web hosting companies which typically charge around $ 7 a month.
Most have the option of registering your domain name for you for free if you pay upfront for one year.
What made me stop was a complain I read in another forum where this person signed up with one of these companies and only realised later that the company had registered his domain name under their name so that in effect he never owned the domain name.

My question is, is this allowed and if not, what action might one take if faced with such kind of a situation.

Also, might anyone know of companies offering good cheap hosting solutions.
Regards
gerald

[pleeker]

3Mice, welcome to Webmaster World. :)

Yes it's legal, and it's probably spelled out in the fine print of the hosting agreement (which very few people read, I'm sure). Whenever you discuss domain registration, transfers, renewals with a hosting or design company, always ask who will be listed as the domain registrant/owner and who will be listed as the domain's Administrative contact. YOU, the business owner, should be listed as both, not the hosting or design company.

It's been my experience that you get what you pay for where web hosting is concerned, and if your main goal is to find the cheapest option available, you shouldn't expect much in terms of customer service and "doing things the right way." I think it's a worthwhile investment to spend a little more with a company who wants to partner with you as their client, and help you succeed.

[1milehgh80210]

realised later that the company had registered his domain name under their name so that in effect he never owned the domain name.<<
wow, I've dealt w/cheapo outfits before but never had that problem, ..scary..

[3Mice]

and it's probably spelled out in the fine print of the hosting agreement (which very few people read, I'm sure).<<

Hey! You are right on that one. Personally am guilty of not reading the hosting agreement page or any other kind of agreement forms for services that I buy on the web cause everything upto now has been smooth.
Thanks for the observation.
Regards

[zoltan]

I think it is always better to register your domain name at one place and host it on another place.

[Marcia]

>>always better to register your domain name at one place and host it on another place.

I agree. That way gives total control of the domain.