Unfortunately, I signed up with Powweb in November of 2001 for a 1 year contract that I paid in full. After 4 months I wanted to cancel, and called to advise them. They told me that since I paid in full I was locked in for the year! Well I figured that I did sign a 1 year contract with them and I just had to " eat it".
Now, a year later, after I told them that I wanted to leave and after not using the account at all for anything.....they bill my credit card for renewal of another full year!
Soooo! I decide to email them and clear it up once an for all and I get an email back telling me that I can cancel but I have to pay a pro-rated fee plus $10.00 early cancellation fee!
What kind of company does business like this!!!
It seems that they aren't interested in correcting a problem...they are just interested in collecting as much money as they can.

Unfortunately, I signed up with Powweb in November of 2001 for a 1 year contract that I paid in full. After 4 months I wanted to cancel, and called to advise them. They told me that since I paid in full I was locked in for the year! Well I figured that I did sign a 1 year contract with them and I just had to " eat it".
You're never locked in... there are options.
Now, a year later, after I told them that I wanted to leave and after not using the account at all for anything.....they bill my credit card for renewal of another full year!
I believe all hosts rebill their yearly customers, as far as not using it... well that has nothing to do with it.
Soooo! I decide to email them and clear it up once an for all and I get an email back telling me that I can cancel but I have to pay a pro-rated fee plus $10.00 early cancellation fee!
I don't see what is wrong with that, if someone cancels an obligation, and then they charge you a fee for it, that's their right, and more than likely in their TOS.

Now I don't know this company, nor do I run my company in the forementioned manner, but it seems to me that you could of informed them in writing that after your contract was up, you do not want to be rebilled for another year. Then there wouldn't be a problem.

Originally posted by webwired
Quit your whining.

It's comments like these that give this industry such a bad reputation...

Greg Moore

Originally posted by akashik


It's comments like these that give this industry such a bad reputation...

Greg Moore


I totally agree akashik! :rolleyes:

Or perhaps it because people come in here to bash, and they got to know that it isn't going to do them any good. Then it's people like yourselves that support and nurture them. BTW, I edited out that part from the previous post... perhaps I was a bit too strong with that comment.

MSN charges $75 cancelation fee if you decide to cancel. Look at their AUP. So they aren't the only ones.

-Brandon
Eryxma Networks Support

I had to leave 2 hosting companies before my annual account expires (one went out of business, the other one turned out to be too imitting); so, I can understand docta's anger.

If docta specifically stated that he wanted to cancel the account before it was expired. The fault then lies with powerweb for their negligence.

HostInspect, I think you're missing the point. docta said he let powerwb know that he wanted to cancel -> do not charge me for the next billing cycle . And, webwired, are u telling me that custommer can't complaint when they're unhappy with the service?

hnmedcom,
No, what I was saying was that there is no need to complain inside this forum where it isn't going to do you any good. Say, for example, that it was just a mistake, then you just bashed someone for no good reason. The complaining should be done to the company that the problem is with. Furthermore, a company is entitled to their policies that so many people don't read about in the TOS. What I was also trying to say was that you have options, such as if indeed you properly submitted your notice of cancellation, then if they didn't release you, you can then take it up with your credit card company and stop payment. I don't believe in chargebacks, because as all hosts know there are too many of them for all the wrong reasons, but in a case such as that, it is definately an option that will work.

You know, I've always treated my end users the same way that I would want to be treated as a customer and a person. If someone wishes to cancel and has any money do to them, I always refund it and wish them good luck in their future endeavors. (Although that doesn't happen very often)

Doing business as listed in the first post will just piss your end users off and in the long run hurt your business and reputation. My business has grown from 1 to 3 servers over the course of a year, do to my business practices and emphasis on customer service.

When a company uses it's TOS to "screw" an end user, it just hurts itself in the long run.

Kind Regards,
-Darrell B.

I thought that this is what these forums were all about. Users sharing their good and bad experiences about web hosts and looking out for each other. If some web host has shady billing practices, I would like to know about it. Sounds to me like this guy requested his account to be cancelled when the billing period ended. Now PowWeb incorrectly billed him for another 1 year cycle, and when he complains they want to charge him $10 early termination fee for their screw-up.

Yes, but aren't there two sides to every story? Besides, doesn't that company deserve the opportunity to know if something is being posted about them, so that if they have a legitimate excuse, they may defend themselves. Well I think so anyway, so I have written their support department, given them this link so that they at least do have that opportunity. You see, I don't think there is enough information on here to take anyone's side. What if someone got mad at you and just started posting detrimental posts on a forum without your knowledge, not quite fair huh?

Without getting into the specifics of the original poster's case, I can say taht PowWeb gives users the option to "auto-renew" or NOT "auto-renew" in the account sign up form.

In addition, a user can log in to the member's operation center at any time and change their account status to renew or not renew.

Email is also sent out 14 days before *any* account is billed, and on the day the account is due to be billed - even when set to auto renew.

I don't intend to sit in here and defend PowWeb, and I wouldn't try to make excuses for a legitimate complaint, but I've worked for four web hosting companies, and of the four, PowWeb is far and away the most customer oriented.

mjp
PowWeb support

Hrm - I always seem to see so many bad comments about this company..

Originally posted by webwired
What if someone got mad at you and just started posting detrimental posts on a forum without your knowledge, not quite fair huh?
You just noticed this? Now? Here only on WHT?

Ever seen a political ad? Maybe read a newspaper? The world is full of one-sided views, it's whoever's voice is the loudest and pockets the deepest that get heard.

WHT is a great place, doesn't matter if you're running a million/yr business or Joe Customer you've got a voice and a Chicken who doesn't ban lightly.

Sincerely,

-Matt

Powweb was the reason I originally signed on to WebHostingTalk in the first place. That was back in Sept. of last year. After writing to the Better Business Bureau, I finally got a patial refund. Lesson learned: pay by the month! Choose the shortest contract until you've at least tried them out for a year.

Issue a chargeback... your credit card company won't care about the cancellation fee... as far as they are concerned as long as Powweb doesn't have your signature on file you have the right to dispute anything they charge on your card.

Edited to say that unless they changed their policy since then they were required to refund you the remaining months of your first year when you asked to cancel intially:
PowWeb will refund to you the prepaid fees for basic hosting for the full months remaining after effectiveness of cancellation, less any prior fees and charges, and an early cancellation fee of $25.

you mean you signed up with them despite getting popups of their advertisement and getting their junk mails in your mailbox?
I mean the first time I see their ad in a junk popup window I blacklisted them. No powweb.

if you want your money back

call you cc carrier and charge it back there is a good chance you will get your way..

Originally posted by theprimehost
You know, I've always treated my end users the same way that I would want to be treated as a customer and a person. If someone wishes to cancel and has any money do to them, I always refund it and wish them good luck in their future endeavors. (Although that doesn't happen very often)

Doing business as listed in the first post will just piss your end users off and in the long run hurt your business and reputation. My business has grown from 1 to 3 servers over the course of a year, do to my business practices and emphasis on customer service.

When a company uses it's TOS to "screw" an end user, it just hurts itself in the long run.

Kind Regards,
-Darrell B.

I couldnt' agree with you more. I would be mighty upset if I got screwed over by a TOS. We have the TOS to ensure that order is kept, and that we aren't screwed out of money, but if a client requests a cancellation you should listen to them, because it's possible they are leaving your company not because they don't like the way you operate, but because they require more than you offer, but that won't stop them from telling their friends about you.

I am personally sick and tired of what most companies have become in North America, money sucking gremlins..but hey...Money drives this world so what what you can do :confused:

I don't think you can get screwed by a TOS that you agreed to when you signed up. It is your responsibility to read and agree to them, not to just check the pretty little check box that said you have agreed and read the TOS.

What POWWEB has done is making them more money. I personally refund if someone cancels with our service and have paid for a year, though if I didn't do that I could pull in some extra cash... If what POWWEB support said is true, about a 14 day email notification and the ability to turn off renewal billing, I see they are in no way legally at fault... They are just looking at ways to make the most money off their customers.

Hi,


I read a lot of "negative" reactions of Powweb...

In november 2001 i signed up for hosting my site there, everything seems like normal, and a year we have host our site without any problems. Now it is dec. 2002 and they have delete my whole account!!!

3 weeks ago i have pay for these crap! They told me that i used more than 2.2Gb per day, so i need a bigger package (Powweb Plus account) for $ 19,95 per month. I have a site about Fireworks and this site is very populair in Holland (where i come from) and the members (almost 900!) send and recieve a lot of webtraffic.

In one month my site is disabled three times.... they send me an mail with one text.... this is the warning that they give me:

-------------------------------------------------
reactivated account
Date: 2002-12-11 21:04:03
Posted By: bleduc
Body: The Customer is now promising to implement a bandwidth
limiter. This is his last warning. If his Bandwidth goes
over limit again, please shut down the account
permanently. Bret
-------------------------------------------------

After this warning we have implement a limiter..... butt the same week almost 4100 visitors have connected with my site PER DAY!!!

A week later i recieved a mail from Powweb...

-----------------------------------
third overage in one month
Date: 2002-12-21 12:07:09
Posted By: mjp
Body: canceled.
-----------------------------------
Thats all!!

At this moment the have blocked my OPS and my site is down!

I ask you... What kind of service is this???!?!
Powweb has blocked my account without any warning or mail!

Regards,

Arjan
http://www.arjanuitman.com

Originally posted by theprimehost
You know, I've always treated my end users the same way that I would want to be treated as a customer and a person. If someone wishes to cancel and has any money do to them, I always refund it and wish them good luck in their future endeavors. (Although that doesn't happen very often)

Doing business as listed in the first post will just piss your end users off and in the long run hurt your business and reputation. My business has grown from 1 to 3 servers over the course of a year, do to my business practices and emphasis on customer service.

When a company uses it's TOS to "screw" an end user, it just hurts itself in the long run.

Kind Regards,
-Darrell B.

To bad more hosting companies are not like you!
One reason I stay with my host,"I am a person." Not the price as they are not cheap, but the fact that I get treated like a real person. Even in their e mails, Hi(first name), lets us know ASAP if you have a problem,etc.

I ALMOST sign up with PowWeb more than a couple of time, only to be held back by their yearly thing. (They later have the quarterly option, but you need to pay a $20 set-up fee)

The other post here is right in advising never to sign up and prepay for a year before you know the company for a while.

I have 1 thing to say, call your credit card company and tell them to revurse the charge form that web host. If you didnt sign for anything you dont have to pay it.....

Those are the rules for any US credit card merchant.

Web Docta, I am on your side. I hate it when companies play dirty. What they tell you is a load of bs.

Well,I'm a Powweb customer and proud of it.Got 2 accounts and counting....The upgrades constanatly comes..And when the servers did go down for almost a day PW offerd free 6 months of service to all those that were affected..The bottom line is...When you're on top..Theirs always gonna be guys like you down their to pull the big guy down....If they're so bad..Explain why they currently have 30,000+ members.......PW is on top....Until you guys can accomplish the things they've done with your 2-bit servers and business you run from your home/apartment...I think you shouldn't talk down on them but investigate on how to be like them ;)

Originally posted by Reefer
.If they're so bad..Explain why they currently have 30,000+ members.......PW is on top....Until you guys can accomplish the things they've done with your 2-bit servers and business you run from your home/apartment...I think you shouldn't talk down on them but investigate on how to be like them ;)


Because People are ignorant. Plain and simple. This company has a massive ad campaign that includes spamming everyone and anyone. It's only a matter of time before you get screwed by them too. Sorry. Anyone who spams doesn't deserve a penny in my books,

Holy crap... 30,000 customers doesnt mean your the best. Look at how many customers AOL has for internet access?

I would agree that ignorance is a more likely answer to their large customer base then them being the best webhost.

Not to say that some people don't have a great experience with Powweb... but they are most certianly not the best provider you could find.

Well,To each their own.....I've been with PW for coming on almost a year now (Just purchased my 2nd domain)..And I've been completely satisfied...Maybe me and the other 30,000 customers got bypassed when the spamming campaign was in effect,although I hear outstanding advertising for services work real well these days ;).......
I've got a question......What hosting company is 100% perfect in this not so perfect world.....Maybe they quadruple 10 times over the 30,000+ customers PW has..When you all provide the link...Then I'll transfer my business:D ...


BTW-I'm looking to $ucceed in my online business...Exactly how can 1 be successful at spamming............;)

Wait,wait,wait,,,,These forums is full of low-level competitors...Aahhhhhhh shoot,,,You guys almsot got me...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA :D

Reefer, you're probably someone that works for powweb.com, trying to get back powweb.com's image back :rolleyes:.

Customer base is nothing, half of them could probably be people just like Web Docta, who payed a year in full, and think that PW sucks! Ever think of that one?

And most companies on WHT are 10x better than PowWeb

I have 6 accounts with Powweb and can verify that you have the option to auto renew or not. If you choose to not auto renew when your account expires it will be closed. They do send an email 14 days before expiration date either way. This seems like a very reasonable way to handle renewal. If the person complaining would have taken the time to keep his own house in order, he would'nt have had any problem. Evidently he did'nt, now he wants to come here and scream foul.

When you enter into a contract both parties have a duty to keep their end of the contract. Powweb kept theirs, the person complaining did not.

Pow Web sucks.

As far as I am concerned, they ought to be shut down for consumer fraud.

Call your credit card company and dispute the charges. You'll get your money back and they'll get to pay a chargeback fee as well.

I'd encourage EVERYONE with that company to do this. They'll get sick of paying the chargeback fees and maybe they'll get thier head out of thier ass and treat thier customers properly.

Originally posted by alphadesk
I have 6 accounts with Powweb and can verify that you have the option to auto renew or not. If you choose to not auto renew when your account expires it will be closed. They do send an email 14 days before expiration date either way. This seems like a very reasonable way to handle renewal. If the person complaining would have taken the time to keep his own house in order, he would'nt have had any problem. Evidently he did'nt, now he wants to come here and scream foul.

When you enter into a contract both parties have a duty to keep their end of the contract. Powweb kept theirs, the person complaining did not.

As soon as a company starts to spam its customers and other consumers it doesn't deserve anything anymore. Everyday I receive more than 200 spam messages of which more than half have the name of a reputable company. It really is a sad state of affairs.