Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Web Hosting : Want to move from APlus.net hosting

[tuffdeal]

I have my own small business, am my own tech support and do my own website. That's the easy part. The tough part is that I have poor hearing and have a tough time working with outsourced tech support because of language differences and accents. Hearing people on the other end of the phone is not at all easy let alone understanding them.....and my hearing aid makes it even worse. When I signed on with APlus 3 years ago I could work with their tekkies. In the past year its become impossible. With my poor hearing I just cannot understand them and the connections are terrible. Consequently they get angry at me and we accomplish nothing.

My website is not complex, costly nor voluminous. I want to move it to a hosting service that has US based tech support with whom I can either talk [and understand] or instant message on that rare occasion when I need help. I only pay about $10 a month with APlus and am not looking to splurge.

Does anyone have any suggestions for hosts that have US based support, are not fly by night and which have decent design software?

[MrRadic]

Well you best bet would be to put a list of hosts together, then do some research here on WHT. There are plenty of reviews to read through, and most mention the quality of support. Best of luck with your new host.

[sTag-Dan]

I smell a ban coming...

tuffdeal, it doesn't look like you need a complicated package so any host should be okay for you. Like MrRadic said, keep your eyes on a couple of hosts then do some research on each then decide which one to go for.

[TheLaw]

It would be much better if you could let us know about your package specs, and what kind of assistence you needed that you could not get understood with the support guys? Was there something wrong with the server, with the billing or you just needed minimal changes on your site and special permissions.

For $10/mo you will have a wide range of hosting companies you can choose from, but I would spend some time (if I had) and do a small research, make a short list of companies as others said, e-mail then and see how detailed and clear their answer is.

Best luck.

[mrbister]

Since I'm in Europe I prefer european hosting companies due to the speed/latency issue, but I've tried many US hosting companies over the years. Latest "test" is hostgator, and I'm impressed by the server performance and support ticket answer times. Unfortionately I haven't called their support so I can't help you with that. The only times I've called a hosting company is when they don't answer mail in a timely matter. Hostgator can be found at http://www.hostgator.com
Maybe you should give them a call.

[wasobo]

european is cheapper and can have unmetered server for cheap!

[graphxguru]

I gather the crux of it is that this poster want a US base host and when they need tech support that want to speak with someone without an accent.
So no, no matter how inexpensive European hosting is, that wont to (but, I love a brit accent, all accents) However, the OP can't understand them or any other accents due to a hearing impairment.

I just signed my sister up (usa person living in New Zealand) with webhostingbuzz.com
When I called them (at least 3 times) I got an english speaking, no accent support person.
That may be normal, maybe not.

I also use Aplus (names4ever) to rigister my names. I know what you mean about having a hard time understanding them. I spent all day yeasterday sorting out name and hosting messes and when I talked to the guy at Aplus, I had a VERY hard time understanding him and he a hard time understanding me (I talk very fast) so I had to slow down, way, way down...We finally decided to finish it all via email...lol...that worked out MUCH better.
So, if you are otherwise happy with Aplus, you could try that. Sometimes it IS better to convey what you're saying, via email...(but then, I hate to have to write what I'm trying to explaini too)

Do some research on US based web hosting places, if you find one give them a call and if you get someone that doesn't have an accent, tell them what your needs are and take it from there...
Cause the truth of the matter is, it can be a US based hosting company and they can have mostly folks from India, Mexico, China or just about anywhere working in their support area.

Best of luck to you

[OnlineRack]

Originally Posted by graphxguru

I gather the crux of it is that this poster want a US base
I also use Aplus (names4ever) to rigister my names. I know what you mean about having a hard time understanding them. I spent all day yeasterday sorting out name and hosting messes and when I talked to the guy at Aplus, I had a VERY hard time understanding him and he a hard time understanding me (I talk very fast) so I had to slow down, way, way down...We finally decided to finish it all via email...lol...that worked out MUCH better.
So, if you are otherwise happy with Aplus, you could try that. Sometimes it IS better to convey what you're saying, via email...(but then, I hate to have to write what I'm trying to explaini too)


Best of luck to you

good point about email. have you tried emailing them.... do they not respond sooner. you may want to tell your account rep about your situation so they can arrangement for you. this way you email certain techs directly so that they can respond sooner than normal support tickets in the event it is urgent.

[Nadabrahma]

Originally Posted by mrbister

Since I'm in Europe I prefer european hosting companies due to the speed/latency issue, but I've tried many US hosting companies over the years. Latest "test" is hostgator, and I'm impressed by the server performance and support ticket answer times. Unfortionately I haven't called their support so I can't help you with that. The only times I've called a hosting company is when they don't answer mail in a timely matter. Hostgator can be found at http://www.hostgator.com
Maybe you should give them a call.

I would also vote for HG, based on my personal experiences. I actually haven't talked with them on the phone, though - the few issues I've had vere solved using emails. My impression is the support is NOT outsourced, though.

[AvailNetworks]

it should be relatively easy to get this job done if you are looking for good 'local' support. Make a list of a few webhosts that suit your needs, and send them a helpdesk ticket asking about their tech support facilities.

Most places now generally only do helpdesk support and no phone at all, as this method is better geared towards the webhost industry.

[The Stealthy One]

HostGator would be a good choice for you.

[Martie]

Originally Posted by tuffdeal

I have my own small business, am my own tech support and do my own website. That's the easy part. The tough part is that I have poor hearing and have a tough time working with outsourced tech support because of language differences and accents. Hearing people on the other end of the phone is not at all easy let alone understanding them.....and my hearing aid makes it even worse. When I signed on with APlus 3 years ago I could work with their tekkies. In the past year its become impossible. With my poor hearing I just cannot understand them and the connections are terrible. Consequently they get angry at me and we accomplish nothing.

My website is not complex, costly nor voluminous. I want to move it to a hosting service that has US based tech support with whom I can either talk [and understand] or instant message on that rare occasion when I need help. I only pay about $10 a month with APlus and am not looking to splurge.

Does anyone have any suggestions for hosts that have US based support, are not fly by night and which have decent design software?

Hi tuffdeal!
Well you should be able to find decent hosting provided you do abit of research.
If you are able to acquire a short list I would suggest sending off some pre-sales emails to them about your concerns. You might have fewer to choose from IF you really want to have phone support as not all offer that, BUT, from my understanding in your post IF live chat or email IS "prompt" in responding to your needs then you are OK. I would definitely inquire too if they have US support as that is a problem for you. Your needs certainly seem average.

[SEOKing]

I would recommend a web hosting company that has been in the business for a few years and has a money-back guarantee.
You never want to get stuck with a web host and every person has different needs.

[stackd]

i use site5 and haven't had any problems so far and from what i hear their support is great. they usually have some good promotions going too.

[ldcdc]

My impression is the support is NOT outsourced, though.

AFAIK live chat used to be outsourced, but now it isn't. As they grew, outsourced support just didn't cut it anymore.