01
Start with the domain
The domain is a critical business asset. Know whose registrar account holds it, who can change DNS, and what happens if the vendor relationship ends.
02
Ask about administrator access
Determine whether the business receives admin access to the website and core accounts, and whether access depends on staying with the vendor.
03
Separate custom work from licenses
A business may own custom copy and design while third-party themes, plugins, fonts, stock media, or software remain licensed under separate terms.
04
Understand proprietary platforms
Some hosted builders are intentionally platform-dependent. That is not automatically bad, but portability and export limitations should be understood before purchase.
05
Put cancellation and handoff in writing
The agreement should explain notice, final billing, domain and DNS transition, exports, files, data retention, licenses, and support during handoff.
06
Compare total value, not ideology
A rental model may include meaningful service and reduce upfront cost; an ownership-forward model may improve portability. The right comparison is transparent cost, control, service, risk, and exit terms.
How this connects to HatterHosting
This guide is educational. If you want HatterHosting to review your current setup, start with the free website and lead-leak audit, explore Contractors & Trades, or review managed hosting, contractor local SEO, and lead-response systems.