Advice regarding my website

[Holly01]

I had a new website built around 2 yrs ago and a friend of mine would like to do some seo for me. I have phoned my designer and they have said that I would have to pay £300 + vat to allow access to somebody else. Is this the correct procedure because I feel like I have already paid for my site and what if I want to start adding updates myself? I haven't signed a contract stating this.

Is it normal for a company to charge this? They also host my site for me.

Look forward to some advice

Dawn

[PainFreeMarketing]

I had a new website built around 2 yrs ago and a friend of mine would like to do some seo for me. I have phoned my designer and they have said that I would have to pay £300 + vat to allow access to somebody else. Is this the correct procedure because I feel like I have already paid for my site and what if I want to start adding updates myself? I haven't signed a contract stating this.

Is it normal for a company to charge this? They also host my site for me.

Look forward to some advice

Dawn

Don't you have a copy of the terms & conditions or can you not ask to see them?

[Indizine]

Moved to web design forum

[Indizine]

You should hopefully have had copyright to your website which enables you to have full access to the web files and control over who edits them. Do you have access to the hosting control panel?

[Daniel Dutton]

This is quite uncommon nowadays.

You need to check your terms and conditions to check that you own your website. Most web design companies will transfer legal ownership to you when upon completion, however there are a few that retain copyright so that you are effectively "renting" the site from them.

Either way, £300 sounds very excessive!

If you own it, request the website files and say you are going to host it somewhere else. If not, I would suggest getting another website designed as they will continue to "hold it to ransom" every time you want to make a change.

It all comes down to what your contract (any emails, t&c's etc. can form part of the contract) says, so that's the first place to look.

Hope this helps and good luck,

Daniel

[custardfish]

Hmm does sound a little strange but then we don't have much to go on.

I would just ask them what this fee is for -exactly- ?

Supplying something as basic as the FTP details will take 2mins but perhaps they are actually doing something else?

Maybe they're plugging it into a CMS? Perhaps its built using DW so they want you to purchase Contribute? Maybe they think you need training 1st etc etc?

[specialk1]

Hey
I have started a new business which needs an internet facility for the customers to order straight from my web page - with visa.

The only thing I have done is go onto go daddy and choose my name which is available .com

Can someone advise me what is next and is there anyone out there cheap enough to help me get started?

Katrina

[specialk1]

sorry i was not meant to put that post onto your discussion

[fbm247]

Hi,

I am new here and just come accross your problem you have posted. As others have already mentioned it is very un-common for design agencies to hold you at ransom but you need to double check your terms and conditions.

If you are stuck trying to get back control of your website i may be able to help. I have been working as a sole trader developing and designing websites for the last 3 years and have 6 years web experience.

My suggestions would be for you to firstly check your contract / terms. If there is nothing in there demand a copy of the website and move your website to another hosting company as they will always hold you at ransom by the sounds of it.

If that fails there are other ways to rescue your website depending on its features and if it interacts with a database. Getting a copy of the website files is fairly straight forward using a web browser but if it is linked into a database then the database will be secure which leaves you in a bit of bother.

I can offer you a hand if you need it. I could retreive your website for you and move it to another hosting provider. I offer hosting but it's your choice who you choose.

If your website is linked into a database and they refuse to release access, the alternative is to pay the £300 but still be with a company who are making you pay twice for something you own or pay to get a new website based around what you already have or a brand new design. Again i offer these services if you are interested.

My website is fine box media (i can't link you to it from here but drop me a PM or search it on google) i am based in Somerset (Southwest UK) but work with companies all over the UK.

Checkout my portfolio for examples of my work and you can get my phone number off the contact page if you wish to give me a call to discuss.

I wish you the best of luck resolving this issue but I'm available to help if you need a second opinion or a helping hand.

Best Wishes

Rick

PS, i tried to post a link to my website for you but the forum blocked it as i'm a new member which i understand. If you can't find my website drop me a private message and i will send you the links that way.

[Pete676]

Never let suppliers rip you off!