Why is it that I see so many hosting companies offering features / services that seem irrelevant like email aliases, autoresponders, or multiple databases.

Looks like some companies are trying to dazzle potential clients with lots of features and services. I don't think telling them that they can have 1000 email aliases is going to make the difference.

I personally look for companies who don't number the amount of available features, but simply say "yes" you can have that feature!

I see a lot that offer free shopping carts. Make sure they aren't trying to sucker you into using some high price merchant account.

How about multiple databases? Why would anyone need more than one database? You can put as many tables in a database as you want.

Here's one I found that says $1 hosting, but you go to signup and have to
prepay $12.00 for one year + $49 membership fee. I have never heard of a membership fee for web hosting.

I'm sorry, I just don't get it.

As a webhost, I can answer many of those for you.

Webhosts do not try to overwhelm you with a lot of features you don't need. We simply state the features our accounts come with. While some features may not apply to you, they do to some people. Also, most hosting software packages such as cPanel, Ensim, Plesk, etc come loaded with features by default. Would it make more sense to say "We offer hosting", or actually provide the possible client with the full package, telling them exactly what we offer. Some people look for a host specifically for multiple databases. Different people ask for different features. While most companies don't care much about many features, many web developers do. By mentioning all features we offer, it covers all basis.

As for mysql databases, many of my clients actually use more than 1. Yes, you can stick as many tables in one as you want, however most software applications create their own databases and will not "share".

As for the pricing, if you want a serious host that will be around in a year, try to avoid $1 and $2 hosts. That's the first mistake. Research the company before making any commitments.

[QUOTE=bksfd-webdesign]How about multiple databases? Why would anyone need more than one database? You can put as many tables in a database as you want.
[QUOTE]

On one of my site's I use 3, 2 vbulletins (main and test forum) and another one for all the other bit's I don't want to put in to them 2, infact most of my site's I need mysql on have more than 1 database.


And I agree with Amdac, no one is trying to confuse any one, most hosting packages now come with 1 click install's of a lot of programs like Invision board, PHPbb and shopping cart's, for the simple reason it makes it easier for people.

I am a host also: Web hosts are not trying to sucker you into buying there service. They are simply stating what you get with your plans. When we get a new set of scripts or something new we let our potential clients know what they are getting. We dont try to sucker anyone into buying. If you are looking for web hosting and we got what you want then we hope you choose us! but if not then we hope you choose a reputable host.

Host that try to sucker you in are the ones offering unlimited space and transfer since there is no such thing.

Oh and you say that they are not needed. A lot of our client use email aliases and all the stuff you mentioned above. Also to answer the question why would anyone need more than one database? Well its simple! For example if you are using PHP-Nuke the more databases the better so you can add on new modules and stuff. Not everyone puts a few pages and that it. Allot if not most of our clients use multiple databases.

Personally I think your making a mistake by even thinking about $1 hosting. And you dont want to go with a host that is professional by listing all the features you would rather go with one that just lists web hosting. Your making a mistake there. A reputable host will let you know up front what you get with your plans. Nothing wrong with this at all.

Originally Posted by Colorteck

Web hosts are not trying to sucker you into buying there service. They are simply stating what you get with your plans.

I agree. When advertising for our different plans, we want to show all the features we offer. When you have a good number of features to offer, there is a better chance that you will have 2 or 3 or more features that someone might be looking for. Sure, not every feature is for everyone. But, by having many features, you increase the chance that you have at least some features for everyone.

Listing one's features is not so much saying "We have more than they do" but more of a way of letting possible clients what you as a hosting company have to offer. Lets say you have a prospective client looking for a specfic number of add-on domains, if you don't list you provide X amount of add-on domains, why would that client care to purchase from you. From thier perspective they believe you don't offer it. It all boils down to making everything easily accessable so that possible clients don't have to hunt for answers.

Originally Posted by Colorteck

Web hosts are not trying to sucker you into buying there service. They are simply stating what you get with your plans.

Sorry, but I disagree. While you may not, there are many irreputable hosts out there who try to sucker you into a bad service just to line their pockets.

I agree that hosts should clearly label features and try not to boggle users with numbers - however, many web hosts do genuinely endevour to limit their server usuage by controlling the number of features available and others simply use it as a marketing tactic.

There are so many webhosts out there it may be worth a good few hours sifting through them to find the ones that suite you...

I created this site Madtrucker that uses php-nuke with tons of features and php-matchmaker all on one database.

I do understand that some of these host's control panels allow anyone to install database apps easily, and they use multiple databases and user accounts to aide in this ease of use; however, I would rather not have that kind of control panel since I can do everything myself.

There are basically three types of clients looking for hosting.
1. The person that knows nothing and needs a "managed" hosting plan.
2. The person that knows enough to benefit from the cpanel type controls.
3. The web designer who doesn't need any help and doesn't want all that cluttered up space.