webmasterbeta
New Member
For a project, I am considering managed dedicated servers. The providers I'm looking at are the types that don't post prices on their sites, so pricing is up for debate, I know that means haggling, but how aggressively should I go? What tactics work the best? I have never negotiated managed hosting before. Thanks.Marak,I'd say the same tactics that work in real life would work here: Just how badly do you need one company over another?Make sure the one company you're haggling with is aware that you know of several other providers that are willing to bite for the sale as well.The company that's the prime contender (but can be replaced) is a company I have shared hosted with, so I'm guessing it's a matter of loyalty. Could I say (without admitting they are better) that I am giving them above the others the chance to make a better price because I am loyal, or would they try and use my being loyal to get a better price for themselves?Marak,They could go any way with it: But if they're doing a great job so far perhaps it would be nice to reward them by just accepting their price.It never hurts to repay those doing well -- you'll help keep them performing at their best.It never hurts to repay those doing well -- you'll help keep them performing at their best. Definetly, the only problem, is that I have a budget right now. That wouldn't be so much of a problem, except I looked at an archive of their site back in 2004, and a comparable package costed 799 a month. Given that they rarely update their pricing in accordance with hardware change in costs, I have no choice but to haggle aggressively. Honestly, I think a managed dedicated srvr with dual 3.0 Xeon, 2 GB memory, and 2 73 GB 15k should be around 400 month.Marak,That all depends on the level of handholding that you require but I do think you're correct: Anywhere between 400-500 a month would be something I would be willing to pay as well.Exactly - they may configure Mongrel/Rails for me once, hence a hefty setup fee, but given that they have an extra cost for security updates, their 'managed' advantage is only 50$ a month to me....Marak,Try passing that pricing by them and seeing what sort of response you get. Let them know upfront that you'd prefer to go with them as they've been well to you in the past -- I'd say they'll bite for the loyalty.Yep, sucking up might help. Maybe I'll complement them before I even start discussing servers.I know you said you're on a budget, but be sure to remember that if you do jump to another company besides the one you're with now - you don't know what you're in for. At least if you stay with the company you are with now, you have a good idea of what to expect as you move up to a managed server with them. Just keep them honest, and get the server at a price you can afford.If they price themselves out - I'd give it one last shot, and say "I appreciate the service you've given me, but I can only afford $xxx/month. If you can't accommodate that, I will be forced to go elsewhere". They know you're serious, and any true businessman would make the deal work if it's at all possible.Hate to see someone negotiate themselves into a situation where support is sub-par.Good luck.Hate to see someone negotiate themselves into a situation where support is sub-par.Good point. Maybe a budget appeal is the best. Sheer honesty usually gets sympathy.Definetly, the only problem, is that I have a budget right now. That wouldn't be so much of a problem, except I looked at an archive of their site back in 2004, and a comparable package costed 799 a month. Given that they rarely update their pricing in accordance with hardware change in costs, I have no choice but to haggle aggressively. Honestly, I think a managed dedicated srvr with dual 3.0 Xeon, 2 GB memory, and 2 73 GB 15k should be around 400 month.I agree that seems like a fair price.The company that's the prime contender (but can be replaced) is a company I have shared hosted with, so I'm guessing it's a matter of loyalty. Could I say (without admitting they are better) that I am giving them above the others the chance to make a better price because I am loyal, or would they try and use my being loyal to get a better price for themselves?If they do use that factor to try and take advantage of you, then I personally would not stay with them! However, I doubt they would use that against you. I believe they would probably offer you a better deal to keep your business.For a project, I am considering managed dedicated servers. The providers I'm looking at are the types that don't post prices on their sites, so pricing is up for debate, I know that means haggling, but how aggressively should I go? What tactics work the best? I have never negotiated managed hosting before. Thanks.
Always take the strong point in a negotiation if you can. Start by stating what you're willing to pay, and what you want. Don't ask, tell.
But don't be a jerk about it, don't whine, just matter of factly state this is what you want for this much money. If you have other providers who will meet the price/service be prepared to tell your new provider about it, if they say "that's too far below market".
Make sure that you're doing an apples to apples comparison, however. If one provider's idea of management ends at the OS level, and the provider you're comparing them to is a fully outsourced IT infrastructure, then be realistic, you're not going to get a ferrari for the price of a beetle.Make sure that you're doing an apples to apples comparison, however. If one provider's idea of management ends at the OS level, and the provider you're comparing them to is a fully outsourced IT infrastructure, then be realistic Well the provider I am looking at does charge 35 extra for managed security patches. The key company I am comparing them to is fastservers.net DEFCON 2, and even with 1, it is still well below 799.
Always take the strong point in a negotiation if you can. Start by stating what you're willing to pay, and what you want. Don't ask, tell.
But don't be a jerk about it, don't whine, just matter of factly state this is what you want for this much money. If you have other providers who will meet the price/service be prepared to tell your new provider about it, if they say "that's too far below market".
Make sure that you're doing an apples to apples comparison, however. If one provider's idea of management ends at the OS level, and the provider you're comparing them to is a fully outsourced IT infrastructure, then be realistic, you're not going to get a ferrari for the price of a beetle.Make sure that you're doing an apples to apples comparison, however. If one provider's idea of management ends at the OS level, and the provider you're comparing them to is a fully outsourced IT infrastructure, then be realistic Well the provider I am looking at does charge 35 extra for managed security patches. The key company I am comparing them to is fastservers.net DEFCON 2, and even with 1, it is still well below 799.