Published on January 10, 2010
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I'm launching a new service- Web Design + Monthy Maintenance for just $39 a month, 1 year contract. How do I prevent people from leaving before the year is over?

Ask for a deposit- the last 2 months' fees in advance (so they don't pay on month 11 and 12)

No deposit, but I will keep their password for the host and content management until the year is up.

Survey says: A! (36 of 50 answers)

A: 36 votes - 72% B: 14 votes - 28%
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Comments Comments
A1. I think keeping their password may be aprivacy issue, and you will not get customers to sign up at all.
A2. This option will be more forceful in keeping your client for the entire year.
A3. none
A4. Keeping the password is unreasonable, and I wouldn't sign up in the first place.
A5. This would prevent people from leaving but it could also prevent people from signing up.
A6. If they deposit in advance for 11th and 12 th month, defenitely they will not leave
A7. I think it reasonable to a business such as yours to ask for a deposit in order to keep people on, they know they would be signing into a contract so it wouldn't be a surprise.
A8. If it were me I woul rather feel like I had the last two months free than feel like someone had such control over me that they had my password basically on lock down.
A9. People will could change password
A10. Taking advance fees would not be objected by the users. They would consider giving the fees in advance easily. The second option is not good as this would make the people feel a sense of insecurity.
A11. It seems too extreme to keep their password, which means you could change it at any time thereby denying them access.
A12. Many times people use this kind of service because they are starting a business and they are excited in the beginning. They will be more willing to pay because they are sure they are going to make money. If you get the money up front, you are guaranteed the last two months of payment, even if the business fails!
A13. If you pay up front, you will want to stay
A14. I think it's better to get money up front than to try to hold someone's content "hostage". I think asking for the deposit creates a better working relationship.
A15. Seems reasonable. Landlords often do this.
A16. Asking for a deposit will ensure that you get people who are seriously committed to sign up.
A17. If they had pay for service, they should stay and you got the money.
A18. Some people may be put off with the "keep password" portion.
A19. Money has a powerful effect on people, If I knew I had already paid for something I would be more likely to continue through with it. And If people still want to bail on you, shoot, you have their money, so who cares?
A20. If you want to keep them for a year then the deposit is fair and it really isn't costing them anything because they get it back in free service the last two months.
A21. Money catches attention.
A22. Since they've already paid for the last 2 months they'll probably stay for the whole year.
A23. A contract usually has a fee if broken in advance of end date. I think option A is the best but it is confusing. why not offer a set up and month to month maintence fee with out a contract. the biggest chunk will be the set up fee and you are paid regardless of length of stay.
A24. If they've already paid the last few months they have a reason to continue with the company since there is something to be lost.
A25. Asking for a deposit and 2 months up front will make sure that you at least get most of your money.Make sure to let them know that they will get the deposit back after the end of the year. Most people will honor their contract when they know that they are getting some money back. Plus having the last two months free is a bonus.
A26. prepay is the better option - or if leaving early still have to pay full year fee
A27. It's very preventive than option B.
A28. I don't like the idea of knowing their password.
A29. You'll definately get part of your money.
A30. Money always trumps anything else whenpeople make decisions
A31. with their passwords, you can do any thing you want. so i wont prefer sharing my password
A32. I don't think keeping their password is a good idea.
A33. I think getting a deposit gives you more protection especially if they client goes out of business before the year is over.
A34. As a consumer, I would be hesitant to do business with someone who would have my password. I think the last month's rent is better.
A35. I would go with the deposit, although I would write into the contract a penalty like cell phone provides do that will make them legally obligated to at least pay the penalty for early withdrawl.
A36. It is better to have money in hand rather than having additional work of maintaining password
B1. No Monetary Committment is the best way to keep trust with clients.
B2. Deposits are not preferred.
B3. No security is more appealing to everyone.
B4. Because if you make them pay so much up front then they are likely to go else where. This is just my opinion.
B5. B is good and best answer.
B6. You may not enroll as many customers by having the 2 month deposit. Plus, if the service is good, customers will have no problem fufilling the contract.
B7. good
B8. Not having to pay any money down would keep me using the program.
B9. I think that choice A would be more of a deterrent to people signing up in the first place.
B10. that is more trustful for customer
B11. better idea
B12. a goog facility for people who don't have money
B13. Few folks will want to pay a deposit.
B14. By keeping content managemtn you lessen the workload of the customer and keeps their view about the service positive.

Who responded to your question?

A Votes by demographic segment B
Gender
63%
 
Male (22)
36%
78%
 
Female (28)
21%
Age
 
 
3-17 (None)
 
65%
 
18-34 (23)
34%
75%
 
35-49 (20)
25%
85%
 
50+ (7)
14%
Ethnicity
74%
 
White (39)
25%
 
 
Black (None)
 
63%
 
Asian (11)
36%
 
 
Hispanic (None)
 
 
 
Other (None)
 
Education
80%
 
High School (10)
20%
69%
 
College (33)
30%
71%
 
Grad School (7)
28%
Income
77%
 
$0-30k (18)
22%
65%
 
$30-60k (26)
34%
100%
 
$60-100k (4)
0%
50%
 
$100k+ (2)
50%
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