It All Adds Up: The Nickle and Diming of Big Website Hosts
It starts with a story.
A small private medical practice in Phoenix, Arizona had a family member build them a simple site based on template found online. It was nothing fancy—just an HTML/CSS template with a tiny PHP backend. They used one of the big-name hosting providers to put it online. Easy-peasy.
It worked fine. They made very few edits, and the website just sat there, doing its job. An online business card. Fast-forward a few years: the doctors are retiring, the practice is closing, and all they needed was a few more months of hosting.
Then came the shock: a five-year renewal invoice for nearly $1,000.
They were stunned. “We only need a few months!” That’s when they started looking for other options—and found Marshland Software.
The Hidden Costs They Faced
When we dug into their setup, we realized how many ways they’d been nickel-and-dimed:
Hosting: They were paying nearly $20/month for the simplest static site imaginable * *—less than 1 GB of traffic and no support. At Marshland, we bundle the same (and more) for just $10/month.
SSL Certificate: Their plan didn’t include SSL, so the host charged them monthly for a certificate * *. Newer plans bundled it, but no one told them they could switch. They just kept collecting the fee.
Domain Name: Domains often get advertised as “included,” but after the first year, renewals are typically $15–$40/year depending on the registrar * *. Many providers quietly bill you at the higher end without explanation.
Phantom PHP Upsells: That tiny PHP script in their template? They ditched it almost immediately. Yet every time they logged in, they got scary warnings urging them to “upgrade” for PHP support * *. They almost clicked it more than once—an unnecessary charge.
Migration Scare Tactics: When it came time to leave, the host blasted them with intimidating emails: “Your service will be discontinued soon!” These fear tactics are designed to pressure small businesses into renewing rather than switching *.
At Marshland Software, all of this—hosting, SSL, domain, and even two free quick edits per year—is bundled transparently. No surprises, no games. And yes, we migrated them for free.
Other Common Upsells to Watch Out For
Sadly, our story isn’t unique. Small businesses often run into hidden costs like:
- Contact Forms: Free plans often limit form submissions or require a paid add-on just to let customers email you *.
- Analytics: Google Analytics integration or detailed reporting is locked behind higher-tier plans *.
- Ad Removal: Free or “basic” plans slap the host’s ads on your site. To remove them, you pay more.
- Storage & Bandwidth: Entry plans throttle your site or limit you to tiny amounts of traffic. Growth forces you to upgrade.
- E-commerce: Selling online? Transaction fees, premium store features, and higher plans stack up fast.
- Support: Phone or priority support often requires upgrading to top-tier plans.
- Email Addresses: Want a professional address like
you@yourbusiness.com? Many hosts charge $6+/month per mailbox unless you bring your own *.
At Marshland, we include most of these features—basic contact forms, simple analytics, ad removal, adequate storage/bandwidth, and solutions for email — in our standard plans so you won't be hit with those hidden upsells.
Individually, each upsell may look small. Together, they turn that "First Year Free" promise into $50–$100/month or more.
Why We Built Marshland Software
We started Marshland because small businesses deserve fair, transparent hosting. We don’t believe in scaring you with fake warnings, or upselling you for every checkbox feature.
Our philosophy is simple:
- Transparent pricing
- Everything you need bundled in
- Human support, not scripts
- Flexibility to grow with you
Whether you just need a simple landing page or a small business site that scales with traffic, we’ve got your back.
Ready to Stop Being Nickel-and-Dimed?
Don’t let the big hosts scare or squeeze you. Get a website that’s fast, secure, and supported—without the games.