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| Virtual Internet Service Provider Program |
Thinking
Of Becoming A VISP?
Interesting Things To Consider
Fact vs. Fiction
There are many hidden
charges that I should be aware of when selecting
a vISP Provider.
Fact or fiction?
As you compare various virtual ISP or vISP provider
programs you will see a large difference in pricing
or costs. The first reason for this is the differences
in quality and features as outlined in item #3.
However, another reason for a large difference
in cost is hidden charges. This is not to say
that they are secret. If you ask, chances are
an honest virtual ISP or vISP provider will explain
it to you. It is more an issue that you may be
so focused on the monthly "per user"
cost (particularly if it is exceptionally low),
that you do not consider additional charges. And
it is these additional charges that can drive
up your cost to the point that what "appeared"
to be a low cost, actually turns out to be a higher
price than the provider that you felt was too expensive.
So what are these charges?
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Raw Access Only - The
really low prices you will see advertised are for
raw access only and you are unable to use this without
many other services like, authentication, email,
billing system, support call center and the list
goes on and on. All of these services are an extra
fee.
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New Subscriber Set-up Charge
- Does the virtual ISP or vISP provider charge a
set-up fee for each new subscriber you sign up?
If a provider charges a new subscriber set-up fee
it is probably because they have to manually set-up
the account (this should also be an area of real
concern). These charges can really add up and destroy
cash flow if you enjoy any level of real success
(the more subscribers you secure, the more it costs
you).
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Support Call
Center - Not only is it important to make
sure that the "per user" cost includes
24/7 support but to also important to determine
who pays the long distance charges. They may give
you a toll-free number but there is a cost for every
minute that a subscriber uses it. Who will pay for
this? One virtual ISP or vISP provider charges their
vISPs 99¢/minute for support. Considering that
the average call length to support is 20 minutes,
you can see how this can quickly add up to a very
major expense. Also find out if the call center
also provides support for sales (new subscribers)
and billing. If yes, how much extra for that. If
no, who will provide this support. And last but
not least, does the provider include support by toll
free telephone 24/7 (when the subscriber really
needs help) or is it just during business hours or
just email support. This can make a big difference
in price.
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Hosting of Web Site/Portal
- Do you pay extra to host your web site? As the
number of visitors/subscribers visiting the site
increases so will the bandwidth that used. As a
result, your costs will also increase. If you offer
your subscribers a "Start Page" the more
subscribers you secure the more bandwidth that is
required.
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Other Items - There
are many other items that often cause unexpected
expense. For example, all software must be upgraded
at one point or another. Is there a charge for
this when this happens? Is there a charge for
training the virtual ISP or vISP on the software
for running their business? From time to time,
all virtual ISPs or vISPs need support. Does the
provider offer unlimited support, limited support
or no support at all? Is there an extra cost for
this. Will they answer the phone or return your
calls when you need them? One provider has charged the vISP or virtual
ISP $100 if a subscriber spams and leaves it to
the vISP to collect the fee from the subscriber.
And guess who decides if the customer was
spamming or not. Imagine how these costs can wreck havoc on your
business plan.
Recommendation:
Seek out a virtual ISP or vISP provider that will
give you an "all inclusive" flat-rate
"per-user" price. Alliance
ISP Solution is such a program and prices
their service on an "all inclusive"
basis so their are no unexpected surprises.
Back
To "Fact vs. Fiction"
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