While it may seem like a no-brainer, it is a far more dreadful and complicated subject than most in the industry would like to admit. Complaints have been filed against almost every web hosting service out there, as during the cancellation process mishaps and feuds are quite commonplace.

Many web hosting services, even reputable ones, have resorted to drastic measures at times to try and help out their bottom line. The biggest losses that they figure they can cut out on, are related to those leaving their service. So some web hosting companies may have come to the conclusion that it is in their best interest to make the cancellation process as difficult as possible.

Rumours and complaints have been flooding the net. For example even with the largest of the web hosting services, 1&1 hosting, we can see that cancellation is a serious issue for the industry. Were it only one complaint it might seem odd or out of place, but numerous former customers of 1&1 hosting have complained of extra billing charges they suffered and refused to pay, only for 1&1 hosting to actually call a collection agency on them despite the small size of the claim.

Arguments can be made on both side as to the truth, but that type of situation is really not very far-fetched in this industry. Billing errors do occur. DreamHost for example, accidentilly billed millions from their customers, only to quickly refund and apologize for the incident.

Another issue with cancellation is regarding domains. Many companies claim the right to true ownership of your domains, even if you pay for the domain yourself. Upon cancelling your web hosting package, they may seize the domains. Complaints regarding this were filed against GoDaddy, claiming they stole the domains. Other web hosts, such as Network Solutions may seize upon the expiration date of a domain, to auction it out to the highest bidder, if automatic billing was not already set ahead in advanced.

Due to the nature of the internet, fraudulent companies and fraudulent customers run rampant, creating increased tensions that may lead to some harsher situations even between the more legitimate companies and customers. Keep in mind that some of the smaller, lesser known web hosting services may be nothing more than a sham or a poorly staffed cash cow they are bleeding dry.

Perhaps all of this is why it’s important to find a highly rated web host that you can be comfortable staying with for a long time, and avoid the typically uncomfortable and time consuming process of cancelling and transferring to another web host.