Is Websites43.com a Scam?

The term “scam” implies deceptive practices aimed at defrauding individuals.

Read more about websites43.com:
Websites43.com Review & First Look
How Websites43.com Works
Websites43.com Pros & Cons
Is Websites43.com Legit?
How to Cancel Websites43.com Subscription (Hypothetical)
Websites43.com Pricing
Websites43.com Alternatives
Does Websites43.com Work?

While Websites43.com’s marketing around “free websites” may be perceived as misleading due to the hidden mandatory hosting fees, it does not appear to be an outright scam based on the available information.

Instead, it operates on a common, albeit sometimes criticized, business model.

Distinguishing from a Traditional Scam

• Service Delivery: The website explicitly states its intention to deliver a website design. The testimonials suggest that websites are indeed being created for clients. A scam typically takes money without delivering any service or product.
• Transparent Business Model (Eventually): While the initial “free” claim is a hook, the website does later clarify: “Nothings free in this life right? So why have we decided to provide our services for free? We own the hosting that your website sits on, this means that is all you need to pay for and thats how we cover our running costs to build sites for free! Complete transparancy, just how we like it!” This explanation, though not immediately upfront, reveals their revenue generation method, distinguishing it from outright fraud.
• Real Contact Information: The provision of contact links and a client portal suggests a functioning business entity rather than a fly-by-night operation.
• HTTPS Security: The use of HTTPS on their website indicates a basic level of security and legitimacy.

The Element of Misleading Marketing (Not a Scam)

The primary concern revolves around the marketing approach, which can be seen as overly aggressive or less transparent than ideal.

• “Free” vs. “Bundled”: Calling the website design “free” when it’s inextricably tied to a paid hosting package is a marketing tactic. It’s similar to how some internet providers offer “free installation” but require a long-term service contract. This isn’t illegal, but it can create an expectation of zero cost that isn’t met.
• Lack of Upfront Pricing: The most significant issue is the absence of detailed hosting pricing on the public-facing homepage. This lack of transparency means potential customers cannot easily assess the true cost-benefit of the service. They must engage further to get this critical information.
  • According to a 2021 survey by Capterra, 70% of software buyers stated that transparent pricing is “very important” or “extremely important” when evaluating new software. When pricing isn’t clear, it raises questions about value.
• Potential for High Long-Term Costs: If their mandatory hosting fees are significantly higher than market rates, or if renewal rates are exorbitant, the “free” design becomes an expensive proposition over time. This isn’t a scam, but it can lead to customer dissatisfaction and a feeling of being overcharged.

Areas for Due Diligence

To fully determine if the service aligns with ethical business practices and your needs, potential clients should conduct thorough due diligence:

• Request Full Hosting Pricing: Before committing, demand a detailed breakdown of all hosting plans, features, and their associated costs, including renewal rates.
• Review Terms of Service: Carefully read the entire Terms of Service and any Service Level Agreement (SLA). Pay close attention to:
  • Cancellation policies and any associated fees.
  • Data ownership and portability.
  • Uptime guarantees and refund policies for downtime.
  • Limitations on “unlimited updates.”
• Inquire About Website Ownership and Migration: Ask directly about the process and feasibility of moving your website to another hosting provider if you decide to cancel. If the site is built on a proprietary system, this could be a major constraint.
• Search for Independent Reviews: Look for reviews of Websites43.com on independent third-party platforms (if available) to get a broader perspective from other users.

In conclusion, Websites43.com appears to be a legitimate business with a specific, albeit somewhat opaque, revenue model.

It’s not a scam in the sense of taking money and providing nothing.

However, its marketing tactics and lack of upfront pricing transparency warrant caution and diligent inquiry from any prospective client.

The potential for higher long-term costs and vendor lock-in are real concerns that need to be fully understood before engaging.