I just have to say, that in this day and age of cold, calculated, cost cutting and crappy customer service, DreamHost chat support is outstanding.
First and foremost, it’s effective. I just migrated my blog from joonsookim.com/blog to blog.joonsookim.com. I’m not particularly technically savvy — plus, I’m told I can be . . . well, high-maintenance — so I needed a lot of hand-holding. I just checked my records, and I logged seven (7!) chats with DreamHost technical support over the past few days. With a few minor exceptions, my questions were answered, and my blog now has been migrated safely and successfully.
Second, it’s cordial. A lot of companies can’t master this basic requirement. Surely, it’s hard to discern tone in an instant message chat, but as best I could tell the seven different representatives with whom I chatted were very patient and polite.
Third, it’s easy. One click launches a Web-based chat window, and moments later you’re describing your problem to the representative. Sometimes, the response times are delayed — I suspect they must manage quite a few support contacts concurrently — but not a problem if you’re multi-tasking yourself while awaiting each response.
Last and best of all, DreamHost clearly prides itself on customer support — it’s actually part of their value proposition to customers. The home page advertises 24/7 technical support, and, once logged in, the chat button is prominent. DreamHost, unlike it seems most Web companies these days, isn’t trying to avoid your contact!
I started with DreamHost at the recommendation of a friend three years ago and remain a satisfied customer. I’ve registered my domains with GoDaddy, host them on DreamHost with its easy, one-click WordPress installations and upgrades, and couldn’t be much happier.