Monday, April 28, 2025

Moving Away from GoDaddy After 20 Years as a Reseller

make your departure from inefficient business partners

If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur considering GoDaddy for web hosting, domain registration, website development, or email services, read this first – buyer beware. After nearly 20 years as a GoDaddy reseller, my experience has shifted from positive to deeply disappointing.

This post isn't just a personal story—it's a warning based on two decades of hands-on experience. Below, I explain why I can no longer recommend GoDaddy, share my recent frustrations, and provide links to others who have exposed similar concerns.

No time to read? Listen to audio instead:


1. 5+ Months Without Commission Payments

It’s been over 5 months since I received my reseller commission via ACH deposit from GoDaddy. Despite updating my payee information twice with the assistance of their support team, my last payment was November 26, 2024.

When I reached out for answers, GoDaddy shifted blame, suggesting I should "contact the U.S. Government"—an impractical and evasive response. Meanwhile, their system aggressively enforces 60/30/15/5 day notices if you, the reseller, miss a payment. Yet when GoDaddy owes you money? No urgency.

For small business owners, reliable cash flow is vital. Delayed payments, poor communication, and hours spent on hold shouldn't be part of the cost of doing business.

Extended GoDaddy Custmer Service Phone Call Screenshot


2. Poor Handling of Product Changes (Workspace Email → Microsoft 365)

Another major failure was GoDaddy’s transition from Workspace Email to Microsoft 365. Resellers like me were updated after our clients, leaving us completely unprepared to answer support questions.

Instead of a seamless transition, we were left looking incompetent. To this day, deprecated Workspace products still clutter accounts, "swept under the rug" rather than being properly phased out.

Good customer experience starts with proactive communication—something GoDaddy no longer prioritizes.



3. Losing Potential Clients Over GoDaddy Association

Several years ago, I received a referral from a high-profile client. Everything was moving forward until the prospective client discovered that I was a GoDaddy reseller. Immediately, they declined to do business with me, stating they would never work with anyone associated with GoDaddy due to their negative reputation.

At the time, I dismissed it as an overreaction. I even felt insulted. Looking back, I realize they were right. I wish I had acted on that red flag sooner.

Your business reputation is invaluable. Being tied to a company with declining service and poor support can cost you opportunities you didn't even know you were losing.


4. Outsourcing Customer Service Overseas

GoDaddy has moved significant portions of its customer service operations overseas, particularly to the Philippines 🇵🇭. While I have immense respect for the professionalism and friendliness of Filipino support agents, the reality is they are often paid pennies on the dollar—sometimes as low as 50 cents an hour.

This shift prioritizes shareholder profits over supporting American jobs and small businesses. In the words of @realDonaldTrump 🇺🇸, “We must put America first.” Companies that offshore labor while raking in billions ($28.56 billion valuation for GoDaddy) undermine that principle.


5. GoDaddy’s Poor Security Practices

According to the FTC, GoDaddy’s lax data security led to several major breaches between 2019 and 2022:

"GoDaddy’s failures resulted in unauthorized access to customer websites and data, exposing consumers to malicious redirects."
FTC Official Report (2025)

This isn't just a minor issue. Security should be the top priority for any hosting provider. GoDaddy’s negligence puts your website—and your customers—at risk.


6. Others Are Speaking Out

I’m not alone. Here are a few more experiences worth reading before you commit to GoDaddy:


7. Final Thoughts: Choose Local, Choose Smart

If you're a small business owner or entrepreneur, take it from someone who has spent two decades helping businesses grow: GoDaddy is not the same company it used to be.

Today, they prioritize offshore labor, fail to support their resellers, delay payments, mishandle product updates, and expose their clients to security risks.

I am moving all my domains, hosting, email, and other services to a reputable, local company that values American businesses, offers reliable support, and puts clients first.

“Make the smart choice for your business. Protect your brand, your website, and your future.”

If you’re considering alternatives to GoDaddy, stay tuned — I’ll be posting my recommended hosting providers soon.

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