What helps you decide? (Hosting)

Well, as a few of you may know I recently purchased Tube Host. Anyways, what I am looking for is answers to what makes YOU decide to go with a specific host. The obvious answers are reputation, reliability, package size, price, etc... But what I want to know is, what would make you choose a newer host, over say host gator, brius, xzorbix, host monster, etc...

I'm really not looking for flames, I'm looking for answers, as are a lot of other new hosts I am sure.

Also if you have any suggestions for tube host feel free to let me know that as well, but mainly I want to know what YOUR looking for in a host.

Thanks to all that take the time to respond,

Mike.

I want an owner who doesnt spam his site.

A nice design.

Yeah. If the design isn't good - I leave straight away. I think "They can't afford a good design; Therefore they mustn't get many clients; Therefore they can't be a very good host". Also - If I can't work out what i'm getting; I leave. Best to have it all in a big table.

I love good testimonials, a good design but not too advanced, and great customer service, I always ask a question first and see how fast the company responds.

The support they offer.

Some of you astonish me. You pick your host based on their design? Has the world gone nuts?!

Originally Posted by Seb Some of you astonish me. You pick your host based on their design? Has the world gone nuts?!

The only thing a good design shows is that the company is willing to put effort into their branding, so yea, it is a small factor when choosing hosts I think.

Originally Posted by 6creations The only thing a good design shows is that the company is willing to put effort into their branding, so yea, it is a small factor when choosing hosts I think.

To them, the design may be perfectly fine, and it be perfect for a certain type of audience. Just because we all prefer a certain style of design, doesn't mean it's not a good design that has had much effort and money paid for.

Design gets you recognition but it is not the thing to consider when choosing a host. For me it's speed of the backbone, processor and what the server specs are. Where it is located and the software available on the hosting (up to date, using cutting edge stuff?) and what their support is like. Do they offer any guarantees so if I am unhappy I can retract my custom.