This is just a suggestion for the webmaster and maybe I'm just being dense. I signed up for platinum membership today and I must admit that it took me a few minutes to figure out how to do it. When you are not a registered member, the home page does not seem to be as intuitive as it could be to direct you to the "checkout counter".

The "subscribe" link is well placed but it is not clear that you must follow the smaller "register" link before you can subscribe. The distinction between "register" and "subscribe" is lost on most new customers I think.

 

If you follow the larger "subscribe" link before registering there is a lot of helpful information on cost and benefits of subscription, but only a very small link at the bottom of the page that directs you back to registration of a new account. To be more user friendly, the Silver/Gold/Platinum logos at the top of the page should be active product links that walk you through the registration process and then directly through the payment process since the visitor has already expressed their desire to purchase a subscription. As it is, if you follow the small link at the bottom of the page, you are directed to create an account and then wait for a password before you can subscribe. Good security but bad marketing I think.

 

Now the customer might have to wait 15 minutes for confirmation, if they are using POP3 connectors like I am currently 

 

Then I follow the link in the email to verify my account, accept terms of use, and fill out my contact info, click tiny link at bottom of page to accept and then to a nearly blank page that says I am currently logged in...But no link that continues my checkout process except the original "subscribe" link at the top that I have already gone through. Eventually I figure out that the Subscribe page will look different for registered users and allow me to select a service plan. 

 

The new subscribe page says that any credit card payment method can be used and that paypal subscription is no longer used but only paypal is available at the bottom of the page. No other payment method is apparent.

 

Anyway, I look forward to being a member but just wanted to share my minor frustrations and the perspective of a new visitor. I consider this site is very valuable for SBS users and I wish you luck. 

 

Thanks.

 

 

 

As it turns out, I forgot that I had already registered with smallbizserver some months ago.

Christopher,

 

Thanks for taking the time to write this. I certainly agree with all you have written and much of your suggestions will be implemented in the next 6 months. Most important is that I want to make registration and the purchase of a subscription a one step procedure.

One other thing. Though it says only Paypal it does not mean that you cannot pay without using a Paypal account. Just click on Register (even with Paypal as the gateway) it will offer you to pay with any credit card without a Paypal account. This means you don't have to logon to Paypal with any credentials, just enter your credit card details.