Web hosting without
the middleman
When Brian and Carolyn McFadden first learned about Costco’s
Web site hosting service co-branded with Affinity Internet Inc., they Costco offers tickets
couldn’t believe what a value it was. For half the cost of the service they were already using, they could have a site with twice the to big hits on Broadway
amount of storage space.
The McFaddens had realized two years ago that a practical way
for a photography studio like theirs to market its services would be
to build a Web site loaded with work samples. But the technical
aspects seemed overwhelming, so they sought the help of a Web-design firm and found one with a package deal: design work plus a
hosted site for a monthly
fee. That made the design
firm a middleman between
the McFaddens and the
Costco’s Online Entertain- this South African percussion
ment Ticketing service has ensemble spectacle. Orchestra
booked some great Broadway seats are available through
show seats for two big hits in November 30 with savings of 30
October and November. to 40 percent.
Web hosting company.
All went well until they
ran into one major obstacle. “No e-mail was coming
to me through the site
when it went live,” Brian
recalls. “Since e-mail is the
lifeblood for a business like
ours, this is where the service really fell apart. It took The McFaddens successfully use
weeks to resolve the prob- the Web to generate new business.
lem, during which there’s
no telling how much business was lost.”
Sweet Charity is a hot revival For more information about
of a classic 1960s musical, in its Sweet Charity or Drumstruck
fifth month at the Al Hirschfeld and other entertainment events,
Theatre, with Emmy-winner visit costco.com, click on
Christina Applegate in the lead. “Services,” then click on “Online
Orchestra and front mezzanine Entertainment Ticketing.”
tickets are available through
October 30 with savings of 45 to
50 percent.
For something a little different, those wanting to “feel the
beat” might want to check out
Drumstruck, playing at Dodger
Stages. Audience members will
find drums waiting at their
seats so they can participate in
Don’t forget
to use your
Reward on
your next
trip to
Costco
SERVICE UPDATES
So no more middlemen for the McFaddens. Now, with a new site
through Costco and Affinity, Brian and his son Rory are doing all the Ameriprise expands auto
design work. They’ve even taken advantage of the free Web site
building software included with the service (a $249 value), and the insurance to New Jersey
choice of more than 40 professionally designed templates.
“On top of the no-brainer value of twice the space at half the
cost, the direct access to all of the Value Web tracking features and
free tools is a big bonus,” Brian reports. “We don’t have the design
talent that we were paying for with our first site, but my son and I
are learning a lot. We’ve added Flash animation and music, and it’s
really working out pretty neat.”
Costco Executive Members pay only $14.95 per month and a
$10 setup fee for a Value Web-hosted site, which includes 5,000 MB
of storage and 200 e-mail mailboxes. Gold Star and Business members pay $17.95 per month plus a $20 setup fee.
For more information, visit costco.com, click on “Services,” then
click on “Web Site Hosting & Design Tools,” or call 1-800-346-1543.
To learn more about our complete suite of
member services, click on the “Services” link at
costco.com or call 1-800-220-6000.
Ameriprise Auto & Home competitively priced auto insur-Insurance has started selling ance that members in other
auto insurance via the Internet states are already enjoying, with
in New Jersey as a result of savings up to 20 percent and
major state insurance reforms exceptional service.
passed in 2003. Executive Members can
New Jersey had been facing receive one year of free roadside
the highest auto insurance rates assistance for vehicles covered
in the country, and the auto through this program. For more
insurance market there had information, visit costco.com,
taken such a wrong turn that click on “Services,” then click on
more than 40 major insurers “Home & Auto Insurance.”
had closed up shop in the past
decade, according to a report in Auto and home insurance is underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company or IDS Property
The New York Times. Casualty Insurance Company, De Pere, WI.
Costco members in New Both companies are wholly owned subsidiaries of Ameriprise Financial Inc., independent of
Jersey will now have access to American Express on or after September 30, 2005.
All services are provided by third parties, may not be available in all areas and are subject to change without notice. Some restrictions apply. See “Services” at costco.com for applicable terms and conditions.
