"We handle all the technical stuff—you don't need access."

Translation: We don't want you to realize you're locked in.

"We use a proprietary platform/builder."

Translation: We built you on something only we can maintain.

Your monthly fee is mostly "hosting."

Good hosting costs $20-100/month. If you're paying $200+ mostly for "hosting," something's off.

They won't tell you where your domain is registered.

Your domain is your identity. You should know where it is.

The $10,000 Hostage Situation

A roofing company wanted to switch agencies after 2 years. The agency demanded a $10,000 "buyout fee." They owned nothing and had to start over.

The Disappeared Domain

An agency went out of business. The domain was registered through them. It took months and thousands in legal fees to recover it.

The Surprise Renewal

A contractor's domain was in their agency's account. The agency forgot to renew it. Someone else bought it. The business lost their domain entirely.

For New Websites

Before signing anything, clarify:

1. Who will own the domain registration?
2. Who will own the hosting account?
3. Will I have full admin access?
4. If we part ways, what do I keep?

For Existing Websites

1. Log into your domain registrar. Can you?
2. Log into your hosting. Whose account is it?
3. Log into your website admin. Do you have full access?

If any are controlled by your agency without clear ownership, you need to have a conversation.