{
  "id": 16998008,
  "title": "Malaysian SMEs are comparing the wrong number when they buy a website",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/malaysian-smes-are-comparing-the-wrong-number-when-they-buy-a-website",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-29T03:00:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "e27",
    "slug": "e27",
    "url": "https://e27.co/malaysian-smes-are-comparing-the-wrong-number-when-they-buy-a-website-20261025/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysian small business owners often compare website quotes by looking at the first invoice price and choosing the lowest. This approach can lead to significant overpayment, as the three-year total can be five to six times higher than the initial quote. Factors such as the billing structure, domain registration costs, and additional features can greatly impact the final price. To avoid this, business owners should calculate the total cost over three years, including any setup fees, renewal fees, and domain registration expenses. They should also inquire about any additional charges for changes or enhancements to the website. Lastly, it is crucial to ensure that the website is properly optimized for search engines and that the provider can demonstrate the traffic and inquiries generated by the site. By focusing on these key factors, businesses can make more informed decisions when purchasing a website, avoiding the trap of comparing the wrong number.",
  "summary": "Most small business owners I speak to compare website quotes the same way: they line up the first invoice and pick the lowest. It feels sensible. It’s also how many end up paying several times more than they planned. In October 2026 we looked at the published prices of popular website packages in Malaysia and […] The post Malaysian SMEs are comparing the wrong number when they buy a website…",
  "key_points": [
    "Malaysian SMEs compare website quotes by first invoice price",
    "Three-year total can be 5-6 times higher than initial quote",
    "Focus on total cost, setup fees, renewal, domain expenses"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Prioritizing low initial quotes over long-term expenses exposes small businesses to hidden costs that can multiply their total investment several times over the course of three years.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}