Free webmail account impression

[Contrid]

Hi Everyone,

I've been asking myself this question for quite some time now, and I still can't seem to get to a reasonable conclusion which will allow me to make a decision.

I am wondering whether it is unprofessional to use a free, public webmail account such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail for business purposes. (communicating with clients, receiving support ticket notifications, etc...)

Up until now, I've been using my own email accounts with my domain name, but I honestly find Gmail so much easier to use, manage and keep track of important emails.

Please give me some advice.
What would you do?

PS : I have set up a poll to see some results and get a better overview based on that.

All the best,
Antonie

[stymiee]

If you claim to be a business but can't shell out $9 for a domain name and $100 (or less) for email hosting I automatically assume it is a mom and pop shop.

[Pacifer]

If you're a plummer, no problem. If you're doing "Professional Web Development", no way in my market. Perhaps it's different where you are, but I wouldn't bet on it.

[Contrid]

If you claim to be a business but can't shell out $9 for a domain name and $100 (or less) for email hosting I automatically assume it is a mom and pop shop.

Ok, I see what you mean.

Though I have hosting and several domains, but it's just that I find these online webmail interfaces (specifically Gmail) extremely easy to use and manage. What do you think?

I've had the feeling that it's better to use a custom email account hosted on your own server, but I wanted to hear it from you guys.

[Hexagone]

I always find that it looks much more professional to have your own email address rather than a webmail or ISP email address. And if you really like the Gmail interface you can get Gmail for your domain (https://www.google.com/a/) and you can sign up to have them host your email.

[Contrid]

I always find that it looks much more professional to have your own email address rather than a webmail or ISP email address. And if you really like the Gmail interface you can get Gmail for your domain (https://www.google.com/a/) and you can sign up to have them host your email.

Thank you very much for the link!

[AndyP]

I always find that it looks much more professional to have your own email address rather than a webmail or ISP email address. And if you really like the Gmail interface you can get Gmail for your domain (https://www.google.com/a/) and you can sign up to have them host your email.

I second this option -- this is what I do, and it's fantastic.

[Contrid]

I second this option -- this is what I do, and it's fantastic.

Yup...it works amazingly well.
I had no idea that Googe offers this service.
Now that I know, I use it all the time. No more email clients for me...thanks.

[Corey Bryant]

If you need help, check out Microsoft Office Live Basics for some ideas.