1.Abstract
I remember when I first registered an account and bought an overseas VPS, I got a 2-core, 2GB VPS for just a few dozen dollars thanks to a new user's first deposit discount – the price was incredibly reasonable. However, when it came time to renew, the price skyrocketed, more than doubling the initial cost, even more expensive than buying a new VPS! So, I started wondering if there were any money-saving tips for renewing. This article will tell you how to save money on VPS renewals.
2. Why are cloud server renewal fees so expensive? (Several times higher)
It's actually a very simple principle. There are many cloud server providers nowadays, and they all use new user registration discounts and low prices to attract users to place orders on their official websites. This way, they get both VPS sales and website data.
Why are renewal fees so high? Because cloud server providers don't make much profit from the first year of a VPS purchase for new users. They usually only break even when they renew in the second year, as cloud server providers also need to provide personnel services and maintain the machines, all of which incur costs.
So, how exactly can we save money? As a long-time user, if renewal fees are too high and I have to switch to a different cloud server provider, it means all the resources need to be reconfigured. Therefore, as users, we should look for ways to save money.
3. Tips for cheaper cloud server renewals
3.1 Register multiple new accounts and purchase items from the official website (do not reuse previously registered identities).
This is the most common and widespread phenomenon: by using a new mobile phone number and a new email address to re-register an account on the official website of a cloud server provider, one can once again enjoy the new user discount program.
However, this involves data migration and backup, and without this step, it's essentially like buying a brand new machine. Fortunately, some vendors now offer convenient backup and migration services by submitting a support ticket directly through their website.
3.2 Understanding Cloud Server Provider Purchasing Rules
Many providers offer their own pricing packages, so it's helpful to compare prices from different vendors, checking the configurations, corresponding packages, and renewal costs. As far as I know, many VPS providers on VMRack offer the same renewal price, whether you buy monthly or annually; you can enjoy the same price on the VMRack website. Some cloud server providers offer renewal discounts after a certain purchase amount; you can check their official websites for more information.
3.3 Renew VPS during promotional activities
Renewing your VPS during promotional events (such as Singles' Day in China or Black Friday overseas) is very cost-effective, allowing you to purchase several more months or even a year's worth of service, making it more affordable than buying a VPS at other times.
Cloud server providers offer price discounts on certain configuration packages, such as two months' rent reduction for annual renewals or a 20% discount on annual payments.
3.4 Migrate directly to a cheaper cloud server provider
This is actually a very feasible and price-comparable approach, but it has a major drawback: it's extremely troublesome. From a VPS consumer's perspective, it's like switching to a completely new computer; you need to back up and migrate all your existing data, a process that takes at least half an hour. The resources that need to be backed up and migrate are as follows:
The server must be the same as the existing server.
You need to apply for a new SSL certificate and domain name resolution.
Password and username need to be changed.
The database needs to be imported from the original database.
3.5 Downgrade configuration when renewing VPS
In simple terms, if your current VPS configuration is too high and the renewal price is too expensive, you can directly downgrade the configuration and renew on the official website, which will significantly reduce the renewal price (e.g., from 4 cores and 8GB RAM to 2 cores and 4GB RAM).
4. Summary of VPS Renewal Tips
5. VPS Renewal Experience Sharing
After learning these renewal tips, we'll be much more adept at choosing a VPS in the future. We won't be troubled by price anymore. However, we should also research prices and market trends ourselves. As long as we plan our purchase preparations properly, have backup data, and understand the promotions and features of major cloud server providers, we can achieve "more for less"