It is evident in today’s world that the use of proxy servers has been widely accepted, now more than ever. And how could people not use it when it provides more secure browsing over the internet right?
But the thing is that there’s more to proxy servers than just simply masking one’s IP address to surf the web undetected. Proxy servers can allow you to gather crucial data through web scraping. In more recent times, they could also be converted to money by reselling proxies.
The potential of proxy servers is limitless as long as you choose the right one that would cater to all your needs. But how would you pick the best proxy service provider for you? In this article, we will walk you through the tips and tricks in choosing proxies we have up on our sleeves. Let’s get started.
Choosing the Best Proxy Provider: What to Consider
Sure, you have decided on getting a proxy server for your own but it doesn’t stop there. With a lot of companies reselling proxies to consumers, how would you know which one to pick?
1. Know Your Main Purpose
Proxy servers are not created equal. Thus, in choosing a provider for your proxy server, you have to know why you want to buy one for them in the first place. Do you intend to use proxy servers for your work? Do you need one for personal use? Do you want to find a provider that will allow you to buy lots since you plan on reselling proxies?
You have to ask yourself and work through the proxy features you want to have. You must know the specifications that will be most helpful to you as well. While there are many proxy providers, the features they cater to can be easily seen on their website.
If you know the main purpose of why you want a proxy server, it’s better to categorize the proxy service providers based on their usefulness to your purpose. Knowing your main purpose helps a lot. This allows you to filter the proxy provider choices further, leaving you one step ahead in finding the best proxy provider for you.
2. Set Up Your Budget Range
Now that you know the features you want to have in your proxy server, it’s time to check if it fits your budget. After all, you need to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth in investing in proxy servers.
Usually, buying proxies for your work or personal use can be done through the provider’s website. You will then be presented with their pricing plans or subscription plans if they have any. You will also see the services they offer alongside each plan, of course, the cheaper ones having more restrictions.
If you plan on reselling proxies, however, you might need to ask for a quotation. You also need to list down the features you want the proxies to have as much as possible to help the proxy providers accommodate your needs and recommend options.
3. Ask for a Test Service and Evaluate Its Performance
Before fully committing to a proxy server, it is best to look for free trials first to know if it meets your expectations. You can then test its performance using some specific benchmarks that will be beneficial to your purpose. This way, you’ll get the best deal for your money.
4. Figure Out How the Proxies Were Acquired
Figuring out how proxies were acquired is essential in choosing a proxy service provider. The last thing you would want is to take advantage of unethical proxies. It is important that end users allow proxies to use their internet connection but it is more important that they get something in return for the deal.
Proxies acquired using the right process are ethical. Providers that offer ethical proxies are something you should greatly consider especially if you plan in reselling proxies you bought through them. At the end of the day, you don’t want to associate yourself with providers that do illegal things.
5. Pay Attention to The Performance of their Customer Service
Let us all be real. There’s nothing more exquisite than finding a cheap and ethical proxy provider that offers good customer service, right? Having a provider that deals with customer concerns properly is a must if you plan on buying or reselling proxies.
Since proxies deal with the use of technology, it is impossible to not have a bit of a problem that would require you to contact customer support. Thus, in choosing a provider, make sure that the time they take to respond is justifiable, or else, it will not be a good experience for you as a consumer.
6. Hear Opinions Through Reading Unbiased Reviews
Of course, any company that provides services would only want you to see its good side when you are about to make a purchase. Proxy providers would please you to make you their customers and this tactic is done in a lot of industries.
However, don’t be fooled. You have to read through customer reviews; the good and bad ones. Usually, those who have given a so-so rating will be the most unbiased ones so make sure to check them before talking to a proxy provider.
7. Avoid Offers That Are Too Good to Be True
A tip that works for any purchases or business deals is that if the offer is too good to be true, it probably is. A legitimate business would need funds and other resources to run the company properly. All these costs add up to the final price of the product or service they offer. Thus, in dealing with proxy providers, you must see if the offer is reasonable.
If you are offered a deal that is way too much benefit for the price it asks you for, it has a high chance of being a scam.
Conclusion
Proxy service providers are usually just reselling proxies to consumers. But with a lot of companies reselling proxies in the market, choosing the right one is a crucial decision to make. After all, choosing a bad proxy provider means you threw away a part of your hard-earned money.
We hope we have helped you in choosing the best proxy prover through this guide. Which tips helped you the most? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
