Beware the Cold Call: Website Edition

At OmniWorx Design, we occasionally receive calls from companies, usually from overseas, offering custom website services at surprisingly low prices—sometimes even as a “one-time fee.” Recently, we took one of these calls to see how they pitch their services. What we encountered was a useful reminder of why businesses should be cautious when engaging with unsolicited offers, especially those that make sweeping claims about platforms like Squarespace.

Here’s what happened—and why we think it matters.

A Scripted Pitch, With Shifting Details

The call began with a salesperson offering to add a donation feature to our website. When asked where they got our number, the caller vaguely cited a “research team” that found us through our website. This lack of transparency around how they obtained our information was the first red flag.

This raises questions under Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL), which requires businesses to have consent—either express or implied—before sending commercial electronic messages or cold-calling in a commercial context. If someone can’t clearly explain how they obtained your contact information or what gives them the right to reach out, it’s a sign to be cautious.

As the call continued, the details of the offer became increasingly unclear. The salesperson mentioned a “one-time fee” of $700 for a custom website, but hosting and domain costs were added in later, bringing the annual fees to over $120. When we pointed out that this was nearly as much as what we already pay for Squarespace, they countered that Squarespace is a “rented” service, unlike their custom-built solution.

Platform Comparisons Without Context

The caller repeatedly claimed that Squarespace has “limitations” and that a fully custom-coded website would always look and function better. To support their point, they directed us to an example website their company had built.

After reviewing the site, we found that there was nothing on the site that couldn’t be achieved using Squarespace.

Modern platforms like Squarespace are powerful and flexible. With tools for custom CSS, JavaScript integration, dynamic layouts, and built-in features like memberships, e-commerce, and donations, Squarespace is more than capable of supporting highly customized websites. All of our clients benefit from stunning, user-friendly designs that are built entirely within the Squarespace ecosystem.

It’s important to remember: custom-coded doesn’t automatically mean better. It often means more complexity, more long-term maintenance costs, and a greater risk of being locked into a single developer’s availability and skill set. For most small and midsize businesses, that tradeoff doesn’t make sense.

Subscription Fees Are a Good Thing

One of the criticisms raised during the call was that Squarespace charges an annual (or monthly) subscription fee. But this isn’t a hidden cost—it’s a known, consistent investment that includes:

• Website hosting

• SSL security and encryption

• 24/7 uptime monitoring

• Automatic platform updates

• Access to customer support

• Built-in tools for SEO, analytics, and more

These features would cost significantly more if purchased separately or maintained manually on a custom-coded site. By bundling them together, Squarespace offers peace of mind and allows businesses to focus on their customers—not their tech stack.

What This Means for Small Businesses

Calls like the one we received are a reminder to look past the sales pitch. When someone offers you a website for a fraction of the cost, ask:

• Where did they get your information?

• Who owns the site after it’s built?

• Are updates, hosting, and support included?

• Will you be able to make changes yourself?

• What platform are they using, and is it one you can easily manage?

At OmniWorx Design, we don’t just build websites—we help businesses make informed decisions about their online presence. We believe in using tools that empower our clients, not lock them in. Whether that’s Squarespace, WordPress, or another platform, the goal is always the same: a beautiful, functional website that reflects your brand and serves your goals. We are also a local business that understands the market in Peterborough and the Kawarthas so we can better build something that helps your business grow.

Need advice about a website offer you’ve received? We’re happy to give a second opinion—no pressure, no jargon, just honest insight.