I recently set up a Gmail account for my new business. I used it to sign up for various paid services like hosting, domain registration, and payment processing. I added my debit card info and everything seemed fine at first.
But now Google has suddenly locked me out, claiming they need to verify it’s really me. The weird part is, I can’t use my phone numbers to verify because Google says they’ve been used too many times. Their suggestion to use someone else’s phone seems ridiculous and unsafe.
I’m seriously worried now about relying on Gmail for important business accounts. What if Google randomly locks me out again with no real way to regain access? Has anyone else dealt with this? Are there better email options for business use that won’t randomly restrict access to your own account?
Update: I’ve since switched to a different email provider for my business. When I tried to close the Gmail account, it got locked again! This has really shaken my trust in Google’s account security practices.
I’ve encountered similar issues with Gmail for business use. While it’s convenient and free, the lack of dedicated support and arbitrary account locks can be detrimental to operations.
For critical business communications, I recommend using a custom domain email service. Many hosting providers offer affordable email packages with your domain name, which looks more professional and gives you greater control.
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are solid options if you need additional collaboration tools. They provide better security features and customer support compared to free Gmail.
Ultimately, the reliability and peace of mind from a paid business email service far outweigh the cost savings of free options. It’s an essential investment to protect your business communications and reputation.
man, gmail’s been a real headache for me too. got locked outta my account during a big product launch - talk about bad timing! switched to zoho mail and haven’t looked back. its cheap, reliable, and no more random lockouts. def worth checking out if ur fed up with gmail’s BS.
I’ve been through a similar nightmare with Gmail for my business, and it’s definitely not an isolated incident. After years of using it without issues, I suddenly found myself locked out during a crucial client negotiation. The verification process was a mess, and I lost potential business because of it.
Since then, I’ve switched to a paid business email service linked to my own domain. It’s been a game-changer in terms of reliability and control. Yes, it costs a bit more, but the peace of mind is worth every penny. Plus, having an email address with your own domain looks more professional to clients.
If you’re still considering free options, I’ve heard good things about ProtonMail for privacy and security. But honestly, for a business, investing in a proper email solution is crucial. Learn from my mistake - don’t wait until you’re locked out of crucial accounts to make the switch.