The process at the end.
WHAT TO DO
Confirm the leaving date in writing
Provide a full backup: files, database, email
Provide DNS records Transfer the domain, if you hold it Remove your access once they have moved Terminate the account after a stated grace period Settle any outstanding invoice
THE GRACE PERIOD
Keep the account for a period after they leave, in case something was missed.
A week or two costs you almost nothing and prevents an awkward conversation.
WHAT TO KEEP
A record of the client, what they had, and when it ended.
Not their data, beyond the grace period.
THE FINAL BACKUP
Provide it, and tell them you will delete your copy after a stated date.
Holding a former client's data indefinitely is a liability rather than a service.
WHAT TO SAY
Something gracious. They may return, and they will certainly be asked about you.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Terminate immediately on the leaving date, with no grace period Delete data without warning Leave outstanding work unfinished
THE DOCUMENTATION
Update your records. A terminated client still in your monitoring generates alerts for a site you no longer host.
