A suggestion for engineers that lack business experience. As soon as your project grows beyond the non-hobby scale and starts making real money, invest some time to reach out to company providing the services that keep it alive and find an account manager that will take care of you.
We're a Google customer and of course we had our fair share of issues (btw: it's the same with Azure, based on our experience), and we always escalate to our account manager. That usually starts turning the wheels much faster.
Also, do not be afraid to ask your account manager for additional discounts. Everybody in sales has some wiggle room to get you a better deal. With Google their account manager actually suggested that we work through a reseller and we're getting % off the list prices.
Dealing with Google, Amazon, etc.. is not like dealing with code. It's not only transactional and you need to invest some time in the relationship even if you're the customer.
We're a Google customer and of course we had our fair share of issues (btw: it's the same with Azure, based on our experience), and we always escalate to our account manager. That usually starts turning the wheels much faster.
Also, do not be afraid to ask your account manager for additional discounts. Everybody in sales has some wiggle room to get you a better deal. With Google their account manager actually suggested that we work through a reseller and we're getting % off the list prices.
Dealing with Google, Amazon, etc.. is not like dealing with code. It's not only transactional and you need to invest some time in the relationship even if you're the customer.