CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TechnologyOct 16, 2018
The Smart Lab: Is Your Google Analytics Being Held Hostage?
Emmanuel Raheb shoots holes in the common excuses given by web hosting or marketing agencies for not giving ex-clients access to their own Google Analytics.
Emmanuel Raheb is the CEO of Smart Age Solutions, a digital ad agency and coveted Premier Google Partner. Contact him at eraheb@smartagesolutions.com.
When companies decide to switch website hosts, they often lose access to the basics like Google Analytics.
Google Analytics is a free and easy-to-use tool that you can use to collect data on your website traffic. Anything from your conversion rate to how each page on your website is performing can be measured using this web software.
The data compiled is yours, but failing to take the proper precautions early on could mean that you will get locked out of your Google Analytics forever. 
Excuses, Excuses
Here at Smart Age Solutions, we’ve observed that web hosting or marketing agencies will make excuses for why they cannot transfer access to you.
Some of the most common excuses are as follows.
”We are incapable of transferring access.”
Google has a simple process, which we describe below, for changing user permissions.
“As the client, you have to download your historical data.”
This is simply not true and very cumbersome if you have years worth of data that will need to be imported into a new Google Analytics account. You shouldn’t have to be inconvenienced to get access to information that belongs to you.
“We can’t keep the account live for long.”
Your account on Google Analytics can stay live indefinitely.
“There’s a secret code that our hosting company owns that’s in the Analytics account.”
Google uses your website’s URL and tracking ID to collect data. This information is your property and your web host cannot claim that it is a “secret.”
Here is how you can check if you have admin access on Google Analytics, and how you can change user permissions if you do.
1. Log in to your account.
2. Click “Admin” on the bottom left.
3. Click “User Management” (in the left-hand column).
4. You have admin access if you see a list of users’ names, email addresses and permissions. Your permissions should state that you can “Manage Users.”
5. You do not have admin access if see a message on your screen that reads:
Account Permissions
You have access to this account, but you don’t have permission to manage this account’s users. Without user management permissions, you cannot add/remove users or change other users’ permissions.
To manage this account’s users, one of this account’s administrators must grant you user management permissions.
Why Do Companies Do This?
Most companies that do these things want you to feel pain when you leave them. They’re upset that
they lost business and are being spiteful, and they are using your lack of knowledge against you.
Any ethical company won’t withhold your data from you. Always question companies that make excuses like the ones above. No company can claim to have a “secret” strategy formula within the software since Analytics is a Google product.
We strongly advise that clients get admin access to their Google Analytics as soon as possible, even if they are not thinking about switching website hosts. We also advise companies to make sure they get it in writing that they own and have this access.
All your website visitors’ behavior is being tracked by Google so delete your old web hosting company’s access before they delete yours.
Emmanuel Raheb is the CEO of Smart Age Solutions, a digital ad agency and Premier Google Partner. With nearly 18 years’ digital marketing and e-commerce experience, Raheb is passionate about helping national jewelry brands and local retailers alike. Contact him at eraheb@smartagesolutions.com.
Any ethical company won’t withhold your data from you. Always question companies that make excuses like the ones above. No company can claim to have a “secret” strategy formula within the software since Analytics is a Google product.
We strongly advise that clients get admin access to their Google Analytics as soon as possible, even if they are not thinking about switching website hosts. We also advise companies to make sure they get it in writing that they own and have this access.
All your website visitors’ behavior is being tracked by Google so delete your old web hosting company’s access before they delete yours.
Emmanuel Raheb is the CEO of Smart Age Solutions, a digital ad agency and Premier Google Partner. With nearly 18 years’ digital marketing and e-commerce experience, Raheb is passionate about helping national jewelry brands and local retailers alike. Contact him at eraheb@smartagesolutions.com.
More on Technology
The Latest
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
