Basically when it comes down to it, I want you to imagine that you are a prospective customer, considering purchasing an item online from one of these "free hosted sites"... I'm guessing that at this point you are having serious second thoughts, am I right?

...GETTING TO THE POINT :o)

When a prospective customer is deciding whether to make a purchase at your site, one "strong consideration" they will make is on your Domain Name (or lack there-of). I am not saying that "what" domain name is matters so much as "the existence" of domain name. People look for that clean-cut .com or .net (etc) and if it is not present, they will strongly reconsider entrusting you with their credit card information.

Ask friends and associates who they use. While their needs may be somewhat different than yours, basic issues such as support and uptime will be evident, as will cutomner satisfaction. Check out several of web hosting directories, as they maintain a wealth of current information regarding specifics you're interested in. Come armed with a list of things you're looking for and narrow your choices down using this.

Make sure you can grow with this new host. Not only in size of your current sites, but also number of domains and subdomains you can host there. If you're anything like me, I want to be able to get most bang for my hosting buck!

In short, due your homework, check them out, do your part in knowing as specifically as possible what you're after, and make your choice. This could be beginning of a beautiful friendship!