I have multiple websites hosted on WP Engine and they are performing satisfactorily. Recently, I advised a client to switch their hosting for their ecommerce membership site to WP Engine, but encountered an unexpected issue. It turned out that the theme they were using had plugin functionality integrated to manage the membership aspect, which required checks to determine if the user is logged in on nearly every page of the site. However, WP Engine's caching system is extremely aggressive, and this created compatibility issues between the theme and the hosting platform. WP Engine does not offer a global option to disable caching, and the theme author confirmed that the theme is not compatible with any form of caching.

I find it peculiar that a theme would be developed without any consideration for caching, and equally strange for a hosting provider to disallow global caching deactivation. Given the circumstances, it seems more efficient to switch hosts rather than change the theme.

I discovered that WP Engine already has mechanisms in place to detect WooCommerce and other ecommerce plugins, and disables caching on relevant pages to ensure smooth functioning of ecommerce features. However, the "is user logged in" call is causing users to be logged out as soon as they navigate away from their account page after logging in, and there seems to be no solution other than completely disabling caching.

My client has a budget of under $30 per month, and while I have had unsatisfactory experiences with some other managed WordPress solutions such as Pressable and Dreampress, I am hesitant to recommend them again. Although the site receives low traffic, I am uncertain whether Dreampress would be suitable, especially considering my regret for recommending WP Engine initially.

I have ruled out GoDaddy, Bluehost, and MediaTemple due to numerous negative experiences with all three providers. Therefore, I am seeking alternative options.

What are your thoughts on this?

From a technical perspective, the integration of plugin functionality within a theme to manage membership aspects should ideally account for various hosting environments and their caching mechanisms. This oversight by the theme author has led to the current compatibility issues you're encountering. On the other hand, WP Engine's strict caching policies are designed to ensure high performance and reliability but do present challenges in cases like this where fine-grained control over caching is necessary.
Given the specifics of your client's ecommerce membership site and the budget constraints, it's clear that finding the right hosting solution within the specified budget is crucial. While WP Engine's mechanisms for detecting and disabling caching on relevant pages for ecommerce plugins such as WooCommerce are commendable, the issue with the "is user logged in" call leading to unintended logouts signifies an important gap in catering to specific plugin integrations within themes.

Exploring alternative hosting options is a reasonable course of action, especially considering the unsatisfactory experiences with other managed WordPress solutions and the reluctance to recommend them again. Considering the low traffic to the site, it's essential to find a balance between cost-effectiveness and performance.

In this scenario, it might be worth considering specialized managed WordPress hosting providers that offer a balance of performance, flexibility, and compatibility. Conducting thorough research on providers known for their support for ecommerce functionality, flexible caching policies, and cost-effectiveness could yield potential alternatives that align with your client's requirements.

Furthermore, engaging in discussions with the theme's support team, exploring potential workarounds or updates to address the caching compatibility issues may also be beneficial. Collaboration between the hosting provider and the theme author, if feasible, could lead to a more comprehensive solution that ensures a smooth user experience while maintaining the benefits of caching for performance optimization.

Ultimately, the goal is to find a hosting solution that not only addresses the immediate compatibility issues but also provides a reliable and efficient environment for the long-term success of the ecommerce membership site. This may involve a combination of technical evaluation, strategic decision-making, and open communication with relevant stakeholders to achieve the desired outcome.

The situation calls for a balanced approach that takes into account the technical intricacies of hosting environments, the specific requirements of the ecommerce membership site, and the long-term considerations for performance and reliability. By exploring alternative hosting options and seeking collaborative solutions, you can work towards addressing the current challenges while setting the stage for a sustainable and efficient hosting environment.