Domain Name Purchase Safeguards
Use Caution When Purchasing a Domain Name
You have taken the time to identify several domain names you’d like to use for your new web business following the guidelines found in our article “Selecting a Domain Name is Important!” If you haven’t taken this review step–do so now. You will be benefited by having done so.
With your list of possible domain names your next step is to see if any of them are available for purchase and registration.
BEFORE YOU TAKE THIS STEP BE SURE YOU ARE WORKING WITH A REPUTABLE DOMAIN REGISTRAR FIRM. FAILURE TO DO THIS COULD BE DISAPPOINTING AND COULD ALSO BE MORE COSTLY.
We hate to admit there are a few disreputable domain registrars who are more interested in their welfare than yours. Two of the practices you can come across being used by these devious dealers: Front Running, and those who Register all the names they offer. Here is a bit of information on each unprincipled practice:
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Front Running
This is a practice where registrars see what domains are being view by prospective buyers. They then register them before the person inquiring about the name(s) can register them. These “front runners” then can make the name available, but at a much higher price.
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Buying from a Registrar Who has Already Registered the Name
If you are trying to register a name and the name is already registered by the registrar company, you will most likely pay a premium to get this name. The unfortunate side of either of these practices is not being able to purchase the domain name you want. If the domain name has a legitimate website that’s one thing, but to just try to take advantage of others is a different matter.
There are some potential remedies to help in these nefarious practices. Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is looking to begin charging registrars a small fee when they register a domain name. This isn’t a fail safe answer because the added fee could easily be passed on in the price of the registration. Anything to help is accepted.
Here are a few tips to help you in your registration process, and hopefully help you stay away from less than reputable registrars:
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Deal with Known Reputable Domain Registar/Dealers
It goes without saying that “you get what you pay for.” We recommend working with firms that have a good reputation in this area. Our choice is “GoDaddy.com” They are the largest dealer–not the cheapest, and they have other services you can purchase too, such as web hosting. This is the service we use, and highly recommend them and their reputation.
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Have a List of Several Possible Domain Names Ready
If you’ve followed the process in our article “Selecting a Domain Name is Important!” you should be ready to go to a registrar’s website to review their availability. BE PREPARED TO PURCHASE YOUR DOMAIN NAME IMMEDIATELY — IF THE NAME IS AVAILABLE. “He who hesitates is lost.” Select it and check out. Don’t give anyone the chance to “front run” you. Why wait, if the name you want is available–go for it!
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Purchase One or All of the Domain Names and any Sub-sets
You can purchase just the name you have selected, or you could purchase all of the names with their sub-sets (.com, .net, .org, etc.). If you want to eliminate competitive sites popping up from using your name and your branding with sub-sets, then we recommend you purchase them all. Typically, domain names run around $10 per name . . . give or take a dollar or two.
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Don’t Share Your List of Selected Names
You have taken great care to select an important web business name. Sharing your list with others could “leave you on the short end of the stick” if someone snaps it up before you do. If you seek advice on the appropriateness and potential of your name, ask a trusted friend or two, but keep it offline what ever you do until after you have secured the name for yourself.
Here is a quick review of the process to have less hassles when you purchase your domain name. First, be prepared with selecting a domain name or two before you review their availability with a domain registrar. Second, don’t share your ideas or prospective list of names over the internet, and only with trusted friends. Third, purchase your domain immediately if it’s available. Do these simple things and you’ll have an easy process in acquiring your domain name.
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