Domain Name Prices
Can you really register a domain for $1.99? Reading the fine print reminds me of those fast-talking voice actors reading the disclaimers on the pharmaceutical commercials:
In addition, you cannot already have a hosting or email account with this company (it has to be a 'new' service to the customer, remember?), AND the $1.99 price is ONLY good for the first year! After that, it increases to the regular price.
What good is $1.99 if the price increases to $18 the next year, or you have to purchase additional services you may not want?
Things to look for in choosing a registrar:
So, the first thing you want to do is compare the total price out the door. By the time you add up all the a la carte stuff, you could be looking at over $90 per year to register a domain!
Next, make sure the price is fixed; you don't want any surprises come renewal time.
Of course, when choosing a registrar, also look for reputation — 1) how long has the company been in business? 2) what is their history with the Better Business Bureau?
Finding a registrar with great prices and a solid reputation is always a winning combination!
"$1.99* Domain Names, Transfers and Renewals! with each and every new, non-domain product you buy.What all this means is, you can register a .com, .us, .mobi, .biz, .info, .name, .net, or .org domain name for $1.99 as long as you also order a non-domain product such as hosting or email services.
Products must be new to the customer (not currently owned) to qualify. One 1 yr $1.99* .com, .us, .mobi**, .biz, .info, .name, .net, or .org domain per each qualifying product; new, transfer or renewal. Recurring billing charges, existing product, domain renewals, domain backorders, premium domain names and domain registration products (such as Privacy, Business Registration, Express Appraisals, Certified Domain, Domain Ownership Protection and CashParking), Gift Cards, photo prints and merchandise, and some "add-on" companion products (such as additional hosting bandwidth and storage) do not qualify as product purchases. Only qualifying domain names included in qualifying purchases are subject to discount.
* Plus ICANN fee of 20 cents per domain name year. Certain TLD's only.
** Only new .MOBI domain names are eligible for $1.99 pricing."
In addition, you cannot already have a hosting or email account with this company (it has to be a 'new' service to the customer, remember?), AND the $1.99 price is ONLY good for the first year! After that, it increases to the regular price.
What good is $1.99 if the price increases to $18 the next year, or you have to purchase additional services you may not want?
Things to look for in choosing a registrar:
- What is included with the price?
- Is the ICANN fee included?
ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is a non-profit, international association founded in 1998 and incorporated in the U.S.
It manages Internet addresses, domain names and the huge number of parameters associated with Internet protocols (port numbers, router protocols, multicast addresses, etc.).
On May 17, 2004, ICANN introduced a 20 cent fee for .com, .net, .org, .info, .biz, .mobi, and .name registrations, renewals, and transfers. All registrars must pay this fee. - Is WHOIS privacy included?
Domain Privacy (also called Whois Privacy, Private Domain Registration, and ID Protect) allows you to update your WHOIS record with non-personal information. When you enable Privacy, the Administrative Contact and Billing Contact sections of your WHOIS record are replaced with generic information.
Using Domain Privacy can help to significantly reduce the amount of unsolicited e-mail and postal mail you receive. You will still be listed as the Registrant of your domain, and you will retain complete control of your domain.
Many registrars charge for this. I've seen the price as much as $9 per year. - Is zone management/domain forwarding included?
Zone management allows you to modify your dns records (Host A, CNAME, MX) that control where your domain name is hosted — website and email.
Domain forwarding allows you to direct your domain name to an existing website (eliminates the need for a Web hosting account).
Both Network Solutions and Register.com charge for this service. Register.com's fee is $49 per year!
- Is the ICANN fee included?
- Does the price increase at renewal time?
- Do you have to purchase additional services in order to get the price advertised?
So, the first thing you want to do is compare the total price out the door. By the time you add up all the a la carte stuff, you could be looking at over $90 per year to register a domain!
Next, make sure the price is fixed; you don't want any surprises come renewal time.
Of course, when choosing a registrar, also look for reputation — 1) how long has the company been in business? 2) what is their history with the Better Business Bureau?
Finding a registrar with great prices and a solid reputation is always a winning combination!
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