Discuss your Epik Experience!

I appreciate your feedback, I have given a good majority of their services a go around, check my history, check my feedback, I am not here to sell anything, but just state the facts based on my experiences. You signed up less than a month ago, you have already gotten yourself restricted from various namepros services, so just take a deep breath and slow down. All the sudden day 1 it’s all going wrong for you, click the chat button, and walk thru it with their support team. Could just be new account signup issues, their platform has some complex options that take a bit of learning curve, but if you want the option to offer simple two click payment plants, along with marketplace listings, and instant access to your sales to purchase other names, or renew names stay the course. PayPal is one issue, but the tools embedded into the platform are solid, and necessary for many newbie investors to be successful in getting faster access to funds, and being able to offer payment plans without complications. I’m not supporting, or denying any outside services provided to groups labeled by the public as extreme, but simply the services offered within the platform.

 

If it was just about a bad server/code day for them, we would not be calling each other about the mess. All they needed to do was to flash a message saying something was wrong.

Instead they saved our details, basically saying Thank you, that'll be all. The moment a pushed domain needed to get accepted, they said Wait, you have to fill up your details. And again, and again. Messy, 1990s- Namepro-like layout, and constant mistakes. Mostly unannounced. No, we don't think that should be accepted by even newbies, nor should their loyal custoemrs and supporters get blind to allergic to criticism.

 

They are various menus and functions at name.com too, and we simply discovered and used them as we needed them, but THEY WORKED! We cannot wait to try another provider. Then we will likely tell you it was much easier than Epik. Most websites are easier than Epik. Even the most complex stock exchange platforms are easier.

Yes, they might be amazing deep in but what's the point if people who show up for the first time end up rolling their eyes and walking away? Hire some user interface specialists, Rob (sorry, @epik) and make things look, work and give OK or Not OK messages like fully functioning sites do.

Then people actually won't bother opening and filling up HUGE treads about why the service is GREAT/HORRIBLE, because everything will simply work and there will be no need for either.

Your line, if they used them properly, is like: I know things are buggy, completely messy and well hidden, but I figured it out after [enter number of days/weeks/months] and I am happy. No, this is not how user interface of truly great providers work. Regardless of its complexity, it should not fail when it comes to being intuitive or at least easy to navigate.

 

The only gripe I have about using Epik as a registrar is when it asks for my 2FA "Google Authenticator" code.

I use Authy.

 

Saying various services (we got the badge because of a single wrong paste into the chat room by one of us) is like saying that Epik is user friendly. We both know that if they hired more than just coders and geeks, their site would not have 80 pages worth of comments about these banalities. Forget name.com, they are at least five to 10 big registrars that provide 85-97% of features of Epik, and they have managed to get things working. More then three or four pages worth of NP comments? Well, @epik, redo certain things from ground up, but this time with people beyond your closest circle of geeks.

 

Sorry. I noticed another member of our team accidentally submitted the same reply twice.

Edited.

 

I haven't followed this thread for a while. PayPal has disappeared as a payment option for me. Anybody else experiencing the same? No option is shown when I try to transfer in a domain. Cannot add credit either.

 

Go back 5 pages and read about epik:paypal divorce. sucks cause i use paypal moistly

 

There are lots of paypal alternatives - cash app, vimeo, etc. and payouts in crypto.. can epik use one of those? This might end up having been a bad move on paypal's part if it leads to more and more people having to choose an alternative payment method and then getting used to it.

Intellinames is sort of right that paypal probably did terminate due to their perceived association with the alt-right. This may be based in part on a misunderstanding that domain names and content are the same thing. I have recently seen a news article target owners of coronavirus domain names, insinuating that owning a domain name is the equivalent of publishing content related to that domain name. I want to believe that they were unfairly treated with the GAB thing, but it doesn't help that Rob openly made friends with them. should that be enough to terminate a paypal account - no, but

 

You are always welcome here Molly.

 

Thanks. Will read up when I have time. Looks like some more drama. And yes, it sucks big time. Guess you cannot withdraw to PayPal either if that's the case.

I don't mind using a credit card but it's cheaper for me to use PayPal as that way I don't have to convert my balance to euro and withdraw which adds up if you're talking a couple of K in balance.

If I can't use PayPal it's actually cheaper to move my domains elsewhere.

 

Hi

to the quote below:

i got restricted from chat last week, when a new member reported my post, as "hindering the sale of and devaluing his domain name."
and...even though mod stated that they believed there was no intent, to hinder or devalue the domain in question... they still restricted access.
simply because the newbie couldn't comprehend the advice given and took it personally.

so, basically saying that @s.g restriction, shouldn't invalidate any opinions expressed or difficulties in user experience with subject registrar.

imo...

 

There is No shortage of choices in the domain register space... most definitely ... sky is the limit really... as domainers you need certain tools that will help you execute sales, payment plans, and other options to make sure you stay ahead of your renewals, and can access funds quickly to invest your funds into bigger names... these are all important tools.. very register as their strengths ... Dynadot is good also, but it lacks any payment plan options from the menus, godaddy as well, also if you want to sell a domain via godaddy marketplace your looking at 20 percent commission to make that listing live even if you bring the client... I know you can go to escrow , and other services, but trust factor sometimes to be able to execute quickly before buyer sleeps on it, or as they say talked to their partner who is a no etc... small steps, and tools help close those few extra sales you need to stay ahead of your purchases, and renewals to stay above water you need in house... not having PayPal for sure makes life harder for many, and will cause some customer backlash... enom still have 5 day transfer outs, and is a no go, moniker well many of us are still licking our wounds from the site integration a few years back, netsol 3 days for an auth code, high renewals, non friendly panel, and slow transfer outs... you try to find a register that gives you the most tools to be successful, fastest access to be able to get domains to buyers, and fast payouts, the politics of the registers is their own issue, but good luck, I wish you much success in the space.

 

Name was great ten years ago, but it lacks all the tools needed for domain investors to be successful today, they simply have not kept up, and are not as popular as they once were. Dan has solved a lot of issues for many of the registers with poor marketplace, or instant checkout options... it looks like many are trying to catch up... one small change godaddy could make would give people 5% commission break if they bring their own lead, another is have an internal balance where customers could upload funds... something many registers need to work on is quick money payment plan integration, and setup within, that way no messy transfers from register to holding company etc.. everything stays within your panel, this is an area epik wins at, as they a very customizable payment plan, that lets you choose from various methods, not just a fixed term. If you are just buying domains to park, and leave, any discount register works, but if you want to be profitable in the space, you need one with the right tools.

 

Can I ask you have you done a $15k sale at epik, and had payment issues?

Because I have, and haven’t had any issue getting the funds. I am speaking from personal experience, as I actually did a $15k one there a few months back... I got instant access to funds, and used them as I needed to purchase more names, renewed some names, and took the rest out. The system acted as it should.

 

Most people also don’t know uni has a payment plan that has to be started with a broker so that’s 15% right there, as well they take full commission upfront... say your first payment is $2000, and their commission is $1,800... on payment 1 they would take $1800, and leave you $200, say second month buyer defaults... well you got your $200, and register got $1800... how is that fair... the commission should be 15% as funds come in so $300 for register on payment 1, and $1700 for domain seller.

These are the little things you need to know to stay successful in the space.


Given this is the epik experience thread, I have used their payment plan and their commission is 9% of payment as it comes in, so it is not front heavy, but blended into the success of your payment plan, as it seems little of this thread is actually spent talking about features, and services, but more about politics

Everyone is free to use what service works best for them, I am just speaking from use, and experience.

 

Nicely and objectively worded. Thanks. Name.com is behind but their existing functions actually function. Unlike some of the Epik's advanced features. Dan is scheduled to be tested next. We'll be equally honest about our upcoming positive or negative experience.

Thanks for taking emotions out if this, BTW. A refreshing approach!

 

Based on my experience I would say namesilo would be a great alternative option for you, if you want a basket of tools, and are not happy with your current provider.

 

Also on our to-be-tested list. Thanks.

 

The importance of quick access to sales funds actually is very important in this space as it becomes more crowded, and competitive.

Last year a big name came available, and it was posted for $10K, seller was in liquidation mode, and needed fast cash, first come, first sold scenario. Now this name is on the cusp of high 5 figure, low 6 figures present day, and within 30 minutes seller had 5 acceptances to purchases.

They honoured their first come first sold policy, as the seller is very honourable, I gave them a $1k deposit via PayPal, and we closed the deal via Epik on Monday. I was able load some bitcoin, use some proceeds of a closing sale, and the difference I uploaded from my credit card... if that was escrow, they wouldn’t even acknowledge payment 3-4 days as it would still be in processing stage. Seller was happy because they got quick access to the funds they needed, and buyer was happy as they got a great name.

There are a lot of veteran investors in this space that are looking to spend, and are having trouble getting good names at wholesale prices, and new investors, and high marketplace auctions are causing everyone to go bonkers, especially with huge bot bidding every $12 bid to $200 on mid level names, when you get the chance you need to be able execute quickly. This is a real world scenario where epik helped me get a great domain with their services.

Please don’t take this as an advertisement or must use option, I am just talking about my own experience as this is the discuss your epik experience thread.

 

I think you meant Venmo instead of Vimeo. Venmo is owned by Paypal if I'm not mistaken, so that probably wouldn't be an option.

 

Good point. I've read up. Got past the drama which is insane, again.

Back to business...

Next time I would like a heads up from my Swiss bank when they cannot take payments by PayPal anymore. Not having to find out by asking on NP or through Social Media. And what happens to domains that are set to autorenew using PP as a default payment option?

Instead of starting another war, I'd appreciate it if they would spend a couple of minutes to update their clients.

 

Not to take anything away from what you said because you are correct, I have had some friends who started a business, and had PayPal limit their accounts when they had success, for no rhyme, or reason, and taken weeks for them to lift restrictions for a simple reason like getting a $20 order from Russia... you hear these horror stories online, as there is not shortage if you google it. It looks like they were trying to repeal it, or trying to find a way to comply, until it’s final I wouldn’t consider them to send a memo out, maybe giving clients a few new ways to pay instead... ie: google pay, xoom etc... You have to remember it’s not something they removed voluntarily to put you in a bad position, but I guess a disagreement between PayPal, and them, that caused PayPal to remove their services. I feel bad for you because it’s not easy to move domains in and out; and put 60 day locks on them if you need PayPal transact, it’s a tough position to be in for sure, I am sure your time could be better spent looking for domain gems.

 

Why give them your 2FA code? That doesn't smell kosher.