Domain Trading a Shady Business?

[binaryman]

I am relatively new to the domain name scene but in the 2 months or so that I,ve been involved with it I have gained the impression that it is not a wholesome business at all. Registrars (I have had bad experiences with most of the big names in the business) dont bother to reply to any queries that one has and if they do it is often only after countless requests to them for help.Some have still not bothered to reply even now to some queries I have. They only want your money for registering a name and beyond that they are not contactable nor interested in most cases. This problem extends to the big names who offer free domain listing for sale services as well. I dont know about the ones where you have to pay. I havent yet sold a domain but it makes me worry how that part of the business is going to turn out. Really bad I would imagine if this foretaste is anything to go by.
I really cant help but get the impression that there are mostly unscrupelous unsavoury crooks involved in all this somehow..Quick to make bucks out of unwary persons without being prepared to do anything in return.
Correct me if I am wrong please.
Regards
Binaryman

 

[Fleege]

I dont think its a shady business at all. Sure there are bad apples in all internet sectors. (watch out for false bids etc) The registrars are in a peculiar business. For sure on paper it looks like its a goldmine but how much live customer SUPPORT can you provide when then you make a couple of bucks per transaction. Be patient and try to give them the benefit of the doubt. I have been with Godaddy now for 3-4 years and never had any problems. Dont know since you didnt specify any companies where you had your trouble. GD definitely answers your questions albeit mostly automated responses. It's not like you are buying a car -- even though what you buy might be worth a car.

I do not think its fair to say that the whole industry is bad.

Stay positive. Vent and ask questions in forums. And do some name calling so you can get some specific feedback.

stay strong - its a fantastic business.

And welcome to NamePros BTW. We'll take care of you!

 

[binaryman]

Thanx, Your words give me a better feeling. I really want to believe what you say and shall definitely carry on still. But things wiil have improved tremendously simply if registrars would respond quicker to problems. But then perhaps it is my impression of a registrar being a big company with lots of people employed that is my problem. With that scenario I imagine lots of people sitting behind their computer screens eager to assist their customers. But I guess the reality is that often it is a one man business or a business with maybe 2 or 3 people operating out of some backroom somewhere. I dont know, maybe I,ve just been a bit unlucky so far concerning my experiences.
Regards
Binaryman

 

[.X.]

It's no different than any other industry,There are pros and cons.I would say just as anything else,Use common sense,Get to know people in the industry that can lead you down the right paths.And welcome to NamePros :wave:

 

[fonzie_007]

Which registrars are you using?

 

[maximum]

..........But then perhaps it is my impression of a registrar being a big company with lots of people employed that is my problem. With that scenario I imagine lots of people sitting behind their computer screens eager to assist their customers. But I guess the reality is that often it is a one man business or a business with maybe 2 or 3 people operating out of some backroom somewhere........

For most, that isn't the case, and the big ones usually do have nice-sized staffs. But, as Fleege so well pointed-out, its a matter of volume and what you pay. You pay a few bucks, and part of that they themselves have to pay the registry. And for the big guys, you are one out of millions of customers, so they can't be expected to get back to you in a blink of an eye. And, consider the price you do pay - Again, like Fleege said, you are not buying a car or house. It is that old cliche' "you get what you pay for". Some registrars give you more than that (good for their reputation and possibly gets you to use them for more names) and some are worthless at it (they figure your few $'s not worth all the payroll and time answering all your questions).

You might want to see what others have posted about various companies, here at NamePros (link) - which, reminds me, I need to post comments on my favorite registrar :hehe: . NamePros even does registrations (here), which they resell for registrar companies that the admins have a good relationship with

Personally, might I suggest you look into GKG.net. I have, over the years (most not as a domainer/investor, but as an internet business owner), used alot of registrars (probably near half of those listed on the NamePros list of registrars link above + some that aren't). Now, other than domain extensions GKG does not handle, like my .tv's, all my regges are through GKG. I even pay to move bought domains there. Their prices are not the cheapest around (still resonable compared to alot of them), but their customer service, security, and business ethics are what I consider (to each his own opinion :p ) the best in the industry :imho: