Has anyone tried/had luck with domain licensing?

[DNist]

Hey All,

Has anyone had any experience with offering domains to end users for a monthly fee? Other than the "I don't want to lose my domain name" argument, does that seem viable?

Thanks!

 

[lothos]

if you search the forum here for "leasing" you'll see people do it from time to time. I prefer not to lease, but I've done a rent-to-own type deal where I leased out the name until it was paid off and then transferred to the buyer.

 

[Kate]

In general it doesn't make sense to lease a domain you will never own, it's viable option in a limited number of cases, for example:

• for short terms campaigns
• the domain is exceptionally good and not for sale
• the domain has a lot of traffic
• you have an option to buy

When you are a business, the domain usually is your brand. It should be somewhat permanent. You can rent offices and even move to other premises later - you still retain your identity. But not owning your brand/domain means you do not control your own identity.