Is GoDaddy allowed to do this? Heads-up

[tomcarl]

I'm trying to transfer out a single domain that is redemption period to another registrar. I paid, unlocked domain, submitted auth code on new registrar, then I get the following email from GoDaddy:

"
The transfer you requested has been declined because you opted-in to a transfer lock for 60 days when you agreed to the GoDaddy Change of Registrant policy.

For security reasons, when you change the registrant's first name, last name, or organization name, you consent to a 60 day lock on transferring the domain name. Because you have provided your consent, Section 3(6) of the ICANN Policy on Transfer of Registration between Registrars permits us to decline your transfer request.
"

I did update the organization name within the past 3 months, and I did this with the majority of my portfolio. Is there anyway around this or am I stuck having to pay a ridiculous $80+ fee to keep my own name with them while other registrars are welcoming my business for $8.25

This is ridiculous how this greedy company is so eager to hold a domain hostage for a quick buck meanwhile I've got 300+ domains with them. Yet another curve-ball thrown by GoDaddy and another reason to dislike them.

I think I am going to call customer service and threaten to transfer out my entire portfolio, and I am actually considering doing it. I had enough of GoDaddy's BS.


Warning, Do not update or change any contact info if ever you plan on transferring out within the next couple of months.

 

[RazorNF]

I don't think this is anything new.

Change of registrant, starts a new 60 day lock. Still can do pushes at GD within that window though.

It's one measure against domain hijacking and I personally don't mind that policy in place.

Google the topic and you will find some blog articles saying that it can be appealed though - but your whois changes may be reverted back to what it was before you changed it.

 

[000]

Email [email protected] and they may be able to unlock the domain for you. Not sure if it being in redemption period affects this at all as I've never tried it, but they did successfully unlock one of my active domains last week.

Be prepared to provide them with a copy of your drivers license and business documents if the domain owner is listed as a business (even if your name is on there too).

I 100% agree that it is a BS rule, though.

Let us know how it goes as I'm curious about the redemption period aspect of it.

 

[forge]

This is one of the most widely known (and disliked) GoDaddy policies. I believe many other registrars have similar policies (60-day registrar hold from date of original registration).

 

[cdboard]

is it in redemption? if not, just renew it.

watch their auction listings for your domain. you might save a few dollars by winning the auction.

 

[Kate]

Nodaddy is famous for this... locking down a domain after a change in whois.
Yes, they are annoying but not just for this. They waste your time the rest of the time too

Can they ? Yes, because they made you agree to the TOS, even if they twist your arm a little bit in the process.

 

[NameOmnia]

We all dislike that rule( which btw other registrars use ) but we all agreed to that so we can't really complain when they apply it. Renew it at GD it's the easiest thing to do.

---------- Post added at 09:37 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:35 AM ----------

Nodaddy is famous for this... locking down a domain after a change in whois.
Yes, they are annoying but not just for this. They waste your time the rest of the time too

Can they ? Yes, because they made you agree to the TOS, even if they twist your arm a little bit in the process.

Actually I just transferred a name out of Network Solutions and they were pretty clear saying not to change ANYTHING in your whois info if I wanted to be able to transfer it...
They are all the same



I look forward to seeing the new DNS registrar

 

[Spade]

There is a valid reason this is done. If you pay to renew the domain name and then transfer it out and initiate a Charge Back - the registrar is screwed. Frankly, this is a very reasonable rule.

 

[discobull]

Unfortunately, the only part of the contact info you can change without triggering the 60 day lock is the email address.

 

[alien51]

This is ridiculous how this greedy company is so eager to hold a domain hostage for a quick buck

There was no hostage-taking going on. It's purely software algorithm. You triggered the automatic 60-day lock yourself by changing the Organization name in your registrant whois data.

It would have been bad if they never told you about this. But they did tell you, and you accepted the terms. So there is really nothing to complain.

And by the way, countless Domainers have already threatened to pull out their gazillion portfolios out of Godaddy since the Elephant shooting days. But Godaddy is still here.

 

[NameOmnia]

Well if it was for how much I hated the f*****g hunter they should be bankrupt already...
Ignorant disrespectful axxxole

 

[Kate]

Unfortunately, the only part of the contact info you can change without triggering the 60 day lock is the email address.

Are you sure ? Because all you need to transfer the domain away is:

• access to the admin E-mail
• auth code
• domain name unlocked

I don't see the security here.

 

[GoWeb]

I picked up two domains on GoDaddy recently in auctions and when I wanted to transfer them away, they sent a form, asked to fill it up and attach a copy of driving license/passport.

When I argued with their support against the policy, they said they need to affirm the identity. I gave them a piece of my mind. What bullsh*t to ask the auction winner "proof" of his identity when he tries to transfer the domain, not when he is asked to pay money for it. But since I gave them the filled up form anyway, they unlocked the domains finally after asking to take "print out" and "MANUALLY" sign the form. Utter idiots.

All domain registrars are mostly shoddy businesses, not strictly regulated, with the ICANN being mostly a dummy organization. Now take eNom, they charge $39 for a "transfer" when you can register a new domain for under $10 (or $2.95, one by one).

NameCheap is the BEST registrar out there but the issue is not many people have accounts there and if you have to ever sell a domain at Namejet auctions, it has to be mostly eNom.

Only passing time and rising consumer clamor will straigten out these registrars. Remember Arab Spring?

 

[discobull]

Are you sure ? Because all you need to transfer the domain away is:

• access to the admin E-mail
• auth code
• domain name unlocked

I don't see the security here.

I'm positive. I had a conversation with Godaddy about this because I was thinking of changing the email address on all my domains and I wanted to know if doing so would trigger the 60 day lock. They said that as long as the only thing I changed was the email address that I'd be fine.

A while later this was confirmed after I sold a domain through Sedo. Sedo kept telling me that the buyer had initiated the transfer to Moniker, and I kept telling them that I wasn't receiving any transfer request. This went on for almost 2 weeks after which Sedo had me change my email address to theirs because they were convinced that either I was lying or that there was a problem with my email. They were very careful to mention that I should not change any other part of my contact info so as to avoid the 60 day lock.

 

[alien51]

They were very careful to mention that I should not change any other part of my contact info so as to avoid the 60 day lock.

I changed my phone number and postal address. It didn't trigger a 60-day lock.

 

[discobull]

I changed my phone number and postal address. It didn't trigger a 60-day lock.

You were able to transfer it to another registrar within the 60 days?

 

[alien51]

You were able to transfer it to another registrar within the 60 days?

There is no 60 days lock on the domains where i changed the phone number and postal address. I moved them to Name.com already after the change. The 8.25 dollar transfer was much cheaper, than if i renew them at Godaddy even with coupon. Plus i get free whois privacy at Name.com at no extra cost.

 

[discobull]

I moved them to Name.com already after the change. The 8.25 dollar transfer was much cheaper, than if i renew them at Godaddy even with coupon. Plus i get free whois privacy at Name.com at no extra cost.

I agree. I move my godaddy domains to name.com when they're up for renewal, then I move them back to godaddy with a $1 or $2 coupon. I don't use privacy since I want potential buyers to be able to contact me.

 

[CoolRev]

I have been using G*daddy for a while now (like 4+ years) and mostly had good experience.

Although I agree with the OP that this policy annoys a lot but we have to understand that its been put to place only and only for our safety (to protect against any illicit modifications) & I appreciate them for taking such extra measures.

To OP, Just contact the customer service & provide proof of ownership (authenticity) and they will unlock it soon after. (no need to wait 60 days).

-CR

 

[tomcarl]

Thanks for the responses.

I was aware of the 60-day lock for new regs but I didn't know about the lock when simply adding an organization name, not changing actual names, numbers, email, etc. Now in redemption period I can't transfer out. Yes, it was posted in the fine-print, but this wasn't for MY benefit or for "my protection". They sent me an email saying they are allowed to decline the transfer at their discretion since I agreed to fine-print - Not asking me whether I'd like to fax in information to verify I am the owner or to actually "help protect me".

Just been frustrated with their business practices and this was an annoyance that was the straw that broke the camel's back. I shouldn't have to make these phone calls, fax identification, etc and sacrifice my time. A good business is supposed to make things as convenient as possible for their customer even if I'm choosing to transfer out 1 of a few hundred domains I have with them.

They mislead you with the way they describe the backordering process, they release a bunch of $1-2 dollar codes during certain periods they're trying to spike their numbers and exactly 11-12 months later they kill all renewal codes and jack up prices for renewals at $14.99. And then charging $80 dollars to keep a domain during a time period other registrars let you renew it at regular cost, and they flag certain domains that are dropping and they consider as "PREMIUM" and offer them at Buy It Now with a Premium price even when the name isn't even registered and available anywhere else at regfee!

It's all shady, classless business, look at the way they try to parade sex in their advertisements, to sell domains? Seriously?

They remind me of used car salesmen, yet we all love them because they offer more discount codes than any other registrar but other than that it's just a hassle.

I'm not going to LOVE a company and give them 100% praise because they throw out a couple of $2-5 dollar coupons a couple of times a month to the domaining industry, like throwing a treat to a caged dog.

I see a lot of GoDaddy praise, but what stellar quality or service are they offering that is unmatched anywhere else? What unique feature do we get? How is it shown to us that they value our business, charging us $80 redemption fees? Raising renewal rates without disclaimers sent ahead of time? Auctioning off our expired domains we can't get back unless we pay?

Other registrars offer free privacy protection, instant domain transfers between accounts, longer time for renewal, etc. But yeah, GD gives out a few more .COM coupons, so GD > everyone else.