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.

 

[forge]

They mislead you with the way they describe the backordering process, they release a bunch of $1-2 dollar codes during certain period and exactly 11-12 months later they kill all renewal codes and jack up prices for renewals at $14.99, 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!

I'm no GoDaddy fanboy, but you should realize that: other registrars charge $250 and higher to recover a domain already in redemption period; some registrars offer NO grace period whatsoever; and honestly, why bitch about a registrar that lets you register a domain for $1.00? Other registrars lure you in with similar offers and then VOILA next year you'll have to cough up $35 for renewal!

Finally, why did you allow this domain to progress to redemption period in the first place? Regardless, I don't think ANY registrar will allow you to transfer out a domain that's expired and in redemption.

I know it's no fun to have to cough up additional $ to recover a domain. Just some food for thought.

 

[alien51]

Well, the thing here is that you only get screwed once (if you did not pay attention to the terms and conditions).

Now that you know all the "catch", you are not going to make the same mistake again. So just continue enjoying the 1.99 coupons and embrace back Godaddy.

 

[Name Trader]

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.

I can confirm this. Change anything else in the whois and the 60 day lock IS NOT applied.

 

[alien51]

Yes, and it makes perfect sense. Imagine you lost your phone. You buy a new phone and behold, your domain is now locked for 60 days. That would have been an outrage.

 

[Dave_Z]

Regardless, I don't think ANY registrar will allow you to transfer out a domain that's expired and in redemption.

Expired domain names can be transferred between registrars as long as they're unlocked. Redemption, no.

 

[discobull]

Expired domain names can be transferred between registrars as long as they're unlocked.

Depends on the registrar. Some don't allow this, some do.

 

[Name Trader]

Yes, and it makes perfect sense. Imagine you lost your phone. You buy a new phone and behold, your domain is now locked for 60 days. That would have been an outrage.

Personally, I would like the 60 day lock applied to the email address too. This would make recovery of stolen domains much easier, imho.

 

[Dave_Z]

Depends on the registrar. Some don't allow this, some do.

http://www.icann.org/en/resources/registrars/transfers/name-holder-faqs

My domain name has just expired. Can my registrar require me to pay for a renewal before I can transfer to a new registrar?

No. Your new registrar of choice can initiate a transfer request on an expired domain name once they receive the required authorization from you. Expiration or nonrenewal of a domain name is not a valid reason for denial of a transfer request.

Note that if the registrar has already begun the deletion process on the domain name and its status shows it to be within a 30-day Redemption Grace Period, the name must be restored by your current registrar before it can be transferred.

Although I've transferred an expired .com between registrars in two occasions, the 2nd time last year, I don't recommend that unless one knows his/her current registrar's policies.

 

[discobull]

http://www.icann.org/en/resources/registrars/transfers/name-holder-faqs

Exhibit B:
https://www.namecheap.com/support/knowledgebase/article.aspx/265

 

[Dave_Z]

Exhibit B:
https://www.namecheap.com/support/knowledgebase/article.aspx/265

IMO, NameCheap is understandably yet not completely accurate there.

True, one can't transfer an expired domain name especially if it's locked and its EPP code isn't given to the gaining registrar. If the expired name is unlocked and its code obtained, however, then the name can be transferred as long as it's within the current registrar's grace period.

(I've done that years ago with one registrar whose name I forgot, then last year with NameSilo due to an outside arrangement wherein the name expired by then.)

Even Network Solutions (partly) agrees:

http://www.networksolutions.com/sup...name-for-a-transfer-out-of-network-solutions/

While most expired domain names may be transferred

As well as....Go Daddy:

http://support.godaddy.com/help/article/6870/domain-name-transfer-faq

Can I email the authorization code for an expired domain name?

Yes. If you want to transfer an expired domain name to another registrar, you can send the authorization code to the administrative contact's (admin) email address as long as the expired domain name is in the renewal grace period.

Besides, between NameCheap and ICANN, who has the final say on the matter? If ICANN intervenes, anyway.