.us or .net

[olc]

I want to get a domain name for my business (I am a self employed engineer). my company name.com is owned by a large international english company with a related name but they don't use it. Should I: a. Contact them directly hoping they will give it to me (professional courtesy). b. Contact the registrar c.? If I can not get the name, what is my best option - .us or .net?

 

[Smiler]

I say go for .net, its the second TLD that people will likely choose. It is also a little more established than .us right not. Also use .info to provide your customers information about your business. I Hope everything works out with your company.

 

[homebuyer]

Don't tip your hand

Check the whois for the .com domain to see when it was registered and will expire. If it was regged within the last one or two years and is not being used now, then they might not renew it. Also, your calling them might add value to the domain in their minds and cause them to renew it or sell it to you at a value-added price.

I'd say go ahead and reg both the .net and .us and use whois privacy until you resolve their renewal possibility or the issue of their selling their domain to you after they renew it. If you can, also hold off on putting up a website with your .net/,us domain.

There's always light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes, despite lengthy registration periods, the registrant fails to renew it. Don't tip your hand just yet.

(RobertName).com was regged for two years. I wanted it badly and the other TLD's were available, as well as (BobName).com. I didn't contact them and just waited it out. I ended up getting (RobertName).com for reg fee.

 

[Spade]

Honestly, your best bet is to call them up, ask them if they are intending to use the domain, and make a reasonable / fair offer for it. I dont recommend developing anything but .com - it will only hurt your image and make you seem less professional in the eyes of the public.

btw - I do believe there is little to no chance they will just "give" you the domain name. Especially if they have owned it for years. Good luck!

Justin

 

[neroux]

I'd go for a, skip b (how should that help you) and go with .net in all other cases (unless you are US American and aim only for US business).