Why some registrars charge so much?

[Dominado]

Hi guys,
This is my first post on this forum, I've been reading it for some weeks now. Time enough to know this is a good place to be.

I am a total newbie as far as domains go, so I wanted to ask you why Network Solutions domain name registration service charges $35 per domain when others charge $6 or $9?

Sorry if this is not the right place for this post.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Kate]

Basically they are targetting corporate customers, register.com charges the same fees too. Registrars may also provide value added services along domain registration. Since they were the first registrar a lot of names have stayed there, corporations don't bother to transfer away to another registrar just to save a few bucks :gl:

 

[snowbird]

Register.com and Network Solutions have both been in business for a long period of time and many companies trust them. The main reason these registrars charge more is because of their toll free customer support and longevity in business. For example Godaddy does not provide a toll free phone number. Therefor they are able to charge less for domain registrations. When a registrar provides toll free support, they include these costs in the cost of a registration. You might also know that Netsol and Register.com both have awards from J.D. Power and Associates for customer support. That is another reason for them to charge more. There may also be a couple of other benefits I may not have mentioned. But these little perks are why they feel they can charge more for registrations.

 

[Dominado]

Thanks a lot for the answers.

 

[jberryhill]

I manage domains pursuant to a variety of engagements, and have experience with most of the major registrars and a few of the minor ones.

Say what you want about NSI, but there was a domain name which a client no longer wanted, so I let it go to expire. A few days before expiration, NSI actually called *me* to let me know it was expiring, and to ensure that's what I wanted.

Figure, the registrar is paying $6.37 or thereabouts wholesale to the registry and ICANN. On a $2 margin at GoDaddy, if they didn't upsell you on other services, how much support time do you think you can chew through before you are running at a loss to them?

 

[Dominado]

That's very interesting, jberryhill.
I suppose the cost is also reflected in the DNS management, right?

 

[Dave_Z]

It's essentially dependent on their business model. What John posted here is a
tactic I've read NSI's been using for a few years now.

It's one of a couple that's apparently still working for them. Well, as long as it
is helping them make money despite pissing off some people, why not?

Anyway, another short answer is there's bound to be a trade-off for the price
somewhere, whatever that is.

 

[Pommy - The DN Doc]

For quality of service, I have found Fabulous.com unbeatable. I have a bulk account though - so if you have alot of domains then I could recommend them. Regs for 5-7 USD.

 

[BlackDiamond]

Hi guys,
I am a total newbie as far as domains go, so I wanted to ask you why Network Solutions domain name registration service charges $35 per domain when others charge $6 or $9?

Once upon a time Network Solutions was the only place you could register domain names, and until the rapid rise of GoDaddy, it was the #1 registrar by default. They charge $35 because of the idea of brand loyalty and recognition, although I suspect to provide support by telephone, they would have to charge a high amount to be profitable.

I've heard stories that Network Solutions will negotiate a lower price with you to renew with you if you play hardball with them when it comes renewal time, but keep in mind that's just a rumor.

Other companies charge $6 or $9 dollars because they are making little profit off the domain names themselves while trying to sell you other services or making that money up elsewhere. That's why price should not be the only consideration when choosing a registrar.

 

[Kate]

I've heard stories that Network Solutions will negotiate a lower price with you to renew with you if you play hardball with them when it comes renewal time, but keep in mind that's just a rumor.

Wait until a few days before expiry, you may receive an offer to renew at $15.