Cheap V Expensive Domain Names

[Ludite]

Hello there

I am 44 years of age, never really owned a computer and never really wanted to. I have been running a medium-sized retail outlet for over 15 years and so far managed to do so without a website, email, etc. I have finally decided to take the plunge and I am generally pretty committed to doing something when I make my mind up. However, this time it just seems like I have got myself into a mess I can’t get out of! The first thing is the name - I’ve come up with the name I want, it’s a gem, and it’s still free! Problem is where do I register the domain? There are countless places I can do it, some charge next to nothing, others charge a substantial amount of money. What’s the difference between them? I mean, I really can’t work out exactly what I am getting more for my money should I register my name with one of the expensive sites, and I can’t figure out if there are any risks attached to dealing with the bargain-basement guys. I don’t want to spend money if I don’t have to, so it’s over to you guys. You tell me – cheap v expensive: What’s the lowdown?

Ludite

[WebEdit2]

That's not a bad question Ludite! I am sure a few people will have their ideas about this, but I think we should ask the companies themselves... We're going to contact a few domain companies and see what they say. Could be interesting!

WebEdit2

[SilverStone]

You tell me – cheap v expensive: What’s the lowdown?

Hi,

Good question.. :D

Hopely you can get the answer soon.

[WebEdit2]

You are right SilverStone - a question like that needs an answer! We sent the question to 4 domain name companies... Two that offer cheap domains and two more that offer domains at a bit more of a cost. We have only received one answer so far; Register.com offered a fairly comprehensive answer from their side of the fence:

......

Great question!

I’m responding from Register.com, which is probably one of the non-bargain-basement sites you checked. The biggest difference between us and some lower-priced domain name registrars is our huge investment in live customer support. You can call us toll-free, any time, and quickly talk to experienced (and friendly!) consultants who can answer your questions, help you make changes, explain how systems work, talk to you about how you can use your name, and spend as much time with you as you need. They’re specially trained to hold new Web users’ hands as they launch Web businesses. They can even build a Web site for you. The price difference between us and bargain-basement registrars amounts to a dollar or two per month, but when you’ve got an online business and you need help solving a problem to keep it running, that price difference can seem awfully small.

Some people don’t need this kind of support, either because they’ve got some technical expertise, or they aren’t planning to do much with their domain names. Bargain-basement registrars may be the right choice in these cases. In fact one of the cheap sites you looked at may have been NameBargain.com, which we actually operate. It doesn’t offer the same level of service, but that’s fine for some customers.

-Register.com
(888) REGISTER

......

We are going to follow this up and try to get some other companies to respond, but thanks to Register.com for their contribution. Any other companies out their that might be interested in sharing their views?

WebEdit2

[Mike Global]

WebEdit2

Did you get any other replies to this? Quite keen to see what they say!

Mike G.

[Mike Smith]

Aren't the answers going to be a bit obvious?

MS

[WebEdit2]

Perhaps, but when they do finally arrive let's hope there are a few surprises, eh...

[WebEdit]

A lot of cheap domain registrars don't provide services like parking, or registration for TLDs like .jobs, .travel, .name, etc. Also, just like in any other industry you have premier service and bottom of the barrel cheap services. If you run with a low-ball company you may find your domain hi-jacked because they don't bother to strictly follow the proper procedures for transfering a domain. Plus, if one of these cheap companies go out of business who knows what might happen to your domain name.

[Naeem|THB]

Personally i like www.godaddy.com i have a lot of domains with them, Remember after buying a domain you then need hosting for it!
Regards,

[Martie]

Tons of people know nothing about the internet, nor the difference between registering a domain and then hosting.
Most hosts will offer domain registration but its so very simple to do on your own (and in about 5 minutes time) that we usually try to direct our pre-clients to do it themselves. With a few emails they have it done and didnt realize just how easy it would be. We do offer registration because we sell hosting and some people want that convenience of being charged one time for it all. In other words we offer it as a convenience.
I always suggest godaddy.com or 000domains.com for registration.
You simply register your domain name, and if you already know your hosts DNS then you can add that right into your domain record when you register the name.
It can be VERY overwhelming looking for hosting nowdays so please do your best to research any co. on your list. Be sure to send them some pre-sales emails BEFORE signing up anywhere.
Best of luck...you'll be a pro in no time :-))

[adrianpollard12]

An IP address is assigned to every web server and other electronic device connected to the Internet, like computers, routers, and switches. It is composed of four numbers whose digits are 0–255 and which are separated by periods or dots. An example is 192.168.1.1, which is often used for routers. A web server's IP address is usually static, fixed, or dedicated, meaning that the server is always identified by the same address.

[DanielChew]

Hmph, this question is always running in my mind eventhou so many years. Somehow I wonder why got such domain provider do offer lower price and the other provider offer for much expensive...

As I know those host/provider who offer for lower price and they have their target to be hit, such like .Org for $1.99USD and targeted 300domain name sign up which we called bulk purchase/sell nor even some domain registrar offer for each 10 domain sign up and free 1 domain.

For the expensive domain, they might add-on Whois Privacy Protection/ID protection therefore the price for the domain seem to be expensive.

All you need to do is ask/question before buy. =D