The Wholesale Forums

[JustGamesUK]

Hi everyone,

I hope this is in the right place, please move if not.

I was wondering if someone could direct me to the best place to check domain names please?

I just want to check whether or not the name I have in mind is already in use. Ive tried myself but am getting a bit confused as some sites say it is and some say it isn't?!?

Just wondering if there is an official site for this?

Thanks in advance everyone.

Justin

[Beneddie1112]

I always use www.123-reg.co.uk if I'm wanting to buy. If it says taken on there, you cant purchase it.

[PT]

Thats a little strange that some sites show the name is registered, but others don't. Out of interest, where have you been looking?

I've always registered domain names on GoDaddy, never had any problems.

[JustGamesUK]

Thanks so much for the quick replies lads, very appreciated.

PT - Thanks as always mate. I can't remember the sites, I did a quick search late last night on a few random sites searched through google. I checked 3 or 4 and the names was registered on 2 and free on the another 2. The prices were different as well!

I'll have a look on both the sites you two suggest and have look.

Thanks again to both of you.

Justin

[Pete]

A word of caution - It seems like after "trying out" domain names on registrar sites like GoDaddy and such that suddenedly, if you don't buy right then the names are gone when you go back.

It's as if someone is monitoring these places and snaps up names that are tested, so that if they are not bought right away they can buy them and then sell them at a higher price.

I'd suggest going direct to whois, or for UK domains to the source - http://www.nominet.org.uk/

You can also check whois at nominet's site.

When entering a domain at one of the places selling registration, have your money in your hand and buy right then.

[anotheruser]

Dunno why, but I just don't trust GoDaddy. I once nearly signed up with them and the follow up when I chose not to left, let's just say, something to be desired including a bad taste in my mouth.

One of the things I particularly resented was that they were telling me they could do everything for me, yet wanted to take over my business, my life and worst of all my clients. In other words, whatever special service I can offer my clients, they can run their "one size fits all" rule over and . . . no, I'm in danger of running into a rant.

Going back to your point, pete, it is only in the bigger market oriented sellers like GoDaddy I have ever seen the kind of poaching which I have heard so much about. Nominet UK's systems are certainly better than the poachers and I have never, ever heard of a successful poach there. I have an account with OpenSRS (Tucows) and have not come across an account holder who has reported a problem and I use a third party Nominet registrar ( £/$ rates vary too much to guarantee .uk's to be best value with OpenSRS) for .uk's. I have waited several weeks after a WHOIS for availability to get the go-ahead on a purchase from a client and it has always still been there. Which, I think, underlines my point.

In line with our previous discussions about security: don't use the guys with the marketing budgets if you are concerned about security. Use the ones who are concerned about integrity and a longer term relationship.

[cssilverior]

i am usually use godaddy and have no problem. you can also use www.who.is if you want

[MustHaveMobiles]

use 123reg for uk domains and godaddy for .com domains..

[bob]

If you've planned for a site you can buy through a reliable hosting company. Also check with this registrar for UK domain name; http://www.ukreg.com/

[wragge11]

People should always buy .co.uk from 123-reg, as they are much cheaper than domains on GoDaddy.

GoDaddy is $40 for 2 Years (£20), whereas 123-Reg.co.uk is £6.09

Hope that helps!