There are many UK based domain name registrars, with varying pricing depending on the type of domain name that you are looking for. It depends really on whether you are looking for domain name only or hosting also as you may find that some are cheap for domains but not for hosting and vice versa.
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G
Gilesfuchs
- Original Poster
- #4
A simple-light search on Google has bought me countless results - https://www.google.co.uk/#q=buy+domain+name&hl=en&prmd=imvnsz&source=lnt&tbs=ctr:countryUK|countryGB&cr=countryUK|countryGB&sa=X&ei=UNkWUIz9LIfWrQeQhIHQCg&sqi=2&ved=0CFIQpwUoAQ&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&fp=ddc48e83889475dd&biw=1024&bih=575
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You'll typically find a decent web host will offer domains for less than a domain registration company like 123-Reg, as they'll offer it as an added value service to their clients, and so it isn't something they try derive profit from.
A .co.uk domain will cost pretty much the same anywhere, although there are companies that overcharge. Generally you're looking at around £7 for two years. If you're looking at .com .net and other ICANN domains though then you'll find web hosts can be significantly cheaper than 123-Reg and the like, generally by £3-£4 or more per year.
You'll find a lot of people say to keep the domain and hosting separate. However, any decent provider will register your domain in your name, won't charge you to transfer out, and will give you full control. However, do make sure you check the terms of service, as some can get difficult when people try to leave. We've had UKBF members move to us and their existing provider was trying to charge £10 per domain to leave. However, that was one of the exploitative companies that offer "free" hosting and then charge for everything that you'd expect to come as standard.
I hope that helps
A .co.uk domain will cost pretty much the same anywhere, although there are companies that overcharge. Generally you're looking at around £7 for two years. If you're looking at .com .net and other ICANN domains though then you'll find web hosts can be significantly cheaper than 123-Reg and the like, generally by £3-£4 or more per year.
You'll find a lot of people say to keep the domain and hosting separate. However, any decent provider will register your domain in your name, won't charge you to transfer out, and will give you full control. However, do make sure you check the terms of service, as some can get difficult when people try to leave. We've had UKBF members move to us and their existing provider was trying to charge £10 per domain to leave. However, that was one of the exploitative companies that offer "free" hosting and then charge for everything that you'd expect to come as standard.
I hope that helps
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What type of domain suffix/TLD (.co.uk, .com etc.) are you looking to register?
Prices vary. Our low-cost domain name company sells .uk's for as little as £2.99 per year for example.
Rich.
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I also recommend 123-reg.co.uk
Have used them for about 6 yrs now and never had a problem. Probably registered around 150 domains in that time. Had a few queries that went to their helpdesk over that time and generally sorted out well.
Only thing I would mention is that I have say the same for their hosting side which I believe is their parent company Webfusion. We used them quite a while a go and they were a complete nightmare. I understand many of the issues that haunted them in the past have been rectified so they may well be better now.
Bottom line is just use the domain registration side and you'll be fine.
Have used them for about 6 yrs now and never had a problem. Probably registered around 150 domains in that time. Had a few queries that went to their helpdesk over that time and generally sorted out well.
Only thing I would mention is that I have say the same for their hosting side which I believe is their parent company Webfusion. We used them quite a while a go and they were a complete nightmare. I understand many of the issues that haunted them in the past have been rectified so they may well be better now.
Bottom line is just use the domain registration side and you'll be fine.
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Contrary to what people think there is, especially if you compare with what some web hosts charge for domains, as they don't offer domains to make a profit.
This is the case for any ICANN domains such as .com etc. and especially the case for less common domains.
For example, they charge £10.99 for a .com, .net, etc. These can be had elsewhere for £7 or even less. That's £4 difference already.
If you have a number of domains to register, to protect your business name, or because you have a number of sites, then this quickly adds up. If you have 10 .com domains to register, even with their bulk domain discount that comes to £30 more expensive.
They charge £30 for a .co, which are quite popular these days as an alternative to a .com. These can be had for as little as half that elsewhere.
On top of that, as domain registration is a high volume off the shelf industry, you'll get far worse support than what you'd get from a decent web host.
It's also a bit of a shame that other registrar's aren't at least mentioned. 123 are the biggest and most popular, but it's pretty difficult to get domain registration wrong. People don't ask for personal support, and there's rarely much to do. There are plenty of alternatives out there that are just as good or better, but aren't a behemoth. LCN springs to mind.
On top of that, there are have been a number of threads on UKBF about 123 customers getting caught out by the default policy of auto renewing domains (e.g., people registered a domain, thought nothing of it and expected it to expire. Sometime within the 2 years, they changed their email address. A reminder was sent to their old email, about the domain being auto renewed. They expected it to expire, and instead got a shock when they were automatically charged for a domain they didn't want). There are also lots of forum members that have even had 4 day webmail outages, which can kill a business. On top of that, their web hosting is poorly rated.
But yes, they do the job. However, you can certainly get domains for less, and with a better service elsewhere.
/rant
I hope that helps!
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You could have used a domain reseller account if you're looking at that volume. We use NetEarthOne and they're excellent. They're available most times instantly on live chat, very helpful and good guys, and the prices are far better, even at your volume, at least if you're registering ICANN domains such as .com's
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I'm not sure what you wanted to achieve by posting that, it just makes you seem small time and bitter really.
123-reg get mentioned the most in recommendation thread because they are the most used, if you were the most used you would get mentioned. Ranting because you aren't is kinda pointless.
I have over 30 domains registered, mostly with 123-reg, i've used others in the past and am well aware as others are of the price fluctuations between resellers but chose to use them for a variety of reasons. I personally like the auto renewal, i dont buy a domain for a year or two, I buy it for an investment in the business/website its for so the ease of administration makes it very hand with so many to watch although they send out renewal notices from 90 days anyway.
Where hosting is concerned there is a much bigger difference and service is key which is where a move to hihosting, tsohost (in my case) or vidahost is a wise, but as you know and is frequently said on here it is advised to keep the two seperate.
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Why do you want a uk based one to register the domain with?
This makes no difference in the search engine, only where your host servers are based and domain prefix make a bit of difference.
My preferred one for domains only is the American Godaddy as they have the best prices when you inc promo codes + renewals discounts and don't think they'll be going bust anytime soon,
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
This makes no difference in the search engine, only where your host servers are based and domain prefix make a bit of difference.
My preferred one for domains only is the American Godaddy as they have the best prices when you inc promo codes + renewals discounts and don't think they'll be going bust anytime soon,
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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We actually get mentioned a fair bit for hosting here.
That isn't the point. They obviously get mentioned the most because they are the biggest domain registration company in the UK, and the most used. My point was, they're not the best, neither in terms of price or service.
As a web hosting company, that only offers domains as an added value service, it makes no difference to us.
I simply personally find it a shame that people seem to mistake most popular for best. I was simply trying to give the best advice. Although we could be seen as very biased on this topic, it really makes no difference to us.
jamesbyfield asked if there was a significant price difference, and cogo said not really.
I pointed out how if you're even registering ICANN domains, there can be a big difference in price. I don't think a lot of people are aware.
Personally if I were asked for a domain registration company recommendation, I'd suggest LCN over 123-Reg
Although I do believe you'll get better service from a web hosting company.
Some of our clients, who are UKBF members, have their domains with one of the companies you mentioned, and their hosting with us. Although many recommend to keep hosting and domains separate, there's really no need with any of the companies you mentioned, but I'm glad they went with another host for their domains rather than 123 reg, because it saved them money and I'm sure they'll get better service.
Certainly on the hosting side 123 Reg are generally a pain when migrating clients, and I'd prefer not to support a company that neither needs it nor deserves it personally.
That isn't the point. They obviously get mentioned the most because they are the biggest domain registration company in the UK, and the most used. My point was, they're not the best, neither in terms of price or service.
As a web hosting company, that only offers domains as an added value service, it makes no difference to us.
I simply personally find it a shame that people seem to mistake most popular for best. I was simply trying to give the best advice. Although we could be seen as very biased on this topic, it really makes no difference to us.
jamesbyfield asked if there was a significant price difference, and cogo said not really.
I pointed out how if you're even registering ICANN domains, there can be a big difference in price. I don't think a lot of people are aware.
Personally if I were asked for a domain registration company recommendation, I'd suggest LCN over 123-Reg
Although I do believe you'll get better service from a web hosting company.
Some of our clients, who are UKBF members, have their domains with one of the companies you mentioned, and their hosting with us. Although many recommend to keep hosting and domains separate, there's really no need with any of the companies you mentioned, but I'm glad they went with another host for their domains rather than 123 reg, because it saved them money and I'm sure they'll get better service.
Certainly on the hosting side 123 Reg are generally a pain when migrating clients, and I'd prefer not to support a company that neither needs it nor deserves it personally.
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Why NOT use a UK business? These are the UK Business Forums after all. Why not support UK businesses?
As you mentioned, there is not a lot of difference apart from you will probably end up paying more on renewal unless you are seriously on the ball when it's time to renew (they are more expensive than most unless you use voucher codes - something that you can't do if set to autorenew).
Incidentally, here is how the CEO of GoDaddy likes to spend his holidays...
Steve
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Steve. Did you know he's no longer CEO? (who also quit last week). Parsons stood down as CEO in 2011.
GD were apparently trying to shed their image of busty women selling domain names.
This in no way changes my personal views on the company, but for professional reasons I'll keep those to myself.
Totally agree with comments regarding buying British
Rich
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