What to do with domains?

I want to cancel my contract for hosting with 1 and 1 and need somewhere to put the domain names, until I decide what to do with them.

What is the best and most cost effective thing to do?

Many thanks!

 

[freelancer]

I know a few hosting providers allow you to park the domains, basically, they host them, with a page promoting themselves if the domain is typed in.

Or you could try renting them out?

 

[SWServices]

dearyme,

If you need a 'comming soon' type holding page for the time being pm me and i'll provide you with one as its christmas.

Andrew

PS - Gool Luck with 1&1

 

Thanks for the advice and kind offer. If I remember correctly, 1 and 1 seemed to automatically park these before I took up hosting and I just want to get the domain names and revert back to this (I think I need to do that before I can cancel the hosting).

SWServices, that is a very kind offer and thank you but I'm not sure I'll be using these for business, I may just end up letting them go at some point but I haven't decided yet. Ideally, I would either like to set up in business (but can't afford to) or sell these and use the money for marketing materials for a not for profit cause.

 

[Subbynet]

Hiya,

One thing to remember about 1&1 is Domains/Hosting do not automatically expire, but are automatically renewed. So make sure you arrange them to expire in the control panel, or phone 1&1.

If you didn't cancel, and the credit card you used to purchase the domains no longer works, 1&1 will use legal means to "extort" the money from you.

I would also transfer these away to another host, as I'd never recommend 1&1 to anyone. If you transfer, most domains automatically get another year registration free.

Openmind (Openmindhosting) was offering to park domains for a £1, and if you then setup a Sedo account, you can sell the domains while hopefully earning some money.

 

[SWServices]

Thanks for the advice and kind offer. If I remember correctly, 1 and 1 seemed to automatically park these before I took up hosting and I just want to get the domain names and revert back to this (I think I need to do that before I can cancel the hosting).

OK, I understand what you mean.
What you will need to do is log into your 1and1 control panel (https://admin.1and1.co.uk) and click on the packages tab.

Select the domain name you want to change.

A new page will load up with a section at the top called 'go directly to' now click on manage domain link

The domain overview page will load up, tick the domain name in question and click the DNS tab. The DNS settings page should load up.

Where it says Basic DNS Setting Make sure the dropdown box shows '1and1 name server'.

Click save and now you will need to wait for the settings to update. This should then show the original holding page like when you first purchased the domain.

Andrew

 

Thanks SWServices - your step by step instructions were great and I'll wait to see what happens.

Subbynet - spot on. The domain was put forward for automatic renewal but I got a letter because they had trouble accessing my account details. I went with it and renewed the domain because I'm not sure what to do yet. However, I certainly don't want the hosting and decided to get in before they automatically renew that.

I read a thread on here recently which caused slight concern and the next time hopefully I'll know what to look for.

 

[ken_uk]

Park them for free at sedo.

You may even get a little cash if your lucky, but dont hold your breath

Just set up a sedo account, and follow the instructions for domain parking (basically change the name server details to the ones given to you on the sedo site)

 

To be honest, I just cancelled the orders, including the domain name which I had just paid for and renewed.

Ah well...thanks for the help.

 

Parking sorted, I hope. Thank you for all the advice.

 

[mr_smith]

One thing to remember about 1&1 is Domains/Hosting do not automatically expire, but are automatically renewed. So make sure you arrange them to expire in the control panel, or phone 1&1.

If you didn't cancel, and the credit card you used to purchase the domains no longer works, 1&1 will use legal means to "extort" the money from you.

I would also transfer these away to another host, as I'd never recommend 1&1 to anyone. If you transfer, most domains automatically get another year registration free.

Agree with all points and repeat them strenuously. I would also take the precaution of sending that awful company a fax confirming your cancellations (email won't cut it). That way you have it in writing should there be a 'problem' and you get a surprise nasty letter from a debt collection agency.

 

Thanks for the tip - it all sounds very heavy handed. I am hoping to transfer the domain names today.

 

[mr_smith]

Hopefully the transfer will go through without any problems - just make certain to ensure everything with 1&1 is completely cancelled or you may well end up with an unexpected bill.

 

Just not sure how to transfer the domain names and so am seeking advice from the person I will park them with.

I certainly will check and make sure everything is cancelled ASAP (once the transfer is complete) and thanks for the advice - it is appreciated.

 

[SWServices]

Dearyme

If your domain name is a .co.uk and your transferring to another registrar you need to make sure domain name has been Unlocked first before going to contract.1and1.co.uk to cancel or your transfer will fail and you may need to pay a transfer fee again.

I use www.namecheap.com for domains now. They are great and if it does fail they will try the transfer for you again free of charge.

You should be sent 2 emails from 1and1 to allow the transfer but don't be surprised if you only get one. If the second one doesn't arrive you will need to call them on 01753 490401

Also don't expect 1and1 to tell you this. They are not the most helpful of people.

I still get billed and money taken out of the business account for domains I canceled nearly a year ago.

Andrew

 

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for the advice. If I was to be charged for unlocking I would just let the domain go. To be honest, I've probably invested too much time in this already (I'm not IT minded and so don't have a clue what I'm doing). However, I feel the thread has been worthwhile as it has been an eye opener!

Thank you!