I have two domains that were set to expire in a few days. I decided that since I still can't find any GoDaddy coupons for renewals, I am finally going to try my first transfer. I never did this before because I was always happy at least with how much I was paying. I'm no longer happy. They doesn't seem to care about current customers. If they did then they wouldn't keep sending me useless new registration codes that I haven't used in quite a long time. They wouldn't have their permanent percentage off at checkout that precludes any coupon code that is worth more. So after reading as much as I cared to over the years about the best registrars, doing some searches today and finding a few I've never heard of, and comparing all their coupons and transfer fees, I have picked Name.com.
That doesn't mean I can't change my mind with the next domains I have to renew/transfer, but I won't lose anything by trying multiple registrars. Which ever one is least expensive at the time might win out, especially if Name.com gives me any trouble. Now, by least expensive that doesn't mean the cheapest. I'm looking for the best prices, easiest transfers, and cleanest interface from a small pool of the best registrars/hosting providers, such as Domain.com, NameCheap, eNom, Hover, DreamHost, NameSilo, and the already mentioned Name.com. There are so many more, but I know some of these have been trusted by many for years and the rest I recently heard good things about.
Until yesterday I always found an excuse to not transfer my domains: "I don't have time to research. I'll do it when my next domains expire. I don't want to screw anything up. I know what I'm getting with GoDaddy." Yes, I do know what I'm getting with GoDaddy. Constantly increasing prices, no discounts, and a very bloated and busy and just plain annoying interface. Once I get all my domains out of there (by the last renewal date in my account), I will come back only for the auctions. I wish I had done this a year ago, when I started seriously thinking about it. If you're wondering how to transfer your own domains out of GoDaddy, the process is rather painless.
1. Make sure the domains you wish to transfer are not locked against unauthorized actions. You just have to click on "My Account," click "Launch" in the Domains line of the Products tab, then select the domains you want to transfer and click the "Lock" button. It will open a pop-up where you can choose to unlock. You'll get an email from GoDaddy saying your domains have been unlocked within about 15 minutes.
2. You then need an authorization code. Go to the domain in your account, and "Email my authorization code" will be at the bottom of the page. Do that for every domain you want to transfer. The code(s) should be emailed immediately.
3. Go to the transfer page of the registrar of your choice and enter the domain and its authorization code. They go into your cart and checkout. But remember to search for coupons codes first or else what was the point of all of this? ;)
4. Your new registrar will send you a domain transfer authorization email for each domain. Click the link inside and the transfer should be finished within five days unless your old registrar denies it for some reason.
5. Finally, GoDaddy will send a "Transfer of..." email. You don't have to do anything else, unless you want to manually and immediately accept the transfer instead of waiting the five days. I want to do get it done as fast as possible because, as always, I waited until the last few days to renew. So go to your account, click the "Domains" row, and then the "Transfers" tab within that row. Then just follow their simple directions.
I was actually incredibly surprised by how quick the whole process was. It took this transfer newbie about half an hour to get everything set and a few hours later I got a notice that the domains were in my new account. There was only one little hiccup at step 5 when one of the domains had an error. Maybe because it was registered with a different address? I don't know, but I tried again and it worked. I ultimately chose Name.com because the transfer, which includes a one-year renewal, is only $8.95. WhoIs privacy is normally $3.99, but right now there's a coupon code to get it for free for a year. (In comparison, privacy ranges at GD from $9.99 to $32.97!) Just use PRIVACYPLEASE at Name.com checkout. I have no idea when it expires, because RetailMeNot didn't say. Be sure not to miss the little "Promo code" link underneath the domains.
If you'd like to do your own research first before committing to one, you can find more information at NamePros, Digital Trends, Ars Technica, and DNForum. And if that's not enough, if you want the entire list of registrars accredited by ICANN so you can have an insanely well-informed opinion, here you go.
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