Paying More
Won’t Make Your Domain
More Valuable
I recently transferred a domain name from SiteGround To NameCheap. This post will explain how to do that and give you compelling reasons why you should.
I own several undeveloped domain names, one of which is my avatar name, ennisp. I decided to buy the name because it is the one I use almost exclusively for my profile on registered accounts. It’s also my name so it made sense to buy it.
I bought it originally through SiteGround. SiteGround was hosting my developed sites, like this one, and I really enjoyed their service. Registering names in the same place was convenient. It made sense, or so I thought.
I’ve learned since that SiteGround isn’t a registrar. They resell Tucows registration service which means they buy the service inexpensively and resell higher.
If you didn’t know, domains are registered by the year. You can renew for multiple years but you pay for registration by the year. The problem with SiteGround registrations becomes apparent when renewal is up.
That’s when the gouge comes.
I received notification that my domain, ennisp.com, was up for renewal and would auto renew in 30 days. The price was also listed and it really surprised me.
- Annual registration: $14.95
- Privacy: $24.00
Almost $40 just to renew a name I hadn’t developed yet! The renewal rate was about standard but the privacy was about twice the industry norm.
I had to go elsewhere.
And it just so happened that a friend had recently renewed through NameCheap and the total cost for renewal and privacy was about $10! A savings of $30. I’m in!
But, of course, to use NameCheap I had to transfer the name to the NameCheap servers. Sounds a bit daunting but here’s how it’s done.
Transfer Process
Domain services are standardized so the procedure for transferring names from one service to another is the same for all.
One: Login to your original account. In my case that was SiteGround.
Two: Navigate to the domain section of your account.
Three: Click on the the Manage button for the name you want to transfer.
Four: Unlock the domain name. Locking prevents hackers from attempting to transfer your name without your knowledge. It’s a good thing, but you’ll need to unlock the name before proceeding.
Five: Obtain an authorization code (aka EPP Code). While still in the domain management area, request an authorization code. This will be emailed to you.
Six: Navigate to NameCheap.
Note: If you haven’t already registered for an account, register. If you have an account, Login.
Seven: Under the Domain tab, select Transfer.
Eight: In the transfer field, type your domain name and select the Transfer button.
The next window will indicate whether or not your domain is unlocked and will instruct you to obtain the transfer code. If you’ve already unlocked and received your authorization code, select Add To Cart and follow the instructions from there.
Once on the checkout page, you’ll find a clickable link on the left side of the page that reads SET AUTH CODE. Select this link to input your code.
Very Important!!! Before you check out completely, search for a NameCheap discount code. There is always one available and it will save you a little more on an already low price.
Nine: You’ll receive am Domain Transfer email with a link to NameCheap’s terms of agreement. Navigate to this page and agree to the terms.
For the record, I’m still hosting through SiteGround, but my registrar of choice is NameCheap.
Happy domaining.
THINK!AboutIt
Leave a Reply