5 Sneaky Tactics Used by Cheap Domain Registrars

Posted April 12, 2021 by Lee

Finding the right domain name is the first step when setting up your own website. Unfortunately most people underestimate how hard this is and make expensive mistakes.

There are plenty of companies offering cheap domains but there is usually a catch. If someone is offering you a domain for next to nothing and you think the deal sounds too good to be true you’re probably right.

In many cases the low price is just to hook you in and they’ll charge you the extra later on. So before you jump into anything you should be asking questions like hot. How much does it cost to renew a domain name and will I be tied into a multi year contract?

Knowing exactly what you’re signing up for is the best way to avoid getting caught out during cheap domain registration. It’s also good to know the tricks these cheap domain sellers use. This article will help you work out the difference between cheap domains you can trust and deals that are too good to be true. These are some of the sneaky tactics used by cheap domain registrars.

Cheap Domains

Cheap domain names are a great way to get online without breaking the bank. With the rise of the internet the demand for domain names has increased and registrars have responded by offering affordable options. You can now buy cheap domains for as low as £0.99 making it possible for individuals and businesses to have a professional online presence without overspending.

When searching for cheap domain names you should consider the registrar’s reputation, customer support and additional services offered. Some registrars may offer free domain privacy protection which is a valuable feature for hiding personal information. Others may offer a free website builder making it easy to create a mobile friendly site without technical skills. By choosing a reputable registrar that offers these additional services you can ensure your cheap domain is a solid investment.

Hidden Fees

Hidden fees not disclosed when you first register the domain catch people out. If you read the small print you will find them but they are easily missed. Many registrars offer promotions or sales so you can buy cheap domains at discounted rates. Auto-renew fees are common with cheap domains and you may find you’re charged extra if you don’t select the auto-renew option. This means you’re either tied into a long contract with them or you have to pay a fee if you want to leave. Neither of those works in your favour.

Transfer out fees apply when you want to move the domain to another registrar. Suddenly you’re being charged two or three times the original cost of the domain name for doing so.

They assume you won’t read the small print in your agreement so they put all these hidden fees in there to catch you out and charge you more money.

Price Increases After Initial Discounts

If you see an attractive price for a domain always check how long that price applies. Offering initial discounts before hiking the price up is another trick these registrars use. You can get cheap com domain names that stay that way but more often than not the price shoots up when you come to renew them. This is a big problem if you’re tied into a multi year contract. A multi year contract can be beneficial for you if you’re working with a reputable registrar but disastrous if you’re hit with price increases.

Before you register your domain name always ask how much does it cost to renew a domain after the first year? Transfer out fees apply when you want to move the domain to another registrar making domain transfers expensive. You may find the initial discount isn’t much of a discount because the second year’s price is doubled. There’s usually a no-refund policy too so there’s nothing you can do once you’re tied in. Make sure you read the small print carefully to avoid getting caught out like this.

High Costs For WHOIS Privacy

Every new domain name must be registered with WHOIS an online database where people can search for information related to individuals or businesses. Your domain won’t be officially registered until you’ve filled out all the information for WHOIS. You can get the cheapest domain that stays cheap but more often than not the price shoots up when you come to renew them. You may think you don’t want your personal information online for anyone to see and most people agree. That’s why there is privacy protection. Domain registrars can keep this information private when registering the domain so your personal info is protected. Most will offer this service to all their customers for a small fee but some will use it as an excuse to get more money out of you.

If a domain registrar tells you there’s a big fee for WHOIS privacy because of admin costs then that’s not true. Unlimited Web Hosting can protect your privacy for just £3 a year, per domain name.

Upselling Techniques

Upselling is a common technique used by many businesses to get people to spend more money. It’s simply convincing someone to buy more goods or services after they’ve agreed to an initial sale. Common examples are selling insurance for products at the point of sale. Often upselling relies on tricking the customer into thinking they need something they don’t.

WHOIS is a part of the domain name system which translates human friendly web addresses into numerical IP addresses. Sneaky domain selling companies will often use the promise of cheap domain names to lure you in before trying to upsell you on a range of different services some of which are completely unrelated. Throughout the whole process you’ll be bombarded with constant ads because the revenue from the ads is how the registrar is actually making their money; the domain names are just to get you onto the site in the first place.

It’s also common for these companies to imply you need to buy your domain name and hosting services from the same company which you don’t. In many cases it works in your favour to do that because everything is in the same place and it’s easier to manage. But don’t let companies pressure you into buying services you don’t want or need from them.

Expensive Add-Ons For Support Services

When something goes wrong you turn to your registrar for support. If servers go down or your domain email address isn’t working for example you want a reliable support service you can go to for a quick fix. When you work with a reputable registrar this customer support is part of the package and there are no extra charges for it just as you’d expect. Some registrars will charge you for access to their support resources and may even block certain parts of your account unless you pay a yearly fee. They may also try to sell you multiple domains, touting bulk discounts and added benefits. You shouldn’t have to pay extra for basic customer support you get with any service so if there are charges in place look elsewhere.

Cheap Domain Pricing

Cheap domain pricing can vary significantly between registrars. Some will offer discounts for bulk domain purchases, others will have promotions for first time customers. You need to compare prices between registrars and consider the total cost of ownership including renewal fees and extra services.

For example some registrars will offer a low cost domain for the first year but charge higher renewal fees. Others will have a flat rate for domain registration and renewal making it easier to budget for your domain costs. Always read the small print and understand the pricing structure before you buy. This way you can avoid any nasty surprises and know you’re really getting a good deal on your cheap domain.

Buying and Managing Domains

Buying and managing domains can be simple if you know what to look for. Most registrars have a user friendly control panel for managing domains and DNS records so you can keep everything organised. Many registrars also have a domain search tool to check availability and suggest alternative domains if your preferred domain is taken.

When buying a domain name you need to consider the domain extension which can affect the cost and availability. Popular domain extensions like .com and .co.uk are more expensive and have limited availability. Newer extensions like .tech and .online are cheaper and have more options. By selecting the right domain extension you can find a domain name that fits your budget and meets your needs.

How Can You Avoid Getting Caught Out By Cheap Domain Names?

You might think all domain registrars are out to rip you off but that’s not the case. There are plenty of companies where you can You might be concerned that all registrars are looking to rip you off, but that isn’t the case. In fact, there are plenty of reliable companies where you can get a domain name with no hidden charges and get started; that’s all there is to it. You won’t be tricked by anything in the small print or upsold on services that you don’t need, and all of your customer support will be included as standard. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t know how to find these deals and avoid any traps.

and go; that’s it. You won’t be tricked by anything in the small print or upsold on services you don’t need and all of your customer support will be included as standard. Unfortunately most people don’t know where to find these deals and avoid the traps.

Before you sign up to register a cheap domain name ask yourself:

• Do you know how much the domain really costs and how much it will cost when you renew it? Add up all the extra costs to see if you’re really getting a good deal or not.
• Will you have to pay extra for customer support? If something goes wrong will the registrar fix it without charging you? Do you have access to all areas of your account without paying an extra fee?
• Can you enable WHOIS privacy and how much will you have to pay for the privilege of keeping your personal information private?
• What are the reviews like? Reading reviews of the registrar will give you a good idea of the service they provide. If there are no reviews that’s a bad sign too.

As long as you consider all of these things you should be able to spot the bad deals and avoid them. But how do you find a good registrar?

What To Look For In A Domain Registration

Avoiding bad deals is one thing but finding good ones can be just as hard. Consider the availability and affordability of various domain name extensions offered by the registrar. Here are some of the main things to look for when looking for cheap domains.

No Hidden Fees

A good registrar will be upfront about everything from the outset. Be wary of hidden fees when purchasing an expired domain as these can sometimes carry extra costs. You won’t find any hidden fees in the small print and if you ask about extra costs they will tell you in detail.

Privacy Features Included As Standard

You shouldn’t have to pay to keep your personal information private and a good registrar won’t ask you to. Even if you get a free domain ensure privacy features are included as standard. Good domain registrars will pay the full registration fee upfront so your low cost domain names are ready to use straight away. As soon as you’ve paid the first instalment and your account is set up you can use the domain.

Customer Support Without Extra Charge

Problems with your domain can cause big problems with your website so you need to get them sorted ASAP. Good customer support is crucial when securing your dream domain so any issues get resolved quickly. The best domain registrars will offer good customer support as standard with no extra charges.

Finding A Reliable Domain

Looking for cheap domain names with no hidden traps? Unlimited Web Hosting can help. Choosing the right top level domain is key to your online presence. We can offer affordable domain names with simple contracts that don’t try to catch you out. Get in touch with our team today to find out more!

Red Flags to Watch Out For in Cheap Domain Registrars

When looking for cheap domain registrars be on the look out for red flags that could indicate issues. Some registrars may offer very low prices but charge hidden fees or poor customer support. Others may have a reputation for spamming or phishing which can put your personal information at risk.

To avoid these traps research the registrar’s reputation, read reviews and check for ICANN accreditation. ICANN accreditation means the registrar meets certain standards for domain registration and management and provides an extra layer of security. By doing your homework you can find a reliable registrar that offers cheap domain names with no hidden traps.

Categories: Domain Names