My Merchant Account Blog

Own your Own Domain Name

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

I see this at least once a week.  Someone calls or emails me saying they are having a difficult time changing hosting companies.  Or their web developer / web designer won't release their domain name.

Always make sure that when you register a domain name, the domain name is in your name, not someone else's.  For example, if you were to buy a new home, you would not put the title in the real estate agent's name, would you?  Of course not!   So why would your web developer need your domain name in his / her name?  There is absolutely no reason whatsoever for this to happen. 

If you check and find out that your domain name is not in your name, contact the individual or company at once.  Find out how you can get the domain name in your name.  You are paying for it. 

Speaking of which - make sure that the contract you sign does not allow the designer / developer to put the domain name in his / her name.  You always want the domain name in your name for control.