registrar won't unlock domain

Trying to transfer domain but the registrar won't unlock it

[Future_Doc]

Hello,

I don't know if anyone here can help me. In July I had a domain registered through <somebody> who is an enom.com reseller. I am trying to transfer the domain to omnis.com because I currently have about 10 other domains there and want to keep them all in the same place. Omnis.com tells me that they can't transfer the domain because it is locked by the registrar.

A little background on the registrar. I also hosted a website through his hosting company. I switched away from him after just a few weeks because his service SUCKED. I shouldn't say that. How about, I switched away because he provided no service at all.

I have emailed the registrar several times with no response. I try calling him several times with no response. Finally I get a hold of this guy and tell him I want the domain unlocked. He REFUSES to unlock the domain and acts very rude to me on the phone. I am getting the impression that he wants to jack me around because he's mad that I switched away from him, but I am not sure.

What I am wondering is what rights I have as the owner of the domain. Because I am the owner, does that obligate him to fulfil my request to have the domain unlocked? By the way, the domain is newhorizons-equine.com. I don't know what that matters. If anyone can help or offer advice on what to do, I'd appreciate it.

[cabbie]

Welcome to WW Future_Doc.
Yes you have rights as owner of the domain to transfer your domain.
Have you tried accessing enom with the same account name and password you have with this fellow?If that doesn't work ring enom and sort it out with them though they are not known for great customer service.
Failing all that complain to ICANN.

[Future_Doc]

I have tried logging onto enom, but it doesn't work.

I forgot to mention that indeed I have tried emailing enom as well, though I haven't tried calling yet because they don't have a toll-free number listed.

Is this a pretty common practice? I can imagine this guy have huge financial reasons for keeping my domain; how much could he possibly make off of me? I think he's mad for some other reason and is just looking to screw me over.

[cabbie]

Was there a deal on the domain involving the hosting of the site as well?
Some give special prices on domains if you host it with them and if thats the case here , he might be entitled to prevent you moving to another host.Make sure the domain is in your name and not his.

[Future_Doc]

The domain is in my name, according to a WHOIS i did. Also, there was no connection between the domain registration and the hosting.

I really wish I would have never chosen this particular host.

[amznVibe]

Trying going over their head directly to enom's internal contacts.

Enom resellers can do internal enom transfers which are different (and free) than external registrar transfers, so you might try switching to another enom reseller.

registerfly.com is by far the largest enom reseller so maybe you can go knocking on their door and ask if they can make something happen with an internal transfer.