Transferring the entire domain name

...not just the whois

[gershon]

I've been exhorted to ensure that, when buying a domain name, to ensure that the entire account is transferred, not just the whois info. Exactly how do I do this?

I'd like to request that the seller follow a specific procedure - the ball is in my court, and I'd like a procedure that protects us both - problem is, I've never done a transfer before and so I don't know what that procedure is! Do I need to set up an account at a registrar or something...?

also, speaking of registrars, can anyone recommend a good one that is also inexpensive?

[davezan]

Do you want the domain name to remain within the same registrar or moved to your
registrar of choice?

If you choose to have the domain remain with its current registrar, contact them and
ask how to transfer its ownership completely. If you're going to transfer the domain to
your desired registrar from its current one, a series of steps must be followed:

Step 1 - Have the domain unlocked, check if it's still paid, and make sure the admin
email on record is still valid. Wait roughly 12-24 hours after unlocking the name.

Step 2 - Go back to Step 1 if one of those isn't met. :)

Step 3 - Assuming they're met, start the request with the gaining registrar and fully
comply with their processes. Once confirmed, the gaining registrar will eventually notify
the losing one.

Step 4 - Once the losing registrar receives the request, have the admin contact confirm
it ASAP. Even if it's not confirmed, though, the losing registrar should let it go within 5
days after sending its own auth email.

As to what registrar to use, it depends on what you're looking for in one.

[gershon]

As to what registrar to use, it depends on what you're looking for in one.

Reliability & service - should there be a problem.

[gershon]

Follow up: The domain is registered via bulkregister. It seems much simpler to do what you said if I stay within their system, but they seem totally unresponsive. I have sent them support emails, but the responses I get back are totally blank (they must have some technical problem). And they don't have phone support available.

Any advice?

[Marcia]

I've had domains transferred, but it was with godaddy, and it's a no-brainer there (they even have a concierge service to help if needed). But it was a situation of 100% trust and a low dollar amount. PayPal was done to pay and the transfer was then done internally and instantaneously, both parties having godaddy accounts. Internally with both parties having accounts there, or if the domain is transferred there first, it's the simplest thing possible (and free on their end).

I wouldn't recommend that with a stranger or for a pricey amount or anything that's a "business" transaction where there could be any risk or potential loss involved. I don't know anything about them, but I understand that there are escrow services that can be used for payment for transferring domains for the protection of all parties.