Getting all my domains under one roof

How do I choose a registrar?

[mistah]

Over the years I've collected several domains for my company with different extensions - e.g. .com .info .co.uk .eu

These domains have been registered using different registrars and I would like to move them all to the same registrar to make them easier to administer.

I realise that this is probably an overly-simple question for this forum, but how do I find a registrar that I can rely on - i.e. one that isn't going to go bust or give me problems moving domains if I ever want to in the future?

[ccDan]

You can never be too sure of the longevity of a registrar. There's one I have been using for years, but, within the last couple years or so, the owners have apparently largely abandoned it. Tech questions go unanswered, and, if a domain falls into the "redemption" period, consider it lost. Somebody is apparently (sometimes) working there, as problems do get fixed, eventually...

So, you'll never know who will be gone tomorrow, or who might have a change in ownership and change their policies, etc.

[jtara]

You say you have domains at a number of registrars. Which one do you like the best?

Better the devil you know than the devil you don't know...

[Webwork]

You learn by using a variety of registrars.

You learn how quickly and how well they respond to requests for assistance.

You make a call with a question and see how your call is handled.

You use their system and see how well it works. Is it intuitive? Transparent? How well does it perform bulk operations? What type of reports can it generate? Etc.

You shop price, but at bulk pricing levels, price as a significant differentiator is minimal.

Domain transfers and domain security are very important. What is the registrar's record, reputation and transfer protocol? Will they go to bat for you if there is an issue?

IF you have an issue that isn't handled to your satisfaction how easily can you move up the chain of command to get to someone who sees things differently, who will get things done for you?

The more domains you hold the more you have to explore.

Price is a very small factor. Many registrars make their money on added services.

[leadegroot]

Don't pull your domains down to a single register, but reduce it down to manageable number - maybe 2 or 3.
This means that you are able to actively compare service and if one folds, you will know where to move them to fast without that moment of panic (ok, with that moment of panic ;))

[percentages]

I dunno, I have 1,347 domain names registered with one registrar and none with any others. I don't feel a need to share, I feel a need to deal with a company I trust that makes life as easy as possible for me!

I deal in percentages, I don't like the "all eggs in one basket" syndrome......with a couple of exceptions.....hosting and registrars!

Find the best and make a commitment in those fields!