Important warnings about buying a domain name
Before preparing to buy a domain name, I want you to be aware of a practice called “domain name front running” and other shady practices regarding domain names. This article will describe these practices and the steps you need to take to be safe.
Domain Name Front Running
Domain name front running is when someone monitors available domain names people are attempting to buy and takes them just before the person can buy the name through a registrar. These individuals will then sell the domain name to that person at a higher price and make a nice profit in the process. I don’t believe this is a widespread practice, but nevertheless it does happen.
Deceitful Domain Name Registrars
Certain untrustworthy domain name registrars have been known to use a practice where the registrar essentially buys your domain name from themselves. Unlike with domain name front running, they are not attempting to charge you a higher rate. Rather, they block you from registering the name with another registrar. Therefore, if you try to register with another registrar, they won’t let you because they think the name has already been taken.
If you use any of the registrars from the previous article, you should be safe. However, you should still use the following tips when registering your domain name.
Tips to follow when buying a domain name
- As mentioned in my article on How to Register Your Own Domain Name, create a list of possible domain names you want BEFORE trying to register them.
- Only go to the registrar that you plan to buy from. Don’t check the domain with other registrars. Don’t check a domain by searching for it in your browser, because domain name front runners will note the name you search for.
- When you find a domain name you like, buy it right away. If you wait even a few seconds, it might not be available any longer. If you don’t know if you want to use a domain name, don’t look for it. Or you can buy it just to be safe. It doesn’t cost that much and at least you will know that nobody else can take it.
- Finally, don’t ask around in forums to see if a certain domain name is a good choice. Who knows, someone might try to block it like the domain name front runners or decide that they like the name you chose. Only ask someone you know or trust, or you are running the risk of losing the name.
