Last weekend I got an email from a web site I used to frequent several years ago. They were asking for donations to cover the renewal of their domain name. They stated they need $30.00 for one year. I immediately emailed them back and told them that if they were truly paying $30 for a single year renewal, they were being ripped off. Sadly this isn’t the first time I’ve ran across this in recent years. When I helped Pete Correale get a basic site online, he was paying the same outrageous price.

If you are paying more than $10/year for a domain name on a .com .net or .org you are over paying. Some of the other TLDs like .me and .mobi may run a few dollars more. There is no way in hell or any other dimension that you should be paying $30.00 a year!!

There are several good domain registrars out there where you can transfer your domain to in order to get the lower price. I happen to be a big fan of NameCheap.com. I’ve been with them for years and last week I discovered they have an affiliate program! BONUS! You can also check out GoDaddy. I used them for a bit but found NameCheap.com easier to user and set up, especially for transfers.

If you want to transfer from your current registrar take time to read their policy. For example, I believe GoDaddy won’t let you initiate a transfer from them if you are too close to your expiration date. Most registrars will lock your domain. You will need to unlock it and request an EPP code. Its not too difficult to transfer to NameCheap.com as they pretty much hold your hand the entire way and you get email updates to keep the process flowing along. They also offer webhosting and WhoIsGuard privacy protection (free the first year!).

Domain name registration and transfers includes the following features

* Free URL Forwarding
Direct & Cloaked With No Ads
* Free Email Forwarding (No Ads)
you@yourdomain.com -> ISP
* Free Parking Page Included
Your Domain will not go unresolved
* Free Transfer of Ownership
* Free Dynamic DNS With Client
* Free Security Features
Registrar Lock etc.,.
* Full Control of Your Domain
* Advanced Control Panel
One of the best in the industry
* Custom DNS Settings
CNAME, A, MX, MXE Supported
* Custom Nameserver Registration
* Friendly Customer Support
* Optional Whois Protection
Using WhoisGuard Product

There are no hidden charges and you own the domain in your name. Domain names transferred from any other registrar will also receive these great features at no extra charge.