| To claim a domain name and use it for building your | | | | get a domain name much cheaper. There are many |
| virtual office or website, you need to go to a domain | | | | types of discounts available that vary greatly with |
| name registrar, check the availability and register the | | | | registrars. Do check out various deals. |
| name out of available options. | | | | Duration: Do not register your domain for more than |
| Today there is a plethora of domain name registrars | | | | one year in the beginning. You would like to evaluate |
| available. But it was not always so. | | | | your registrar before committing for further. |
| Till 1998 Network Solutions was the only company | | | | Delay: A domain name is generally available within 48 |
| that was authorized to register the domain name. It | | | | hours after you register it. Check your registrar's site |
| lost its monopoly after that and many companies | | | | to determine how long you will have to wait. If it |
| have risen. While competition is good for the prices, it | | | | says something like 7 days, do not go for that |
| also adds to the confusion. | | | | registrar. |
| When you look for a domain name registrar, you | | | | Domain transfer: You should be able to transfer your |
| should keep following in mind: | | | | domain name to another service without any |
| Accreditation: ICANN maintains a list of accredited | | | | restriction and for a fee not exceeding than fee for |
| domain registrars. The registrar pays application and | | | | new registration. A lot of registrars also offer free |
| annual fees to ICANN. A fee is also paid by the | | | | transfer. |
| registrar to Network Solutions, the company that | | | | Generally there is a restriction on domain transfer for |
| maintains the central registry of domain names. When | | | | 60 days after you register your domain. Please check |
| you choose an accredited registrar, you ensure that | | | | your registrar to find any other restriction and curbs. |
| your chosen domain name is officially part of the | | | | Customer Support: This is another very important |
| Internet. A list of ICANN accredited registrars has | | | | aspect. You need a good support system in case of |
| been posted in our blog. | | | | any problem. Check out if phone or chat support is |
| Sometimes you might find a webhost or other sites | | | | available. If Email support is the available support then |
| allowing you to register at their website. These act | | | | it should not take them more than one business day |
| as reseller to the accredited registrars. In such cases, | | | | to respond. |
| they should disclose to you which registrar they | | | | Few of the commonly used registrars are mentioned |
| represent. | | | | below. If you need to ask some specific question |
| Terms: Be absolutely certain to read and understand | | | | about some registrar please visit the forums on this |
| what you are getting before you pay. Read about | | | | topic. Many people would happily share their |
| ownership clause and other terms of condition. | | | | experience and guide you. |
| Price: There was time when getting a domain name | | | | * * * * * * * Namecheap. |
| registered was an expensive affair. But now you can | | | | |