Applying for a second tag (Channel Partner)

[timter51]

I have my own self-managed tag which I use for domain catching. I'm planning to apply for second tag for domain portfolio management, which will likely have domains registered to various different registrants. I can't do this on my self-managed tag due to the registrant restriction, but also I want to split catching with portfolio / sales.

Has anyone done this before? Are Nominet pretty relaxed about this? It seems all I need is to have a website for the tag, with contact info etc. But do I need provide visitors to that site with the ability to register and manage their domains (I'm hoping no.....)?

 

[monaghan]

I went the other way adding a self managed to my channel partner tag. I had no issue from Nominet other than a little delay as it was at the time the new tag classifications were introduced so I guess they had more applications to deal with than usual.

As for providing access for visitors to register & manage domains, give WHMCS a look, there's a Nominet module, modules for enom and other large companies should you wish to offer more than just .uk domains. You can also easily add cPanel and other popular panels if you want to offer hosting. If you want something simpler, then you could just build a few forms and funnel these into an email / ticket system, but you'll have more manual work to do to register and manage the domains.

 

[Skinner]

I just completed the channel partner requirements and went with a personal tag.

I completed Channel Partner, I didn't need to give people the ability self manage, just had to have loads of useless text. Within the contractual terms I had to specify time frames for actions and stuff.

 

[diablo]

As for providing access for visitors to register & manage domains, give WHMCS a look, there's a Nominet module, modules for enom and other large companies should you wish to offer more than just .uk domains. You can also easily add cPanel and other popular panels if you want to offer hosting. If you want something simpler, then you could just build a few forms and funnel these into an email / ticket system, but you'll have more manual work to do to register and manage the domains.

Have a number of private clients so wasn't going to offer a public-facing registration service, but your suggestion of WHMCS has got me thinking. Do you use it yourself?

 

[timter51]

Thanks guys, I've sent in my request.

I know you can't do free transfers on a Channel Partner tag, which is a shame, but could I transfer from my self-managed to my Channel Partner for free?

 

[Sam]

I know you can't do free transfers on a Channel Partner tag, which is a shame, but could I transfer from my self-managed to my Channel Partner for free?

Yes you can.



Sent from my Oneplus One

 

[monaghan]

Have a number of private clients so wasn't going to offer a public-facing registration service, but your suggestion of WHMCS has got me thinking. Do you use it yourself?

I got WHMCS for my clients, did a little code crunching to get it to import invoices & payments into the KashFlow accounting system I use and it more or less behaves itself. I'm not pushing the capabilities of it in any way, I just wanted something I could set & forget for repeat billing but never had the spare time to get round to writing myself.

 

[Skinner]

Nominet in less colourful language told me there shall be no custom classifications (despite this being mentioned in the run up), so bugger off. You can be Self Managed, Channel or Accredited, NO MOVEMENT in between. When discussing the cut off for deciding what type, I got the impression, the bigger you are the more time you get.

As a Self Managed tag you can have upto 5% (or 50 whichever the fewer) domains of your total names on tag, registered to other people. You still have to meet channel partner requirements.

Edit: Its worth noting, this is domains. So if you have 100 names on your tag, you can have 5 domains in someone elses name. Thats 5 domains in 1 other name, or 1 each in 5 different reg names.

 

[Skinner]

Can you clarify that you meant "fewer" and not greater?

Well nominet use LOWER, but I guess smaller of, or least of could work too ?

http://registrars.nominet.org.uk/namespace/uk/registrar-agreement/reclassification-selfmanaged

You may register a small number of domains for third parties. If you register any domain names to third parties this shall be no more than the lower of:
50 or 5% of the total domains registered under your Self-Managed tag

then the next bit about meeting channel partner is also on that very same page...

If you do register domains in the name of third parties, you will need to comply with the Channel Partner tag requirements with respect to those customers’ domains. Therefore you will need to submit information about how you service your customers as part of your application.

I don't know how many others have, but I believe at the end of this month, nominet will be reviewing each tag, and I assume suspending/blocking tags which don't/won't comply.

 

[timter51]

This appears to mean having a web site with customer service information as well as contact email addresses, a published postal address and explanation of various policies.

Has anyone already complied with his and are they prepared to share their web site URL here?

(from iPad - K)

I have a website with all contact details and enquiry response times, but I haven't (yet) put up any sort of policy docs, T&Cs etc. I explained to Nominet in my Channel Partner application that the tag will be used purely for holding domains in a portfolio for marketing / brokering and I won't be offering registration, management etc. I'm expecting them to reply to say that I still need to put up all sorts of documentation, but I'm hoping there's a chance that common sense can prevail and they can be flexible. My application is under review now, so I'll report back.

 

[Skinner]

They will be as flexible as half brick, and equal common sense.

I spent nearly 5-6 wks going back and fro, you are either A, B or C. You comply with your type or you get sanctions.

I have a website with all contact details and enquiry response times, but I haven't (yet) put up any sort of policy docs, T&Cs etc. I explained to Nominet in my Channel Partner application that the tag will be used purely for holding domains in a portfolio for marketing / brokering and I won't be offering registration, management etc. I'm expecting them to reply to say that I still need to put up all sorts of documentation, but I'm hoping there's a chance that common sense can prevail and they can be flexible. My application is under review now, so I'll report back.

 

[timter51]

They will be as flexible as half brick, and equal common sense.

I spent nearly 5-6 wks going back and fro, you are either A, B or C. You comply with your type or you get sanctions.

Damn it! So did you have to produce all sorts of policy docs and T&Cs for your site? Or is it all generic stuff? Would be interested to see what lengths you had to go to here, trying to make this as smooth as possible...

 

[Retired_member41]

I saw a channel partner tag this week change to self in less than 5 days. Less than 100 words for all sections in total.

There are no huge terms needed. Just basic info and common sense.

 

[Retired_member41]

You don't need a web site. You can give your terms to any customer you may have via email, letter or durable medium. With a link to nominets own terms.

 

[timter51]

I saw a channel partner tag this week change to self in less than 5 days. Less than 100 words for all sections in total.

There are no huge terms needed. Just basic info and common sense.

Caz is talking about going from Channel Partner to Self-Managed which is very easy, most of us here would have done it. You don't need a website, T&Cs etc.