Alternative to GoDaddy for gTLDs

[packeted]

Hey guys,

I have a portfolio of around 300 gTLDs that I currently manage through GoDaddy. I've never been a big fan of GoDaddy but have finally decided to make a move.

Some of the things I don't like about GoDaddy:

1) They actively try to profit from your domain names by auctioning them off as they expire.

2) They do not allow you to renew in advance of expiry, so if your payment method fails when it comes to auto-renew you could potentially lose your name very quickly.

3) Their tie-in with Sedo MLS and their so called "auctions"

4) GoDaddy coming out in support of SOPA

+ a bunch of other stuff.

Anyway I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a platform that I could feasibly transfer my domains to. I'm looking for something that's cost competitive, would make easy work of transferring all of the names, and most importantly is a company I can trust.

Any advice greatly appreciated!

Cheers!

 

[Skinner]

Lotta people swear by Dynadot.

I don't know about option 2, I've added years onto my domains quite regularly long before expiry.

 

[diablo]

Agree with Skinner - you can renew at GoDaddy at any time.

GoDaddy is also ending its domain listing syndication partnership with Sedo as of March 31, 2014.

 

[packeted]

I know I can renew for multiple years in advance but I'd like my 1 year auto-renew to renew a good period before the expiry - this isn't an option at GoDaddy.

 

[Skinner]

No one I know of renews too far in front, most of them try between 1 and 3 days of expiry, then try again the day of expiry and 1-3 days after expiry. GoDaddy do this, you get an email each time renewal fails as well.

I think your renewal point maybe a panpipe to be honest, I'm sure someone will offer earlier renewals or even custom but I don't see why it failing 15 days before, is different from 3 days ? you get about 2 weeks grace with most .com peoples.

I use register4less.com free privacy and doug there has been most helpful with managing names, but they ain't cheap, maybe worth asking if they can do a custom auto renew for you ?

 

[diablo]

Rather than allow autorenew, I prefer to manually renew the names before the autorenew date to take advantage of the widely available GoDaddy discount codes.

With a portfolio of 300 names, you could save hundreds of pounds a year on renewal fees doing the same.