Domain portfolio storage - suggestions? In your will?

[anderow]

ok guys. I don't have a huge portfolio of domains, maybe 40 UK domains and the same in .com, .net etc
Currently my non uk ones are with namecheap (who I like), godaddy (reasonable) and UK ones are all with 123-reg, who I deeply dislike.

So I have a 2 character .co.uk I just bought at auction and 123-reg don't even allow for transfer of such a domain (no 2 character domains it says).
Anyway, time to move. I have been looking at setting up as a registrar to get my own IPS tag but have no idea if its worth it and if I did how to use this for looking after my own domains.

Is there any articles on this? I cant find anything out there.

alternatively any other good recommendations?

Another thing I was thinking about is how do you guys have your domains setup in the event something bad were to happen to you? eg/ in your will.

Is there such a thing as a digital curator service that can handle your digital assets in a legal manner in the event you were to croak in an unplanned manner?!!!

cheers

 

[ian]

If you only have around 40 .co.uk's, you won't benefit financially from your own registrar compared to others, however, for simple peace of mind of controlling everything yourself, you cannot beat it. Yes the initial membership would be steep for just this alone, but after year one, it is reasonable.

Regarding how it all works, just ask away, sure plenty of us can help answer your questions. The control panel is easy enough, transfers are simple with no limitations, billing is straight forward, single .co.uk domains are £4.50 inc vat.

 

[getmein]

I seem to remember that uniregistry allowed you to nominate a 3rd party to operate your account in the event of your death, but I can't seem to find any information about it.

In any event, the things you'll want to make management of your domains easier for someone else would be:

- Renew them a few years out and set them to autorenew
- Make sure your payment details are current (or use a credit balance)
- Provide a trusted party with details of your holdings and account passwords

If you're leaving them to someone else, it's worth explaining to them how things work and if you know someone who can guide them, worth arranging that intro ahead of time. It's another good reason to go to meetups, conferences etc

 

[anderow]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I think for peace of mind it is worth it quite possibly.. I didn't see renewal is only £100. That sounds good.

So, if I apply and get my own IPS tag, do I go to 123 reg, transfer all my domains to that IPS tag and they then land in my nominet account and I can manage them from there?

 

[dee]

One thing worth noting is that if you have any complicated Name server records setups you'll need to set up some proper Name servers somewhere. Your control panel only allows a basic setup. Fine if your just pointing at a host though.

Go for a self managed Tag and you dont have to deal with all the proof of being able to handle customers etc. I'm a new tag holder myself and it was very straight forward to set up. The only issue ive had has been trying to release in a domain that wasnt registered to me. You have to add associated names ( up to 5)

So, if I apply and get my own IPS tag, do I go to 123 reg, transfer all my domains to that IPS tag and they then land in my nominet account and I can manage them from there?

You can do them all in one go for twelve quid i think, or get your registrar to release them and it may be free.

 

[anderow]

Thanks. Is it a speedy setup? It says they want bank references etc
Also, 123-reg have confirmed they cannot support a 2 character domain
Anyone can suggest an interim place for the domain? Does it matter if I just leave it in my nominet account for now??
Thanks

 

[ian]

You can leave the LL in your Nominet account for now. Presumably there is a registrar currently associated with it; if so, leave it there if you can until you set up with Nominet.

Nominet registration is usually a few days, or was when I did it a few years back; might be quicker now. You can then transfer all your domains to your tag via the current registrar, though personally I'd suggest you pay the £12 bulk fee to Nominet and do it that way for instant results without the current registrar trying to delay or eek more money out of you.

 

[anderow]

Thanks Ian!
The domain is currently with the private sellers IPSTAG , hence my wanting to move it on and complete the transfer in his eyes. I always feel an amateur with UK domain transfers to 123 reg!! Godaddy is so much better for the International domains.
I suppose I could always move them to godaddy and then move them back to nominet once its setup.

Certainly going to leave 123 reg, a total shambles that place, and it always has been! But an easy option up till now so I left it!

 

[dee]

Thanks. Is it a speedy setup? It says they want bank references etc
Also, 123-reg have confirmed they cannot support a 2 character domain
Anyone can suggest an interim place for the domain? Does it matter if I just leave it in my nominet account for now??
Thanks

I had the same issue with go daddy. Ive ended up with the co.uk and uk in different places because at the time they couldnt deal with a two character uk. I ended up using easy space , and they've been great. I contacted them, they said they could do it, then they dealt with the transfer and been fine ever since. For full disclosure, its the only domain i have with them though.

I will at some point get them all over to my own tag. If nothing else its much cheaper.