What would you do??

grantw · Jul 4, 2006

Ok, I sold a domain + website about 2 years ago to an American chap. I sent off the transfer forms to him but it looks like he never sent them back to Nominet as the domain is still in my name and still in my control panel at the registrar.

The domain is due for renewal in a couple of weeks and I have been trying to get in touch with the guy for weeks but can't - I've also noticed that the site I sold him and his other sites have all been down for about a month.

The domain is number one on google for quite a few terms

what would you do - poll supplied for quick reply

grant

retired_member6 · Jul 4, 2006

Have you considered that he might be dead? Renew the domain, it's £6. Some sites allow you to renew other people's domains, check that this is so or contact registrar.

Jeewhizz · Jul 4, 2006

How much did you sell it for. If it was a nice amount, then renew it for him, try and get hold of him. End of the day, you sold it to him, it's his property now, so you using it would be slightly dodgy

Jee

grantw · Jul 4, 2006

Jeewhizz said:
How much did you sell it for. If it was a nice amount, then renew it for him, try and get hold of him. End of the day, you sold it to him, it's his property now, so you using it would be slightly dodgy

Jee

It was 4 figures, the thing is Ive already wasted loads of time trying to get hold of him and am not really up for wasting any more. Im tempted to let it expire and catch it but that option's giving me a dishonest feeling in my tum

Grant

Jeewhizz · Jul 4, 2006

If in doubt, then don't do it.

Let's not forget how litigation-happy the yanks are either

I would renew it for him, but i'm too nice

retired_member6 · Jul 4, 2006

For several thousand, I'd defeinately renew it, you never know the dead man's wife might be grateful upon finding out and give you the site in return. Do a good deed and you get one back.

olebean · Jul 4, 2006

renew it......... change all passwords then let them get in contact with you. If they haven't got in contact within 12 month point it to namedrive

profrec · Jul 4, 2006

I would renew it and then point it to a namedrive account.

Because:

A) It will make you feel better for not letting it drop.

B) You can give it back to him when/if he ever contacts you.

C) You might get your reg fee back.

D) You won't spend time redeveloping the site only to return it later.

E) If he doesn't contact you, you can resell it again

If the site has been down for a few months he clearly isn't using it. If you renew it and point it to your namedrive account would you then be able to send emails to him at the domain??

grantw · Jul 4, 2006

profrec said:
If the site has been down for a few months he clearly isn't using it. If you renew it and point it to your namedrive account would you then be able to send emails to him at the domain??

The domains email address didn't work anyway, I've been trying to contact him using some other addresses I had for him, including his main site (which is also now down).

Looking at the poll its a close run betweeen renewing it/contacting the owner and renewing it/parking it.

Guess I will renew and leave it alone for a while, see what happens!

Cheers, Grant

FC Domains · Jul 4, 2006

I allow for this in my terms.
I renew domains and pass this on at cost.
If the signed forms become too old for Nominet to accept, I make a charge for doing the paperwork again.
After a year I park the domain.
After six years I assume it can be treated as uncollected goods and it's yours.

grantw · Jul 4, 2006

FC Domains said:
I allow for this in my terms.
I renew domains and pass this on at cost.
If the signed forms become too old for Nominet to accept, I make a charge for doing the paperwork again.
After a year I park the domain.
After six years I assume it can be treated as uncollected goods and it's yours.

Good idea Colin, I may do something similar in future.

grant

diablo · Jul 4, 2006

worst idea is to let it drop and try to catch it.

You may miss it.

You may catch it, but that will look underhand to the owner.

Do a good deed. And park it until you hear from them (if ever). You have tried to contact him - that shows good faith.

I have been in the opposite position - bought a domain, had use of it but never received transfer forms despite requesting them loads of times. In the end I couldn't contact the guy. Luckily I caught it in a drop.