Buying a business?, don’t forget the domain name!
Two of the phone calls I recieved yesterday were both linked to domain name ownership. The first was a long term issue and having heard the story several times before it was difficult to understand why it was not resolved. After purchasing a domain name more than a year ago from an existing owner, it was still registered in the original owners name. The current owner felt they did not want to upset the original owner by arranging for a change in registration. The second example is a recent purchase of a business (including web site and domain name), however the previous owner does not want to relinquish control of the web site, their email address or the domain! In both cases when the domain is due for renewal they will not receive the renewal advice. The domain name registration may expire and potentially their web sites will be shut down should the domain name not be renewed.
Your domain name is just as important as your business name or your car registration. If there is a domain name attached to a business make sure the transfer to your ownership is part of the deal, make it happen on settlement day. If someone believes they should still have an email address within the domain, ask why. If they are not an owner or an employee you won’t want them expressing opinions in your name. This could effect your Business Branding and even customer relationships.
If you are unsure of your domain registration details, don’t delay, check them now.