| Taboo |
08-24-2004 03:18 AM |
WARNING: Free Domains?
:warning WARNING: FREE/CHEAP DOMAINS that will cost you BIG.
There are plenty of webmasters here looking for the best domain rates and most know to avoid deals that are too good to be true. Well, this company is about to do a major marketing push, so "BE aWARE" of what you are actually signing up for:
i.e.:
http://www.iregistrations.com
which RECENTLY changed their name to:
http://www.ezinames.com/welcome.php
(hmmm, i wonder why? could it be because they lost their CC merchant acct?)
Here is their offer:
Quote:
Your first domain with ezinames is free for one year
Normally just $5.95 per year
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WOW? FREE. Let's go rush to signup for this free offer like many will do. Or let's dig a little deeper, first. check this out a few excerpts from their terms:
Quote:
2.4.1 The Domain management length is the period for which domain names are to be renewed for. Applicant acknowledges that the registration resides with the relevant registrar for a period of one year
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not too bad. they want to keep you for a year. some others require this too. but I prefer to transfer away if the service warrants it. what else?
Quote:
2.6.2 Currently each new ezinames account attracts the provision of the following services for the first domain registered from ezinames : Bulk 500MB Hosting account, host up to 20 domains with up to 20,000MB data transfer (20GB), 500x POP email accounts, 20 MySQL Databases, 200 FTP accounts, 200 Mailing Lists, 500 Sub-domains, CGI-Bin, Control Panel, Search engine submission (provided in hosting control panel).
2.6.4 ezinames offers these services free for a trial period of 7 days from the date of domain name registration.
2.6.5 Registrant can cancel these services for any reason during the initial free 7 day trial period without incurring any charge other than that for the domain registration.
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So, the free offer includes hosting you are automatically signed up for. you're opted-in already. Hmmm, can it get any worse?
Quote:
2.6.8 Non-cancellation within this allocated period constitutes acceptance by the registrant for the continuation of and subsequent billing at the standard rate for these services. Services are provided and billed for on a yearly basis. If services are cancelled during the year service period no pro rata refund of the remainder of the year is available.
2.6.9 Billing after the initial free trial period is by direct debit from the registrants nominated credit card at the rate of $US599 for 1 year service period. This charge will be billed in $AU at the then current exchange rate as provided at www.x-rates.com
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It did get worse. Much worse. They bill you a year in advance after your "free trial" expires. Free domain = $600 after 8 days. This is the same scheme you see on infomercials that offer free "discount club" memberships with a cheap product. Sad, but many people will fall prey to this domain scheme and not realize it until too late. Well, at least the "wise" will do a chargeback. But this company is experienced, they've been here before. Here:
Quote:
2.6.13 Should any fees charged by ezinames to the registrants nominated credit card for the account be charged back (including but not limited to fees for domain registration, hosting, or search engine submission) then ezinames shall gain full ownership, control and possession of the domain name involved. The registrant will also be liable to pay ezinames a chargeback administrative fee of $30.00.
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Even if you chargeback, they still try to milk you for the CB fee. Maybe they learned to add this to their TOS after problems with their first "company". Perhaps changed their company name to get a new merchant acct and start over. So all of us out there looking for cheaper domain rates, remember, you get what you pay for. if you know of any other programs like this, let me know.
:warning Buyer Beware. |
