I don't get it...

I mean hey - yeah free domains with packages are great. But what I don't get is this..

What if the client doesn't need a domain? I mean - If they order, and don't enter a domain for purchase, they're still paying for the plan. So what happens now? Do you let them purchase one later or what?

Obviously you can't discount the plan if they don't purchase a domain - otherwise it's not really a free domain now is it?...

I want to start offering free domains with our larger plans - but this is not making sense in my brain :eek:

Personally I'd make it clear that the client had to choose the name upon signup. If they don't need it then it shouldn't be much of a problem.

hmmm well that makes enough sense....

thanks

Well, we offer free domains with a few of our plans. The customer just needs to enter a code in the coupon area upon sign up. If they don’t need a domain….no big deal. The package is the same price whether they take advantage of it or not.

CrazyTech is right, just make sure they know it’s only available when they sign up.... and not months down the road.

But is it worth offering free domains? Does it really work in enticing new signups?

But is it worth offering free domains? Does it really work in enticing new signups?


I work for a notable company and it seems to make a difference to those who are not well informed on web hosting or domain names. I will also be incorporating this into my web hosting business. The way you have to look at is, say you register the domain name for them and it costs you $6.95USD for the entire year, however, you have the client signing up for your service for a 1 year term at $9.99USD. It'll be like they're getting one month of free hosting, however, now you have a client for elevn months. Also, if they decide to cancel before or after the 30 day money back, you may simply substract ie: $20USD from the money to be returned to them since this domain name is of no use to you anymore. Nonetheless, if they request for some changes to be made to it, ie: name servers I would carry out such actions.

Of course it wouldn't be wise to register a domain name for someone who is only signing up for a one month term and than decides to cancel before the 30 day money back guarantee. Than you are simply in loss. This is why I would offer free domains with 1-2 year terms only.

Also, I think it's fair to charge ie: $15-$20USD for the domain if they leave before their contract is over. This applies to almost any service these days. When I cancelled my membership to my gym, I did not give a 30 day notice so they were going to charge me for april 04 2005 and give me access to their facility until may 04 2005. The same applies to almost all Cell Phone companys out there. It's only fair, otherwise you'll be at loss. What if you get lets even pick a small number, say 20 signups today and you register 20 domains at $7USD that's $140USD. Now, what if 12 of these new clients decide they don't like your service within the first 10 days and cancel?

What are you going to do with these 12 new domain names you just purchased, they're of no use to you.

Anyways, these are only my thoughts.

Regards,

Matthew

Thanks Matthew - that's a quite helpful take on it. :)

If you offer a free domain the client can either register or transfer a domain through you. If they do not use this offer it is their own problem.

But does it actually increase hosting sales?

>But does it actually increase hosting sales?

I think it is very difficult to say whether it pays off. On the one hand you might get a few more orders from new customers on the other hand it might scare away some customers who do not need domain registration/transfer because they think they might get it cheaper elsewhere. Plus you lose money from the customers who leave after a month (and that means you have less money to spend for advertising). It is hard to say whether it pays off afterall. Personally I would say it doesn`t make much of a difference.

When you offer something for FREE it can only improve your business ;)
People like this word: FREE !!

Originally posted by MagicKeyword
When you offer something for FREE it can only improve your business ;)
People like this word: FREE !!

Not if it means that the users who were going to register a domain anyway, now get it for free!

I only offer a free domains to my advanced and deluxe accounts not to my standard accounts.


The cost is minimal and advertising:

$0.00 signup Fee and a Free Domain Name for 1 year!

looks really good in print. I do not offer this type of deal on my website only in local marketing because there is a lot less chance of it being taken advantage of in my local market.

If you pay for somthing then it isint free. So if you're paying for the hosting the domain isint free it's just included.

I offer a free domain name with each new account - and that includes renewal for every year that the customer stays with me.

I like to keep it simple - if they don't take up the offer on sign-up, they can still take the free domain later on. It seems rude to do otherwise. Also, transfers are free so they're not locked into anything.

HTH,
Matt :)

If you pay for somthing then it isint free. So if you're paying for the hosting the domain isint free it's just included.


So what will they get, hosting without a FQDN ? They will eventually require a Domain Name and when they do they will have to pay to have it registered and then make the necessary name server changes.

However, if you include the Domain Name for FREE in the one year plan then they don't have to worry about paying to register the domain name or making any modifications.