Domains in grace period (1 Viewing)

Today I was trying to manage some domains that have expired at WHC and it wouldn't allow me. I can understand that it could be the standard feature at any Registry but if Registries like WHC.ca try to imply this rule for veteran domainers like us who are here at DN, I think it's time to say "Adios" to WHC and take your domains to other Registrars who provide access till the domain is deleted and hits TBR.

I think @FM needs to look into this. But I have decided to move away from WHC for this reason. I don't like Registrars who hold us captives with this cheeky tricks and make you pay for redemption services etc.

If anyone wants to know which Registrars allow access till last day, pl inbox me and I will be happy to help.

Eby said:

Today I was trying to manage some domains that have expired at WHC and it wouldn't allow me. I can understand that it could be the standard feature at any Registry but if Registries like WHC.ca try to imply this rule for veteran domainers like us who are here at DN, I think it's time to say "Adios" to WHC and take your domains to other Registrars who provide access till the domain is deleted and hits TBR.

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Thank you for your feedback. Can you help me better if there are any specific changes you want to make while the domain is in grace period?

As you already stated, most management systems and many registrars prevent changes in that period. The registrar's account has already been debited for the autorenewal at the registry, but the registrar has not been paid for by the client.

@FM , Once the domain is past it's renewal date the message we see is " This domain is not currently active. Domains cannot be managed unless active." We cannot obtain Auth Code or remove "Registrar lock"

I can understand that DNS setting cannot be changed while it's past due but the owner should be allowed to obtain the Auth Code directly, without going through CIRA. Thanks to Richard, we have the link to request the Auth code, but WHC holds us captives without allowing to unlock the domain.

Eby said:

Today I was trying to manage some domains that have expired at WHC and it wouldn't allow me. I can understand that it could be the standard feature at any Registry but if Registries like WHC.ca try to imply this rule for veteran domainers like us who are here at DN, I think it's time to say "Adios" to WHC and take your domains to other Registrars who provide access till the domain is deleted and hits TBR.

I think @FM needs to look into this. But I have decided to move away from WHC for this reason. I don't like Registrars who hold us captives with this cheeky tricks and make you pay for redemption services etc.

If anyone wants to know which Registrars allow access till last day, pl inbox me and I will be happy to help.

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If you're trying to get the auth code, remember this CIRA tool: Domain Transfer Authcode

Note though that some (not all) registrars may lock the domain, which they will do in order to force you to renew with them. I'm not sure I agree with that though because I'm pretty sure that registrar can get their auto renewal credit back from CIRA.

The reality is, large portfolio holders tend to renew domains in bulk, so they may let some inadvertently expire until they find time to do a thorough renewal analysis. So those kind of policies don't usually go over well with domainers. Those policies are probably hidden in the fine print, if anywhere, can't ever remember seeing it published or easy to find. It would be pretty cool to publish a table of each registrar's policies on expiring domains, how long is RGP, if the domain can be updated, transferred, etc. It seems to bite some domainer in the ass periodically.

FM said:

The registrar's account has already been debited for the autorenewal at the registry, but the registrar has not been paid for by the client.

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Correct me if I am wrong, if CIRA charges the Registrar for renewal, when the domain is in suspension. I don't think so.

Eby said:

Correct me if I am wrong, if CIRA charges the Registrar for renewal, when the domain is in suspension. I don't think so.

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Yeah, they do. But they can get it back. But it would be interesting of @FM can provide the details of exactly how that works.

I was under the impression that CIRA can only charge the Registrar when the domain flashes "Auto Renewal period". Once the Registrar cancels the domain and it is in suspension, I am sure that hold of funds is released for the Registar.

Well, I like to to be corrected if it is the case. We learn everyday and today I learned about this trick by WHC!!!

When the Domain has no "Auto Renew" feature in place, the Registrar cannot penalize the domain owner to renew with them.

I can understand if the "Auto Renew" feature - which is a default setting is active.

But when the 'Auto-renew" feature was deactivated by the domain owner, then the Registrar imposing registry lock on an expired domain is subject to discussion.

Eby said:

I can understand that DNS setting cannot be changed while it's past due but the owner should be allowed to obtain the Auth Code directly, without going through CIRA. Thanks to Richard, we have the link to request the Auth code, but WHC holds us captives without allowing to unlock the domain.

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Right now, I believe you can get the auth code from our Support, as far as I know. Please let me know should that not be the case. I don't want to hold anyone hostage who doesn't want to stay with us as a registrar.

Please open a ticket with the auth codes you need, and we'll get them to you.

Eby said:

Correct me if I am wrong, if CIRA charges the Registrar for renewal, when the domain is in suspension. I don't think so.

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rlm said:

Yeah, they do. But they can get it back. But it would be interesting of @FM can provide the details of exactly how that works.

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1) Most registries (read gTLDs and CIRA) auto-renew domains at expiry. A deletion requires an explicit command from the registrar to the registry.
2) The registry's autorenewal is independent of the settings at the registrar.
3) Most registries have pre-paid accounts for the registrars.
4) When a domain auto-renews at the registry at expiry, the registrar's account is automatically charged for that renewal.
5) Registrar deletes the domain or the domain transfers out within the autorenewal period.
6) The registry credits the registrar's account for the domain.

Thanks @FM for the details. That makes sense and I have been involved in numerous transfers over the years and have experienced it.

I did not check with the support desk and I will do so now. Thanks for the clarification.

It did not go well for me. Someone is trying to tie me down with WHC.

"Thanks for contacting Web Hosting Canada.
I can see all domains you provided are expired and in Grace Period. And due to which its not possible to unlock them.
Also, not possible to transfer them out to new registrar. You can activate domain from your client area."

Too bad!!!

I see that that didn't work, I was also checking for the ticket. My apologies for that. I will make sure our agents are aware of this policy in general, as there are several reasons why forcing clients to renew doesn't make sense, as it usually leads to more work for support and the client that isn't needed.

I'll get them unlocked for you and will talk to our support team.

Frank,
Thanks for doing this. I appreciate this gesture. Thanks for getting involved and hope everyone else who don't have the "Auto Renewal" switched on, could also benefit from this.

Once the domain is suspended and the Registrar's fund hold has been released by CIRA, he/she must be able to unlock the domain and have access to their Auth code too.

Much appreciate your follow up and yet another huge advantage for WHC for having you to help out. Value your contribution much.

If anybody else here encounters a similar problem at WHC, please contact me directly. frank (at) whc.ca . Thank you @Eby .