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May 26, 2008
Is Yahoo Gouging For Domain Registrations?
A thread over at WebmasterWorld has reported that Yahoo will be increasing its charges for domain registration as of July 1, 2008 to $34.95. Now I have not heard that the major domain registries have increased prices so is this another way Yahoo thinks it can help increase revenue?
Most companies charge about a third of the new price so it looks like Yahoo will be losing a lot of that business. Guess the ones left will pay extra and Yahoo can cut back on staff.
This is not a smart move given all that is happening right now. Almost looks like they don't want to do it any more and figure to just boost the prices to a level where everyone leaves.
The price seems to include a starter hosting package. Curious would this have a spill over effect on visitor counts to Yahoo? Does it force sites to include Yahoo links or advertising?
I know gas prices are increasing a lot of goods and services but there is no gas needed to do this service.
Yahoo may want to reconsider this move. Sounds like desperate measures.
Posted by Frank Watson on May 26, 2008 1:46 PM
Comments
I received one of the notices from Yahoo! for the domain renewals and will most certainly be finding a new Registrar to handle my domains.
The initial pricing was under $10 per year, so $34.95 is a huge markup for them. Perhaps they are taking lessons from Register.com and Network Solutions on how to lose the domain registration game.
Here's one domain owner saying "Adios" to Yahoo! domain services.
Jock Jerseys May 27, 2008 5:26 PM
I just got the e-mail and can not believe how much it increased!! I have like 10 domain names with Yahoo so I guess as they come up for renewal i will have to move them. Luckily the first one that is coming up in July I don't need anymore so will probably just let it expire. What is the deal?
Amy June 19, 2008 1:54 PM
YaWho? I just received one, and i was obviously surprised. I understand increases in cost and even trying to increase revenue but I have been a faithful Yahoo small business account owner for years and this is unacceptable. I have over 25 domains and some hosting plans all of which i will be removing. They have most of their customers setup for autorenew, i feel bad for all the people who dont take the time to read these messages or miss them in their spam folders(not to mention the email has their usual subject line, nothing about price). I registered my first domain with Yahoo for $2.99, now $34.95? hah, i feel like someone is trying to pull one over on me, domain names should be set it and forget it, i don't need this hassle.
FYI i will be switching all service to 1&1.
Jake Fields July 21, 2008 4:20 PM
Wondering about the subject of .biz domains. Why are .biz domains so expensive now? They aren't that popular of an extension are they?
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