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1&1 quick to use debt collectors
Domain name and hosting provider 1&1 was quick to fire out threats from debt collectors to both myself and a friend recently.
Like any tech-heads, we've both got hosting packages and domain names bought from several companies including 34SP, CWSHosting, UK2, Low cost names and more. Most companies send out emails notifying you that a domain name is up for renewal and that if you don't act immediately then you'll lose the domain name.
In my experience (and my friend who suffered the same fate), 1&1 is different because I didn't get a notice email (or phone call) saying my domain was up for renewal. Instead the company just renewed it and, once they realised my debit card had expired, billed me via post afterwards.
Before I'd rung them and said I'd only wanted the domain name for the first year and I wouldn't pay for the second, 1&1 hired debt collectors who sent me an additional bill.
After some pleading with 1&1 customer support, who claimed I'd signed a rolling contract, it pulled its debt collectors off me but only after I'd paid for the renewal of my domain name.
It seems, in my opinion, a rather rash way to do business. But the market is extremely competitive and I'll show my discontent with my wallet and buy domains elsewhere from now on.
Well, that another company I won't be using.
Posted by T.Bradley | July 25, 2008 3:24 PM
they did the same to me ,no reminder then threats if I didn't pay thought i'd missed something in the small print obviously not
Posted by murray | July 25, 2008 3:47 PM
Same with me. Definitely a company to stay away from. I couldn't persuade 1&1 to get rid of the debt collectors and ended up paying their fees as well to avoid CCJ.
Posted by Paul | July 26, 2008 4:27 PM
Seems a bit harsh. I use 1and1 and have never had that problem, with over 100 domains registered through them, although I register url's long term, not just for a year. I've read through the terms and conditions and it does clearly state that domains are automatically renewed unless you tell them otherwise. You should have read the terms and conditions first. If it is UK domains that you register then use 123-reg, with an account with them, you can either let domains expire or set up automatic renewals at 30, 60 or 90 days before expiration.
Posted by url | August 16, 2008 6:26 AM