If you are interested in buying a domain name, and a Canadian domain name in particular, there are many important things you need to know before making the investment.
First of all, however, look at these basic tips, which apply to any domain purchase you are considering. After following these tips for purchasing your domain name, read on to learn about buying a Canadian domain name.
Negotiating the best deal
Once you have found the domain name you want on a reputable site that is selling domain names, start thinking about negotiating. As the potential buyer, you are in a good position to negotiate on price. It will most likely take a few conversations to reach a negotiated price that is satisfactory for both parties, but the effort is well worth it. That’s how you not only strike a good deal, but also close a successful domain deal.
Use an escrow service
Use an escrow service to make the payment. This ensures that the deal goes through according to the negotiations, and that the transaction is carried out efficiently and securely. This is the preferred transaction method for both buyer and seller when closing a domain name deal.
Do your research
Make sure that you do your research before you begin your search, and especially before you begin negotiations. As the buyer, know what you are looking for, the price range that suits your budget and a list of alternatives in case the domain name you are seeking is not available or is definitely out of your price range.
Know Canadian rules and regulations
In the domain name system, .ca is the country code top level domain for Canada. The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) is the domain name registry that operates it. CIRA manages the .ca domain on behalf of all Canadians. According to its website, CIRA registers .ca domains, monitors and defends against cybersecurity threats, develops and implements policies that support Canada’s internet community, and represents the .ca registry internationally.
Requirements for .ca registrants
CIRA states on its website that “…the .ca domain space should be developed as a key public resource for the social and economic development of all Canadians. Accordingly, persons who wish to register a .ca domain name or sub-domain
name on and after November 8, 2000 must meet certain Canadian Presence Requirements.”
Under the Canadian Presence Requirements, only certain individuals and entities are allowed to apply to CIRA (through a CIRA certified registrar) to register, hold and maintain registration of the domain name. These individuals and entities include:
- A Canadian citizen of the age of majority under the laws of the province or territory in Canada in which he or she resides or last resided
- A permanent resident as defined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, (Canada), who is ordinarily resident in Canada (and of the age of majority)
- A corporation under the laws of Canada or any province or territory of Canada
- Certain trusts and partnerships.
Review CIRA’s laws and regulations before making your .ca domain purchase.
