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What are possible ways to get a domain and website code from a designer who won't return my calls?

by lakersfan32
9 replies
I recently spoke with a potential client who is unable to get in touch with his web designer. The domain name is registered under the designer's company and there is a wrong number on the site. I want to move the site to his own hosting account and register the domain in his name. Any past experience on dealing with getting the domain transferred over from an unresponsive web designer?
#calls #code #designer #domain #return #ways #website
  • Profile picture of the author BillyParadise
    the site would be easy to get. The domain is much more tricky. Try contacting the designers hosting company - a traceroute to the site should show you who runs the server your client is on.
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  • Profile picture of the author digichik
    I have had this happen with a few clients. If the domain name is in the name of the business it will be much easier to get, not easy, but easier. If it is not in the business name the client will probably have to get a new domain name.

    Do a whois search to find out where the domain name is registered, the client will have to contact the company and explain that the web designer they used has gone out of business and can't be reached. The client will have to prove(business license, etc.) that they own the business and the name. Most registrars will release the name to the business owners, because as we all know there are some unscrupulous wanna be web designers. The registrars know this too. I have had one case where the business owner had to have his attorney send a letter, the domain name was released immediately.

    The registrars will usually cooperate because the same law that protects large corporations from having someone cyber-squat on their name, also protects small business owners. I can take 2-3 weeks but it can be done. Oh yea, when calling the domain registrar, skip talking to the customer service rep, ask for a manager immediately, and keep notes of everyone you talk with.

    Once your client has ownership of the domain name, it can be transferred to a new company with new hosting or just pointed at a new hosting account.
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    • Profile picture of the author lakersfan32
      Thanks for the feedback. We found the designer's number through whois, but it went to voicemail. I'll probably have to talk to the registrar. It's registered with godaddy. Any experience with them?

      Originally Posted by digichik View Post

      I have had this happen with a few clients. If the domain name is in the name of the business it will be much easier to get, not easy, but easier. If it is not in the business name the client will probably have to get a new domain name.

      Do a whois search to find out where the domain name is registered, the client will have to contact the company and explain that the web designer they used has gone out of business and can't be reached. The client will have to prove(business license, etc.) that they own the business and the name. Most registrars will release the name to the business owners, because as we all know there are some unscrupulous wanna be web designers. The registrars know this too. I have had one case where the business owner had to have his attorney send a letter, the domain name was released immediately.

      The registrars will usually cooperate because the same law that protects large corporations from having someone cyber-squat on their name, also protects small business owners. I can take 2-3 weeks but it can be done. Oh yea, when calling the domain registrar, skip talking to the customer service rep, ask for a manager immediately, and keep notes of everyone you talk with.

      Once your client has ownership of the domain name, it can be transferred to a new company with new hosting or just pointed at a new hosting account.
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  • Profile picture of the author cash89
    I have experience with godaddy. Here's my advice, don't waste any more time and just buy a new domain. If it registered in the designers name there is no way for you to get it unless he gives it to you. I'm betting he won't be willing to do so. Likewise for any files he has.
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  • Profile picture of the author James English
    Been dealing with this all day long. A cabinet company I am working with used to have an in house web-designer/programmer.

    When the domain and hosting were purchased, he purchased them under his name, not the business name.

    He was fired a few weeks ago and he will not answer any calls or emails about the website. The domain registrar and host refuse to work with us because the domain is registered under his name. I am about to the point where I am just going to start from scratch as well.
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    HandRaise.co Performance Driven B2B Prospecting and Appointment Setting
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  • Profile picture of the author lakersfan32
    It looks like I am going to have to end up starting for scratch. Wish my client wasn't so adamant about recovering his original site. It doesn't even have any traffic. It's going to be difficult to change his mind.
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  • Profile picture of the author Andrew H
    I feel like recovering the domain is going to be a long gruelling process if you cannot get in touch with the owner of the domain name. If the client just wants the actual website 'files' - if its a static site you can use a program such as httrack to download all the files onto your computer and upload them elsewhere: HTTrack Website Copier - Free Software Offline Browser (GNU GPL)
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    "You shouldn't come here and set yourself up as the resident wizard of oz."
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    • Profile picture of the author Stewart Alexander
      Been in a similar situation where a wed designer would not hand over the domain reg details to my company without a ridiculous payment. He hadn't even built the site he was paid for, that's why his client went looking elsewhere and found me.

      I spoke with the designer once on the phone and he was a real a..hole.

      advised my client to register a new domain, which we did, but here's the tip i want to share with you...

      Set your calendar to remind you of when the original domain is set to expire. I did this and managed to snatch the site back and use it to re-direct type in traffic to the site I built for my client.

      You'll have to make the call on whether it's worth mentioning to your client or not. In my case, it was an exact match domain that was... still is getting some searchers. Not many, but they have brought my client some sales.

      Eventually, I'll put some content on it and link it to the site I built.

      Hope that helps.
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      • Profile picture of the author thecollegekid
        sorry about your situation I am a web developer, and makes websites for small businesses!! As a web guy, i feel your pain, but I have also had clients who were trouble, and even wished i had done this to them.

        Nobody seems to have any sympathy for us. Anyway, if you need help, you could PM me.
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