domain registration issue

[creature]

When a client registers a domain, is the domain registered automatically through my registrar(DirectI)? In case the domain is not registered automatically will the client lose his domain name? My consern is that other people might register the same domain with other registrar if the registration process is not automatic. Then I'll end up in a problem with the client. What do you think about that ? how does it work?

[trine]

Well, theoretically, you are correct that until the domain is paid for and the registrar sends the information to the master tld database (root servers), it will appear as available.

 

However, the good news is that anyone else trying to register the domain name at Directi, for instance, will receive a warning that the domain name is not available and already in the database. If you try it from a different registrar, it will usually appear as available. Directi will store it in the database for (I think) 5 days or something. (Someone correct me if I am wrong).

 

Unfortunately, there is no magic here... the domain must be entered into the master tld database (root servers) for it not to show as available at all registrars for the particular tld.

 

So the advice I can give you, is take care of it as fast as possible.

[creature]

Thank you. But this is a serious issue. I think WHMCS team should take a serious look at it. because even if a client paid and the site admin doesn't proceed right away the client might lose the domain to someone else! I think WHMCS should allow an automatic registration right after payement and not wait for the admin to approve and register the domain with his registar.

What do you think fellows ? Let me know if WHMCS does automatic registration upon payement.

[s1rk3ls]

The process trine is referring to is not a WHMCS issue but a matter of how the registration process works - although I believe once your order has been initiated with the registrar it's all fairly instant (domain is registered and removed from availability at other registrars) but you typically have 5 days to cancel the order (if it ends up being fraud or the customer misspelled for example)

 

As for WHMCS, the new version allows automatic registration upon payment (just like auto account creation upon payment)

 

Go to Configuration -> Domain Pricing

 

You can select the registrar under "Automatic Registration" for each extension - For example if you can only register .tw with one registrar and get a better price on .info with another but want everything else registered with a third.

 

So yes, WHMCS does automatic domain registrations upon payment!

[trine]

Thanks for clearing that point up Kristopher. It is indeed near instantaneous, as long as:

 

1. WHMCS cart is set to process the domain upon payment

2. You have adequate funds in your Directi reseller account

 

This is really near instantaneous. Matt did a wonderful job with the API!!!!

 

However, if for any reason you have payments that pend in WHMCS, you should take care of them asap.

[creature]

1. WHMCS cart is set to process the domain upon payment

How do I set that in WHMCS ? the domain registrar setting only allows to set parent ID and customer ID. Where should I set the cart ?

[trine]

Configure Automation Settings:

 

"To enable the automation features to run, make sure you set up a cron job to run once per day at the time you want invoices to be sent out and accounts suspended."

[creature]

I think cron job is set .but I just don't see registration automation option in registar configuration.

which version of WHMCS supports automatic registration ?

[Matt]

The latest version which you are not currently using - you're still on V3 and the latest is V3.1.1

 

Matt