Domain Name FAQ
Answers to some frequently asked questions about Domain Names.
What is a domain name and why should I register one?
A domain name is the unique name by which a website is identified on the Internet; it is a memorable address and should be both recognisable and relative to your business name or brand. An example of a domain name is ‘yourbusiness.com.au’ and ownership of this domain name is essential. Remember domain names are not just for businesses or organisations - many people register names for their own personal use.
What do I get when I register a domain name?
Once your domain name application has been processed, you will receive a confirmation email with your login details to the Control Panel that will allow you to manage your domain names. You will also receive a printable domain registration certificate to show you are the legal owner of the domain name. Once you are a Hostess customer, you will be able to take advantage of our unlimited email support services.
How can Hostess offer domain names at such low prices?
Our system is fully automated and enables us to register domain names and offer state-of-the-art domain name management with minimal overhead. Hostess believes that domain names should be a low cost entry point to get a website online, not a huge investment. .com.au domain names are still being sold for up to $140! Once you experience the ease and quality of our domain name ordering and management system, you'll never register a domain name anywhere else.
Can I cancel a domain name?
Once you have submitted your domain name for registration, your payment will be processed and your domain submitted for registration. It cannot be cancelled without still paying the standard registration fees - this is because as soon as we have submitted the domain, the registrar will enter it on the central database and invoice us for the central registry fees.
Of course once you have your domain name - if you decide you no longer need the domain you can cancel it at any time before it comes due for renewal (usually 2 years) and will not then be liable to pay renewal fees on that domain name.
Why would I want to register multiple domain names for my one website?
Businesses that want to protect their brand identity often register multiple domain names to stop other people getting hold of them. If you were an Australian brand with a unique name, you may want to register the .com, .net and .net.au versions of the domain name as well as just a .com.au.
If you are planning on promoting your website abroad as well as in Australia, it makes sense to have the 'internationa;' versions of your domain name (if available), such as a .com (US), .co.uk (UK), co.nz (NZ), or .cn (China) etc.
How much does it cost to transfer my domain to Hostess?
The transfer of domain names ending in .au is free. When it is time to re-new your domain name you can then re-new it with us at our great prices. To transfer your domain name to us, please complete this form. Please note, Hostess does not accept inbound transfers of domain registrations without an accompanying order for a yearly subscrption service.
Is Hostess an accredited registrar of .au domains?
Yes — this means we can sell domains names cheaper than others — and that's exactly what we do, passing on the savings to you.
Are there any restrictions on buying a .com.au domain name?
Yes, unlike most othe domain name types (.com etc) .au domain names are regulated by auDA. You need to be operating a business in Australia. This means you'll either have a tax file number or a registered Australian Business Number — either as an individual trader or as a company. The domain name you buy also has to be related to your business name or a product or service you supply. You can't buy an Australian domain name if you don't meet these requirements category. Click here for an outline of the rules of registration.
Can anyone buy a .com or .net domain name?
Yes - as long as you're not infringing trademark or copyright laws.
Can I buy an Australian domain name for only one year?
Sorry, names with a '.au' extension must be purchased for at least (and only) two years. This rule is set by the domain authority, auDA and applies to all registrars.
