Hello there!

Recently, I got hold of a domain for my personal web project – big.space. It's a three-letter gem. I shelled out approximately $600 for the registration, considering it a premium domain.

All seemed good until I found out that the domain extension for premium domains in this zone was priced the same as the purchase cost. Quite odd, isn't it?

I made the transaction through Directi, a major foreign registrar. I'm starting to wonder if Directi might be misleading and intentionally setting such high prices without providing any clear answers when asked about it.

Imagine if I had bought a domain for $7,000! Would I have to cough up $7,000 every year under this system?

I had no issues with the club zone; I purchased a domain there for nearly $2,000 and could renew it at the standard rate of $11.99 per year. However, the .space domain presents an intriguing scenario.

Has anyone else experienced this? Perhaps it's worth reaching out to the owner of the .space zone for clarification? Or is this simply how things are meant to be?

The situation you've encountered with the .space domain raises important questions about the relationship between initial purchase costs and ongoing renewal fees, especially in the context of premium domains.

From the perspective of a domain investor, the decision to acquire a premium domain like big.space involves evaluating its brand potential, marketability, and memorability. A three-letter domain such as big.space holds inherent value due to its rarity and distinctive nature. However, the revelation that the annual renewal cost for the domain extension aligns closely with the initial purchase price is indeed surprising and raises concerns about the long-term financial commitment.

In my experience working with premium domains, it's essential to assess the cost-to-benefit ratio of each acquisition, taking into account not only the immediate acquisition cost but also the recurring expenses associated with maintaining the domain. While premium domains often command higher price tags due to their perceived exclusivity and branding potential, the sustainability of such investments is contingent upon transparent and equitable pricing structures.
I have encountered similar instances where domain owners find themselves grappling with the financial implications of premium domain ownership. In your case, the disparity in renewal costs between the .space domain and the club zone highlights the variances in pricing strategies across domain registries and zones.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation, it would be prudent to engage in dialogue with the domain registrar and, if feasible, the registry operator for the .space zone. Seeking clarification on the rationale behind the pricing model and exploring potential avenues for negotiating or mitigating the renewal costs could provide valuable insights into the sustainability of owning premium domains within this zone.

It's essential to communicate with the registry or domain zone owner before making any decisions. It's also crucial to thoroughly review the registration regulations for that specific domain zone. If it becomes evident that the issue lies with the registrar, then the best course of action would be to transfer the domain to another registrar.

The concept of premium domains involves an additional fee beyond the standard registration cost. In some cases, registries like Donuts may not publicly rule out the possibility of later charging the regular price for the extension. This uncertainty can be frustrating for buyers, as I've seen with someone who purchased a domain at auction only to discover it was considered premium, leading to disappointment.

Another aspect to consider is the limited transfer of premium domains to specific registrars, such as authorized premium service providers like Name.Com, Dunadot, and 123-Reg for Donuts. I would advise inquiring with Radix about transfer options, as the fee structure can vary, with the registry taking the majority and leaving the remainder to the registrar, potentially offering some savings.
It may be strategic to acquire premium domains during the early access stage, albeit at a higher cost, to secure the extension at the standard fee in the future. This approach requires careful consideration of the potential benefits and pitfalls of premium domain acquisition.

You paid $600 for a domain and thought you were getting a sweet deal? Welcome to the world of domain investing, my friend! I can tell you that premium domains come with premium prices. If you can't handle the heat, stay out of the kitchen. That being said, it's still worth reaching out to Directi and Radix to understand their pricing model. But let's be real, if you're not willing to pay the premium renewal fee, someone else will.