One year away from .uk domains release day

keys · May 24, 2018

.uk sales are relatively rare, but occasional exceptions. Few co.uk buyers want the sibling, and a surprising number say "no thanks" even when it is offered at no extra charge.

I sold a co.uk (£xxx) in February. The same customer has just bought .uk for mid £xxx. Also a few pending sales for .uk without co.uk, although pairs are available.

Another buyer last year bought co.uk to obtain .uk, and is going to let the co.uk drop - strange?

dee · May 24, 2018

I know. Strange isnt it. I sold a domain at BIN for hi £££ . He said he didnt want the uk. Again... it was free and part of the deal. I still have it.

martin-s · May 24, 2018

I'd prefer to see an indefinite extension from Nominet

Skinner · May 24, 2018

A few bigger companies seem clueless, but some are very much on the ball.

I've not had anyone specifically ask about the .UK.

I've still not determined my method going forward yet, I had planned to treat them as totally separate names this time next year so no pairing regardless, but lately I've been dropping so many .UK and keeping .co.uk like so many others I'm 60% sure .uk is likely to head down the pan and become the new .org.uk and .me.uk is pretty much dead.

Adam H · May 24, 2018

Any new brand I'd personally launch on a .uk and thats been the case for some time, having said that I wouldn't launch a new brand unless I had the pair to protect it. I find it random when someone buys one and not the other even when its offered as apart of the deal

Edwin · May 24, 2018

I tend to introduce the .uk at the last minute, between receiving payment and transferring the domain. Never had anyone turn it down for free yet, but it’s interesting some of you have.

The buyer proactively mentioned the .uk before I did only once in the last fifty or so transactions so awareness is nil if you round down...

ian · May 24, 2018

.uk is certainly the best extension, but much too late to the party. I, at this stage, cannot even contemplate launching on a .uk extension as it confuses 99% of visitors who say "don't you mean .co.uk?" or just go to the .co.uk and have to be auto-forwarded.

Sure enough, June next year will be interesting when all us catchers fight for the best unregistered .uk's, though I suspect, like 123-reg and others, Nominet will make sure that cannot happen for fear of challenges.