Transfering a domain from Active-Domain to Fatcow

Question:

So I’ve just purchased a domain from Active-Domain. I’d like to start using it, but I’d need to transfer it to my Fatcow account. As I understand it, Fatcow wants the domain to be active for 60 days before I can transfer it to them. 60 days! Madness!

Firstly, does the 60 day thing matter?

Secondly, how do I go about initiating the transfer, either now or after the 60 days (59 now)

Thanks

Answer:

No, no, no.  Do not EVER transfer your domain name to FatCow.  There is no logical reason that I can think of for you to transfer any domain name to any web hosting company.  You are paying under $10/mo at Active Domain and only $2.50/yr for Whois protection (to hide your private information from spammers).  If you transfer your domain name to FatCow, you’ll pay $13.99/yr for the name and $8.99 for Whois protection.  That’s a ripoff.  Stay where you are.  NameCheap is another really cheap registrar.  That’s the one I use.

If you want to host your domain at FatCow, then on the order page check the ‘Transfer existing domain’ option.  This does NOT transfer the domain name away from your registrar.  They are assuming that if you already have an existing domain name that it’s hosted at another hosting company and that you now want to switch/transfer to FatCow.  It’s misleading.

Then once you place your order, go to Active Domain and change your DNS nameservers to point to the FatCow servers ns1.fatcow.com and ns2.fatcow.com.  After the change updates (1/2 hr to 2 hours or so), then you can start building your site.

FatCow Coupon Code:  BOXING

It’s a secret promotion for Boxing Day.  Hosting for $1.99/month.