Registrar Comparisons - We're thinking of switching registrars

[Marc]

I don't know how long this link will be good.
DEAD LINK REMOVED

Our company is thinking of switching Registrars, a sister division has had problems with companies registered by our current Registrar. The last audit conducted by our registrar seemed to be better at finding noncompliances with the ISO 9001 standard to which we are Registered, however the general perception here is that we have been done a dis-service with receiving acceptable results in the past. We are wondering what the perceptions might be if we were to change registrars.

If you're not happy, change registrars. There's no perception issue that I know of. Interest is typically in the certificate, not who the registrar was. However, I have had clints who chose a registrar on subjective reasoning. One client wanted UL because they believe UL is 'unimpeachable' by reputation. I personally would not recommend UL.

You're paying a lot of money for their services. Not happy? Switch!

[Russ Jackson]

Todd, it may be that you are experiencing less than satisfactory auditor performance. If you have not discussed the matter directly with the registrar (not an auditor) then you should first do so unless you have received similar reports from others about the registrar. If this has been discussed with the registrar then changing registrars is probably the appropriate action to take; and your customers should not blink an eye at the action you take. If it turns out that auditor performance is the problem, you can request that certain auditor(s)not be scheduled to do your audits. It is unfortunate that this has to be done in this business but it happens.

Remember that you are the Registrar's customer. I think that most of us expect or at least hope that our customers will give us feedback when not satisfied with performance or quality. This process can work in our dealings with the registrars.

[Marc]

Russ is right. I spoke (typed) in haste. There is a sequence to consider going through. BUT - be ready to state your dissatisfaction precisely in unambiguous terms and don't accept excuses.

Since we're on the subject, what is your complaint?

On the subject of satisfaction, here's an experience you can note. With a previous company, I lead the effort to become ISO 9001 certified. Our registrar was ABS Quality Evaluations. And, in the beginning they did a great job. We were pleased. After about a year and two surveillance audits, they stopped a practice I really liked. That was to provide a forum to feedback on the process and the auditor performance. Now, I am with a new company and Smither's Quality Assessments is our registrar for ISO 9002/QS-9000. We have been very pleased. Notice that ABS-QE is not the registrar. The main reason I did not re-select them was the difficulty in providing feedback. It's as if they don't any longer want to hear their customers' voice.

[Marc]

Unfortunately that is often the case with many companies. Software companies and the teleco's are notorious for bad service.