Domain transfer query

[#1]

Looking to move a domain inc email handled by Plusnet and Mythic Beasts seems to be a popular choice.

MB have a no downtime transfer process which I was hoping to use. The initial steps of ordering hosting and setting up mailboxes is fine but not sure its possible to do the following (paraphrased) steps

Update details for A, MX and SPF entries on your domains current provider to those shown on MB manage DNS page for your domain.

Update nameservers for domain to point to MB nameservers.

Only after doing the above do MB suggest initiating domain transfer

Are either/both steps possible and if not I would really appreciate advice on what is the best approach.

[#2]

@njay 

MB have a no downtime transfer process which I was hoping to use. The initial steps of ordering hosting and setting up mailboxes is fine but not sure its possible to do the following (paraphrased) steps

Its not!. Whilst in theory its possible to change the MX record, its certainly not possible to add an SPF record or change the nameservers.

I'm afraid you have to 'bite the bullet', ensure that the MB account is configured e.g mailboxes etc are setup, then request the domain transfer. This will take up to a few days. Keep checking in the MB portal whether the domain transfer has completed , then as sooon as it has, switch to the MB nameservers and email should then go to MB. There may be some loss of email but since the PN mailboxes are common between the native *.plus.com' and hosted domain, you can still access them after the domain has transferred. 

[#3]

Thanks for reply

Do plusnet immediately stop use of their nameservers at completion of domain transfer as that would mean incoming emails potentially undelivered for the duration of the nameserver switch over which i gather is upto 48hrs?

[#4]

DNS remains with us when the tag is changed until the new provider claim it. 

[#5]

Hi,
At what point in domain transfer is the claim made?

From what i can see
I request domain transfer via post on here
Ticket gets raised to change tag,
I monitor MB to see when domain transfer completes and then I switch nameservers which takes 48hrs from that point