Accidently let my domain name expire - Seems like NameJet now has it? Advice please

[kb08807]

I used to own a domain name of my name (e.g. firstlastname.com). I forgot to renew it, and it expired back in March.

When I visit that firstlastname.com in my browser, it takes me to a NameJet page that says:

Backorder Now
You do not have this domain on backorder.
High Bid: No Bids
Closing Time: 2d 3h
Type: Pre-Release
Your Last Bid: $0 USD
Bid History: 0 bids

When I do a whois search on the domain name, the contact details are "WhoisGuard Protected" and the name servers are name-services.com.

What is the best way/strategy to get my domain name back? Is "NameJet" a reputable company... should I place a bid? Do they really own the domain name at this point? Is this "auction" a real auction that really closes in "2d 3h", or is that just a random time count they show on the page when someone accesses the page? Are there any assurances that a NameJet associate won't place a higher "bid" after I do, in hopes of getting me to raise my bid?

I feel sad about losing the name, and mad at myself for not being more on top of matters to avoid getting into this jam.

I appreciate any advice you can offer in terms of how to deal with NameJet and get my domain name back.

Thanks very much.

ps - my domain name is just my firstlastname.com and my website got like zero traffic (so no resale value) and I don't share the name with anyone famous, so I would think that the only people who would be motivated to outbid me on the name would be people trying to get me to raise my bid.

 

[Ms Domainer]

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Since it's a pre-release, you can still renew it. You'll need to get in touch with with your registrar to see how you can redeem your domain.

You may have to pay a premium--it depends on your registrar. At Godaddy, it's $80.00. But because your domain is a pre-release, it's probably registered at Net Sol or Register or another one of Namejet's partners.

Or you can take your chances at auction.

I hope this works out for you!

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[kb08807]

Thank you Ms Domainer

Thank you so much for your advice, Ms Domainer. I contacted my domain name registrar (namecheap.com) and asked them how I could get the domain back... they were able to restore my ownership and control of the name in about 15 minutes, for simply the cost of the next year's renewal (about $10). Thank you for the great advice - I am so relieved to have the name back!

 

[RazorNF]

Congrats! And with 2 days to spare! Some people aren't that lucky.

Mark the renewal date as a reminder on your calendar, in the event you don't get a renewal email due to a change in address or it going into the spam folder.

 

[Kate]

Echo that ^
and you can even renew the domain for up to 10 years ahead

 

[Ms Domainer]

Thank you so much for your advice, Ms Domainer. I contacted my domain name registrar (namecheap.com) and asked them how I could get the domain back... they were able to restore my ownership and control of the name in about 15 minutes, for simply the cost of the next year's renewal (about $10). Thank you for the great advice - I am so relieved to have the name back!

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I'm so glad I was able to help.



I'm so happy that you were about to reclaim your domain without having to pay a premium.

Kudos to Namecheap!

:bingo:

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