A domain that I want is going to expire soon. It is currently registered at a small registrar. How can I find out if there will be an auction after it expires? Or can it go straight to the drop?
Yes as mentioned before simply back order the domain. You can go to NameJet.com, SnapNames.com, DropCatch.com and Pheenix.com just simply type the domain name and it should come up with the option to place a backorder.
Exactly and I mentioned those places because they won't charge you anything unless you win the name and they catch it for you. With Godaddy the only one I did not mentioned charges you $20 bucks up front but it is not as strong as the other ones.