Expired domain hoarding?

[techahben]

Hello everyone, new member here.

Just want to find out your opinion on this.

I am continuously on the lookout for expired domains for either clients or myself and lately it has been really tough going.

It seems like whenever I do a research for a list of domain names for it like its history, like traffic, links, etc, I won't be able to register it once it expired even for very obscure names.

If I do not do any research on it, I would be able to get the name once it expires.

Makes me wonder if the registrars actually study the data on searches and know someone is looking at acquiring a name.

What I find suspicious is, once the name expires, it would be taken over by some unpopular registrars and held on by them for around 1-2 weeks and then release again to the public. Is there such a thing going on at the moment?

Appreciate any opinion or comments.

Thanks.

 

[MissFlora]

Many people wonder that question about searches being monitored and have always been confirmed by registrars that searches are not. But who knows. It is true that companies do register domains for clients in BIG bulk to test traffic, that's rather common. And those domains mostly drop after a couple days.

Flora.

 

[techahben]

Thanks for your reply, MissFlora.

I like to use Alexa to check.. but now I am hesitant..

 

[primacomputer]

People certainly do research into what people are researching. I couldn't provide full details of who (mis)uses what data but I've looked into it and confirmed it does happen. If some kid runs an expires search, linkpop or other type of site does anyone really think he will be so honourable as to never look at what people are looking at. Some companies just don't have adequate security. Imagine what you could do with the log files for a website where thousands of people check domain names. Or better yet, get access to the logs of a proxy server and get even more data.

The only thing you can do to be sure your research isn't being used to help someone else find names is to do all of it yourself. Personally I just collect raw data and process it all internally. Few people can justify the resources required to do this. The best way the average guy can avoid this is to only use the larger reputable services. It's a shame, as there are a lot of useful services run by small companies and individuals. But if you don't know what they are going to do with the data it's just not worth the risk.

The names you see grabbed and then dropped a few days later are being used in a scam that allows people to test domain traffic before paying for the domain. Basically they register the name, monitor the traffic for a few days, and then cancel within the “grace period” where they can get a refund. In many cases I don't even think there is any payment and refund. I reckon the registrar is in in the scam.

But like I said people do research into what others are researching. I keep a list of names that are registered and dropped in a short period of time. That way when I see one of these names for sale with high traffic numbers I know it's probably artificial. The pros have already caught the name and thrown it back because it was worthless. So I can just ignore that name as well as future offerings by the same seller.

 

[techahben]

Basically they register the name, monitor the traffic for a few days, and then cancel within the “grace period” where they can get a refund.

That is exactly what is happening!

Are you able to advise what is the grace period?

Many thanks.

 

[primacomputer]

I've seen a five day grace period at some registrars. Others don't offer it.

I don't know exactly how they are able to offer this. Some registrars claim they can't offer this service because they are billed the instant a name is registered. Ironically these same registrars hold on to name that have expired and auction them off. So if they are crooks they are probably liars as well.

 

[techahben]

So if they are crooks they are probably liars as well.

LOL.

Thanks for the information.