Expired names - Client hold vs. pending delete?

[dsiomtw]

Simple question. Or maybe not LOL ...

When some names expire, they go to a "client hold" status. In this case client refers to the registrar, meaning they are holding it which they are allowed to do for up to 45 days. Other times, an expired name will go straight to a pending delete status.

Overall, out of the 1000s of names I've looked at, it seems to be about a 20/80 split - about 20% go to "client hold" and 80% go right to pending delete status.

Just curious if anyone knows why and/or what the difference is?

At first I thought it was a situation where certain registrars just handle expiring names differently, but I've noticed that GoDaddy for example does both and I can't figure out any rhyme or reason to it ...

 

[Jeff]

Link: https://www.snapnames.com/deleteprocess.html

I believe, if I understand your thinking, that you may just be catching some names status' in Whois at different stages ... "Pending Delete" comes after RGP and the Expired / "Client Hold" classifications, IMHO.
Look at the dates for the classification changes in the Whois records at the bottom. :gl:

Hope to be of assistance.
-Jeff

 

[Midano]

"Client Hold" for EPP domains (.org/.info/.biz/.name) is the equivalent of "REGISTRAR-HOLD" status for RRP domains (.com/.net) - see full explanation here
Like Jeff said - pay attention to the "last updated" dates.

 

[OttoYiu]

Thanks guys, you helped me a lot.

 

[AdoptableDomains]

I've seen the client hold on names that are not even expired as well. I think they use that status for other hold transfer purposes as well such as payment issues, UDRP holds, etc. I've followed a coulple domains that have had that status for well over a year, and assume someone just forgot to change the status at one time, or maybe it's in a long legal dispute.