GoDaddy Auctions -- Discussion, Acquisitions, and Sales

[Ms Domainer]

*

I searched the forum and could not find a thread dedicated solely to Godaddy auctions, which seem to be heating up lately.

I envision this thread as a place for discussion regarding YOUR sales and acquisitions, and general discussion about the auction venue itself, and, perhaps, some domain oddities that are popping up on the auction site, for example, high-priced domains that should be regfee.



One caveat, though: for your own good, PLEASE do not reveal your auction win (or anyone else's, for that matter) until the domain has landed in your account because the original owner still has the option to renew it, and I know how vexing that can be. In other words, don't count your chickens until they're hatched.

On the other hand, if you're having second thoughts about your auction win, by all means tell us all about it.

I suppose that if an auction win is high profile, it's already out there, but, still...

Anyway, I'll start with three comments:

1. I won my first (and maybe last) intentional typo, and it's getting clicks (no $ so far, though): Forwx.com. I could not find a live TM on this term, but one never knows. I have mixed feelings about this one.

2. I accidentally clicked on a BIN that I didn't want (I wanted the one above it), but I decided to honor the bid anyway. Grrr..., so be careful before hitting the submit button. It's not in my account yet, so I can't really reveal it right now.

3. Currently, there's a weird .co domain at over $9,000, with three bidders duking it out. Again, I don't want to reveal what it is, but if you go to the most active auctions, it's number 1 (as of this posting).​

Mods, I hope this thread is okay.



*

 

[Ms Domainer]

An Email to My Rep

*

Since I have a Go Daddy rep, I decided to email him about Utomo's situation in order to get clarification about firm clawback dates having to do with former registrants.

I'm not asking him to comment specifically on Utomo's case -- he can't -- but to pin Go Daddy down on this ongoing issue.

Subject: Puzzling Auction Result of IslamDaily.com

[Go Daddy Rep],

First of all, IslamDaily.com is not my domain, but several of us would like clarification of the auction process, and I was wondering if a representative (not necessarily you) could clarify some issues regarding how domains are awarded and when the domain can be removed from a winner's account to be re-awarded to the former owner.

Customers who bid on Go Daddy auctions are confused by member utomo's experience (Namepros, beginning with post #782):

[Link to this forum]​

I have always been under the impression that a domain is awarded on day 41 or 42 after expiration, with an option for the former owner to claim it up to day 45, even after being awarded to the buyer.

Briefly, Utomo's basic claim: He was awarded IslamDaily.com on October 12, presumably day 41 or 42 after expiration. On October 17 (Day 46 or 47), he receives an email from Go Daddy, stating that there was an "error," that the domain would be awarded back to the original owner.

I realize that you cannot confirm or deny Utomo's specific claim to me or to anyone but Utomo, but I was wondering exactly what is the reclamation deadline for a former owner to claw back a domain?

Some people think that it's day 45, others say day 72 (which would be distressing, given that development plans might be in the works or even already completed).

So what is the day after expiration that an buyer could start with development plans without fear of clawback because of renewals by former owners?

The interpretation of your TOS is not clear.

IF the facts of Utomo's case are correct, I find this distressing and unacceptable. I already have strong negative opinions about Go Daddy's policy of auctioning domains before former owners' rights have expired. It feels sketchy and unethical to me, and I would not be surprised to see a class-action suit launched at some point.

Nonetheless, the issue here has to do with actual and firm cut off dates.

I just want you to know that my distress has nothing to do with you or the service you have rendered to me -- you have been great.

This simply has to do with a policy that I find unfair and unprofessional -- and confusing.

I will be posting this on Namepros.

Best, Jennifer

It may take a few days because it's the weekend. Or I may get a dodgy answer; reps are limited in what they can say. My hope is that my email gets kicked higher up.

I have also cc'd to his immediate supervisor -- with the reassurance that the cc has nothing to do with the way my rep performs. He's been GREAT, the main reason I stay with Go Daddy.


*

---------- Post added at 04:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:34 PM ----------

*

UPDATE:

My rep says day 43 is the cut off date for renewal by former owners, although there may be "exceptions."

I have asked for some examples of "exceptions."

SECOND UPDATE:

My rep, who is currently not at work, says he'll check and get back to me on Tuesday regarding exceptions, but he warns that revealing "exceptions" may be against company policy.

Utomo, if you are serious about fighting for this domain, you could always get in touch with someone like John Berryhill, a domain lawyer out of Philadelphia. He could tell you whether you have a case or not. Just Google him.

Just be aware that lawyers cost money.



*

 

[utomo]

referring to godaddy registration agreement section 2(B), the owner can renew domain even if the domain in Registry Redemption Period. it means 12 + 30 + 30 = 72 days.

The Renewal Grace Period is currently twelve (12) days - normal renewal fee

Godaddy Redemption Period 30 days - Redemption fee $80 + renewal fee

Registry Redemption Period 30 days - Redemption fee $80 + renewal fee

this is the tricky part of godaddy expired auction. auction will end 42 days after expired, while previous owner still can renew it 72 days after expired.

Few days after auction finish and also paid, we got transaction complete notice . What is the meaning of transaction complete ?

---------- Post added at 01:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:30 PM ----------

*

Since I have a Go Daddy rep, I decided to email him about Utomo's situation in order to get clarification about firm clawback dates having to do with former registrants.

I'm not asking him to comment specifically on Utomo's case -- he can't -- but to pin Go Daddy down on this ongoing issue.



It may take a few days because it's the weekend. Or I may get a dodgy answer; reps are limited in what they can say. My hope is that my email gets kicked higher up.

I have also cc'd to his immediate supervisor -- with the reassurance that the cc has nothing to do with the way my rep performs. He's been GREAT, the main reason I stay with Go Daddy.


*

---------- Post added at 04:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:34 PM ----------

*

UPDATE:

My rep says day 43 is the cut off date for renewal by former owners, although there may be "exceptions."

I have asked for some examples of "exceptions."

SECOND UPDATE:

My rep, who is currently not at work, says he'll check and get back to me on Tuesday regarding exceptions, but he warns that revealing "exceptions" may be against company policy.

Utomo, if you are serious about fighting for this domain, you could always get in touch with someone like John Berryhill, a domain lawyer out of Philadelphia. He could tell you whether you have a case or not. Just Google him.

Just be aware that lawyers cost money.



*

Thanks ms domainer
If possible i will avoid using lawyer.
But if godaddy doing something wrong/ cheating/ other, i will make many people know about it

 

[Dave_Z]

I have asked for some examples of "exceptions."

Although one exception was suggested earlier by discobull, which various registrars rarely (and unfortunately) encounter, I think it's fair to ask Go Daddy for an example. I also understand their hesitation, though, because their answer may (understandably) turn off other people.

Of course, nobody here really knows what happened in Go Daddy's side. Unless one of them shares a few details, maybe, even at the risk of being criticized.

 

[Ms Domainer]

*

Utomo,

"Transaction complete" means that you have acquired the domain.

If you get a "Your auction has ended," that means the former owner has renewed the domain.

*

---------- Post added at 09:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:45 PM ----------

Although one exception was suggested earlier by discobull, which various registrars rarely (and unfortunately) encounter, I think it's fair to ask Go Daddy for an example. I also understand their hesitation, though, because their answer may (understandably) turn off other people.

Of course, nobody here really knows what happened in Go Daddy's side. Unless one of them shares a few details, maybe, even at the risk of being criticized.

*

I suspect the "error" was a Go Daddy screw up and that the former owner actually renewed it before the 43 days was up, but we don't know unless GD fesses up.

Few days after auction finish and also paid, we got transaction complete notice . What is the meaning of transaction complete ?

Utomo, if you paid $XXX, and you acquired the domain a few days (instead of 7-8 days) after the auction, it very well may have been a Go Daddy screw up. They may have transferred it to you too early.

You received the domain on October 12, but do you remember what date the auction ended? It should have ended on October 4 or 5. If it ended after those dates, then Go Daddy made a mistake. You can always check your "won" tab to see end of auction date and "Domain is ready" date.

*

 

[utomo]

*

Utomo,

"Transaction complete" means that you have acquired the domain.

If you get a "Your auction has ended," that means the former owner has renewed the domain.

*

---------- Post added at 09:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:45 PM ----------



*

I suspect the "error" was a Go Daddy screw up and that the former owner actually renewed it before the 43 days was up, but we don't know unless GD fesses up.



Utomo, if you paid $XXX, and you acquired the domain a few days (instead of 7-8 days) after the auction, it very well may have been a Go Daddy screw up. They may have transferred it to you too early.

You received the domain on October 12, but do you remember what date the auction ended? It should have ended on October 4 or 5. If it ended after those dates, then Go Daddy made a mistake. You can always check your "won" tab to see end of auction date and "Domain is ready" date.

*

In this situation transaction complete not as your description which is same as my understanding.
so I need to ask what is the meaning in Godaddy policy.

I win Godaddy expired domain on 5 October.
I already pay $ XXX
And the transaction is complete on 13 October.
then suddenly on 18 October Godaddy staff email me

so it is 5 days after transaction complete.
and until now I still did not get any further reply from godaddy staff.
(maybe because of weekend)

and also the godaddy facebook also can not help.

 

[Ms Domainer]

In this situation transaction complete not as your description which is same as my understanding.
so I need to ask what is the meaning in Godaddy policy.

I win Godaddy expired domain on 5 October.
I already pay $ XXX
And the transaction is complete on 13 October.
then suddenly on 18 October Godaddy staff email me

so it is 5 days after transaction complete.
and until now I still did not get any further reply from godaddy staff.
(maybe because of weekend)

and also the godaddy facebook also can not help.

*

Okay, so it's not a matter of receiving the domain too early.

Sounds like a normal transaction with a normal progression.

The only possible explanation is that the former owner paid the $80.00 and Go Daddy somehow did not process that payment.

Yes, you may have to wait until Monday to get a response.

and

*

 

[utomo]

I still waiting for reply from godaddy.
I share the news on local domaning forum,and my friend also got same problems with godaddy before. It around 7 days after transaction complete.
So it is not the first time godaddy do this

 

[newbie191]

I am not happy with godaddy auctions.

I am not happy with godaddy auctions.
Last month I got email from GD auctions that one of my domain was sold and will take five days for payment to clear. After five days I get email that ""Unfortunately, the funds have not cleared for the following domain name:""
Now the same thing happened to same domain this month again. The least I can say is that I am very disappointed. One day they congratulate me for a sale and the other day they tell me its canceled.
Now I don't understand if they ban these buyers then how they keep coming back. If he paid via paypal or credit card how can he reverse the payment just in five days.

 

[utomo]

anybody can advise me.
How long time needed before we can transfer out the domain after winning the auction and transaction complete ?
Thanks

 

[surprise]

60 days

 

[utomo]

This is godaddy reply
Our support staff has responded to your request, details of which are described below:

Discussion Notes
Support Staff Response
Dear Utomo Widjaja,

The Auctions Membership Agreement (http://www.godaddy.com/agreements/showdoc.aspx?pageid=dna_member), section 6, specifically, reflects that original registrant has the right to redeem the domain.

it states, "From time to time, Go Daddy may list domain names which have entered into an expiration period for their original registration (“Expired Domain Names”). Expired Domain Names will be clearly marked on the site. These Expired Domain Names may be listed on the Site on the date of their expiration, however, no sale will be final until forty-five (45) days after the date of expiration. During the redemption period, as described in the Domain Name Registration Agreement, the original registrant has the right to reclaim the Expired Domain Name.."

Please let us know if we can assist you in any other way.

Regards,

Don W
Aftermarket Support


I reply with this:

Hello don,

I understand about the 45 days period. But it already pass that. It is more than that, it pasS 50 days.
It pass the transaction complete + 7 days.So the old owner can not renew it again right ?

May I ask, what is the meaning of transaction complete ? In this situation

Best regards,


Utomo

 

[lennco]

Wow that is F'd up!

How long have you had it in your possession?
More then 3 days?
Because if it is passed the 45th day of expiring then that is your domain.

This is godaddy reply
Our support staff has responded to your request, details of which are described below:

Discussion Notes
Support Staff Response
Dear Utomo Widjaja,

The Auctions Membership Agreement (http://www.godaddy.com/agreements/showdoc.aspx?pageid=dna_member), section 6, specifically, reflects that original registrant has the right to redeem the domain.

it states, "From time to time, Go Daddy may list domain names which have entered into an expiration period for their original registration (“Expired Domain Names”). Expired Domain Names will be clearly marked on the site. These Expired Domain Names may be listed on the Site on the date of their expiration, however, no sale will be final until forty-five (45) days after the date of expiration. During the redemption period, as described in the Domain Name Registration Agreement, the original registrant has the right to reclaim the Expired Domain Name.."

Please let us know if we can assist you in any other way.

Regards,

Don W
Aftermarket Support


I reply with this:

Hello don,

I understand about the 45 days period. But it already pass that. It is more than that, it pasS 50 days.
It pass the transaction complete + 7 days.So the old owner can not renew it again right ?

May I ask, what is the meaning of transaction complete ? In this situation

Best regards,


Utomo

I had said it was 45 days, Don W confirmed it is in fact 45 days so if they took your domain away after 45 days then they are in the wrong and you need to fight back.

If they start taking our domains away from us after 45 days because the previous owner is crying foul then buyers will be super pissed and make it public, and GD will come out of this looking like sh!t!

 

[Ms Domainer]

*

I have posted this on Go Daddy's Facebook page:

There is much confusion regarding expired domains acquired through Go Daddy auctions. On Namepros, user Utomo contends that a domain in his panel is going to be be removed from his account 50 days after it expired for the original registrant. Could you please clarify why this is happening? For more info see [link to this thread] beginning with post 782 and continuing through the next page.

I don't know if it will help, but I thought I'd try.

*

 

[utomo]

*

I have posted this on Go Daddy's Facebook page:



I don't know if it will help, but I thought I'd try.

*

Thanks ms domainer.

Lets wait for their response.

I ask help from other member to comment on godaddy facebook.
So this situation did not happen in future.

Thank you

---------- Post added at 12:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:54 PM ----------

I had said it was 45 days, Don W confirmed it is in fact 45 days so if they took your domain away after 45 days then they are in the wrong and you need to fight back.

If they start taking our domains away from us after 45 days because the previous owner is crying foul then buyers will be super pissed and make it public, and GD will come out of this looking like sh!t!

It look like they will take away.
I got refund notice by email.
But i will keep fighting.
Thank you for the support

 

[NPer]

Hello don,

I understand about the 45 days period. But it already pass that. It is more than that, it pasS 50 days.
It pass the transaction complete + 7 days.So the old owner can not renew it again right ?

May I ask, what is the meaning of transaction complete ? In this situation

Best regards,


Utomo

Strange, as whois shows you as the owner... last update was on 17 October 2013:

Domain Name: ISLAMDAILY.COM
Registrar URL: http://www.wildwestdomains.com
Updated Date: 2013-10-17 15:15:28
Creation Date: 2000-08-31 00:44:56
Registrar Expiration Date: 2014-08-31 00:44:56
Registrar: Wild West Domains, LLC
Reseller: GoDaddy
Domain Status: clientDeleteProhibited
Domain Status: clientRenewProhibited
Domain Status: clientTransferProhibited
Domain Status: clientUpdateProhibited
Registrant Name: Utomo Widjaja
Name Server: NS63.DOMAINCONTROL.COM
Name Server: NS64.DOMAINCONTROL.COM

Is it no longer in the domain manager?

 

[lennco]

Strange, as whois shows you as the owner... last update was on 17 October 2013:

Is it no longer in the domain manager?

I think you quoted the wrong person.

 

[NPer]

I think you quoted the wrong person.

Oops! My bad... I shall edit it now. :D

 

[utomo]

Strange, as whois shows you as the owner... last update was on 17 October 2013:

Domain Name: ISLAMDAILY.COM
Registrar URL: http://www.wildwestdomains.com
Updated Date: 2013-10-17 15:15:28
Creation Date: 2000-08-31 00:44:56
Registrar Expiration Date: 2014-08-31 00:44:56
Registrar: Wild West Domains, LLC
Reseller: GoDaddy
Domain Status: clientDeleteProhibited
Domain Status: clientRenewProhibited
Domain Status: clientTransferProhibited
Domain Status: clientUpdateProhibited
Registrant Name: Utomo Widjaja
Name Server: NS63.DOMAINCONTROL.COM
Name Server: NS64.DOMAINCONTROL.COM

Is it no longer in the domain manager?

Yes i see that.
I check on who.is and domingos still shopping like that.
But i did not know until when.
As i already get refund notice by email.


I did not see it again in my control panel

 

[Name Trader]

@lennco - GoDaddy Auctions already look like $hit. If they can't tell you what the exceptions are, they are not being open about their process, because that means they can do whatever they please whenever they please and label it an exception. Which means "transaction complete" has no solid meaning. Which means there is no protection for buyers, whatsoever. That's $hit.

 

[NPer]

caveat emptor :blink: