Is this possible? Has anyone ever did or heard of someone doing this?

[JeffPratt]

Is it possible for someone to let their domain expire say on Godaddy, and then let it go all the way through the auction process and then still renew it with the penalty just to see what the name can bring at auction?

 

[hawkeye]

Uhhh, well..since it's being done already, by many, yeah I think it can be done.

 

[JeffPratt]

Reason I am saying is you dont know who is bidding on it right? I mean can you contact those who bid after? Whats the advantage of that other then seeing what people will pay for it?

 

[Name Trader]

You can still transfer out at regular prices after the domain has been auctioned off. No need to pay GoDaddy's Redemption Fee.

 

[DN_Hunter]

Reason I am saying is you dont know who is bidding on it right? I mean can you contact those who bid after? Whats the advantage of that other then seeing what people will pay for it?

Like you said, theoretically you would really only get to see what others are willing to pay for it. An owner might be on the fence about renewing a handful of domains, so they let them expire and go through the auction process. But they might keep tabs of the domains they are letting expire. If any of the domain names happens to get interest during the auction process, the original owner might elect to renew (or transfer out) the domain name in question.

And you are correct, you don't know who the bidders are so you cannot contact them directly. However, after renewing (or transferring the domain name), one of the bidders might contact the owner... (just guessing)

Regards,
DN