Need Safe Place To Search Available Domains

[ChgoWriter]

I know this has gotten some play in the past, but I'd like a fresh, up-to-date perspective.

I need to do a little domain searching. I like to see what's available and then pick the best.
I've had trouble in the past with registrars immediately holding names for a few days once I've searched them and then skipped over them. For example, I search watermellons, it's available, I try another, then go back to watermellons and it's gone.

Some companies are known for doing this...holding them for a higher price once they know you're interested. If you don't buy, they release it hours or days later.

I used to use Moniker, now I don't trust them.

Who can I trust?

 

[pankajs]

Trust only yourself on this one..
and register domain name on any network

 

[Smiler]

When you're ready to register and pay for the registration fee should be the only time you should check for the availability of the domain. Otherwise, someone else will register it the available domain turn out to be really good.

 

[Bannen]

Use SaferWhois.com
No one sees your searches there. Yes, there have been many threads at Namepros about how registrars do not keep your searches private, so I always use sw. Unfortunately they do not offer a bulk search tool so you have to do it one by one.
You can download the DNAZ tool (Domain Name Analyzer), it is a small program that has lookup tools including bulk searches. It is safe also. Download it from iDotz.net

GL

 

[Earthian]

if you find a nice .com domain and don't want to risk it you can use the .com registry whois ... verisigninc.com/en_US/products-and-services/domain-name-services/whois/index.xhtml



unfortunately you can only check one by one


​

 

[RevolutionaryDomains]

You can also simply type the name directly into your web browser, though this is obviously a 'one name at a time' approach.


-Regards

 

[ChgoWriter]

Thanks for your help. I know what I do (perhaps it's called fishing) is not the best practice, but it's how I get creative. Next time a really good one comes along though, I'll get it.

 

[Earthian]

if you like checking quickly many variations of a domain you like , maybe try a site like ... instantdomainsearch.com or other ajax domain availability checkers (the checking is instant and therefore good for creativity)


disclaimer ... any site or registrar that checks domain availability can possibly be "considered" "suspicious" of using their data in a devious way


​

 

[dotker]

saferwhois looks nice..
i use free scripts to check for domains

 

[ChgoWriter]

I tried saferwhois and I liked it. Thanks.

I never realized other customers could see my discarded searches. Do they pop up as suggestions somewhere? Am I seeing other peoples discarded searches? I would love to see what other people search for. It would probably be very interesting.

 

[tom&jerry]

You can also install browser plugin which can help you with domain checklist.