Obtaining an expired domain name

bullwinkle · May 4, 2016

Hey everyone, I'm looking to acquire a particular .com domain which has expired. I'm confused though as to why it's unavailable for sale or auction. From what I understand, there is a grace period after the expiry date, in this case it has been 70 days since the expiration date. Here is part of the WHOIS from whois(net):

Registrar: NETWORK SOLUTIONS, LLC.
Sponsoring Registrar IANA ID: 2
Whois Server: whois.networksolutions(com)
Referral URL: (http)networksolutions(com)
Name Server: NS1.PENDINGRENEWALDELETION(com)
Name Server: NS2.PENDINGRENEWALDELETION(com)
Status: clientTransferProhibited (https)icann(org)/epp#clientTransferProhibited
Status: redemptionPeriod (https)icann(org)/epp#redemptionPeriod
Updated Date: 07-apr-2016
Creation Date: 24-feb-2001
Expiration Date: 24-feb-2016

Today is May 4, 2016 so it's been 70 days. From what I've read, the expiry period could last up to 75 days, is that correct? And since it's registered with Network Solutions, is it going to auction with NameJet soon or is it just going to get dropped and available in the general pool again? I've been trying to read about how the process works, but I'm still a bit confused.

After looking up the domain name on Network Solutions, they offer a backorder service for $10. Would this be a good option or is it better to wait it out?

Kate · May 4, 2016

The domain name is in redemption. So it is too late to get it at Namejet in the prerelease auctions.
It's going to be deleted, and any dropcatcher could snap it. If you are motivated you should place backorders at multiple dropcatchers, but there is no guarantee you'll get the domain. You might also have to compete with other bidder depending on whether the domain could be valuable to other people.

Redemption lasts 30 days, then pending delete 5 days, then the domain is released and available for registration again. In roughly one week it should be deleted I think. In just a few days you should be able to look up the domain at snapnames, namejet or elsewhere to determine the 'drop' date.

PS: check https://www.namepros.com/threads/strategy-for-expiring-deleting-domains.878648/

bullwinkle · May 4, 2016

Thanks! Your explanation and the link you provided helps me understand this process.

I still don't get what Network Solutions' backorder service would really do though. They claim the following:

For only $10.00, we can help you get this domain. Here's how it works:

- We'll negotiate for you anonymously with whoever currently owns the domain.
- If the owner of the domain isn't ready to sell yet, we will watch it every day to see when it becomes available.
- If the owner doesn't renew, we'll get it for you before it becomes available to the general public.

But if it's already heading for deletion would they even be able to do anything? Or is it just a money grab for the foolish?