Hi Castlemelody!
This link will explain & give a visual on how the
current domain registration & deletion process
works:
https://www.snapnames.com/partners/snapnames/deleteprocess.html
There are 2 parties involved in domain registration
& management, the registrar (where you get
the domain name & manage it) and the registry
(the authoritative entity that keeps records
of domain registrations).
Back then (maybe until now but not as often),
it is up to the domain registrar to determine
when they will delete the domain name from
their database. It could take anywhere from
weeks to months to even more than a year
before they get around to actually deleting it.
Once deleted, the ball is transferred to the court
of the registry. Once there, it took anywhere from
5-6 before it became available.
The tough part in this whole process, back then,
is how soon the registrar will release it. With
the new process, ideally the domain name will
be with the registrar from 1-45 days, then they
release it to the registry.
The registry will set 2 domain status depending
on the cycle: it stays on what is referred to as
"redemption period" for 30 days, then "pending
delete" for 5-6 days.
Redemption period will allow a registrar to get
it back before the registry sets it to become
available to the general public but at a higher
cost than the average renewal/registration
rates. But there are 3 limitations to this:
1. Only the registrar where the domain was last
registered can "redeem" it or get it back. No one
else is allowed to do so.
2. The registrar can redeem it and put it back
only on the last account it was registered in. It
will not be placed in a new account or another
one.
3. The registrar the domain was last registered
with will set the price.
Depending on Stargate's billing cycle, it'll keep
the domain for as long as they can (or will) 'til
they decide to delete it from their database.
While it's with them, you can still renew it at
their current rates.
Once they let go it of it, however, it goes to the
registry and that's when you have to pay SG's
redemption rate...but only IF you desperately
need the domain name back at the soonest
possible time.
While the redemption rate seems unreasonable,
note that this option was not available. Now
we have another option...another chance to
get the domain back before someone else gets
it.
Better yet, there's "ideally" a set time period,
so no more guesswork.
Of course, it depends on what side of the fence
you choose to be in. But I hope the info above
clarifies and answers your question.
Anyway, feel free to post if you need more info
or just wanna comment. :hi:
