Domain Sniping

[Plotloss]

Currently have a domain name for my business but its got a hyphen in it as the words together were already taken.

The one without the hyphen is coming up for renewal in June.

Currently there is nothing behind the domain, not even a holding page but its taken so I cant just buy it. There are no other businesses with the same name and I own the Ltd company with this name.

Now I know sniping is frowned upon but anyone got any experience of it and how its done? Any resources for such a thing?

[Podie]

I'm sure Jamie B could advise...

Oi! Beestie!

[JonRB]

www.123-reg.co.uk have a "domain watcher" service that will effectively snipe a domain as soon as it becomes available.
Only thing is that if you are successful then they become your registrar. However, they're not a bad registrar (I have a number of domains with them and have done for years) and I seem to recall their transfer-out charges are quite reasonable.

Note that many registrars will have quite a lengthy grace period (or pergatory period) so don't expect to be able to purchase the domain as soon as it expires. It could take months before it finds it's way onto the open market even if the current owner doesn't bother to renew it.

>> Edited by JonRB on Thursday 6th April 13:55

[JamieBeeston]

Podie said:

I'm sure Jamie B could advise... Oi! Beestie!

There are tons of places offering sniping services now, nominet even sell a special service to allow you to 'spam' their whois servers many times per second to try and grab it quicker!

There are alot more companies getting involved in snapping now, which is bad for the end user... which one do you choose..
noone knows..

Short answer, you can increase your chances by pre-registering at as many 'sniping' places as possible, but the only way to guarantee to get the domain is to buy it off the current owner.

J

[Plotloss]

The other domain is with you, have you got anything handy that would achieve this?

If not, recommendations?

[JamieBeeston]

Plotloss said:

The other domain is with you, have you got anything handy that would achieve this? If not, recommendations?

Afraid its something I've chosen not to get involved with, its too 'hit and miss'

its not a service ANYONE can guarantee, as such i feel uncomfortable taking money from people without KNOWING i can provide the service.
ALSO, alot of places KEEP your money even if they DON'T win the domain for you..

its just not something I want to be associated with..

I haven't used anyone for the last 3-4 years, and when I did, I used 'SnapNames' and i DIDNT get the domain and DID lose my money.

Sorry I couldn't be my usual helpful self.

J

[Plotloss]

No bother, its not something thats overly concerning though just a nice to have.

I dont want to get into negotiation pre expiration though as that implies value...

[JamieBeeston]

Plotloss said:

No bother, its not something thats overly concerning though just a nice to have. I dont want to get into negotiation pre expiration though as that implies value...

Yup it does, but its the only way to guarantee if its not for business purposes, then i am sure you'll pretty much be sure to get it..

if it's a sought after domain.. then you need to ask yourself how much is it worth to you.

J

[Plotloss]

Therin lies the kicker.

We shall see, its early June so i'll know then I expect.

[JonRB]

JamieBeeston said:

ALSO, alot of places KEEP your money even if they DON'T win the domain for you..

Indeed. I quite like the business model that 123-reg.co.uk use actually. You don't buy a snipe, as such, you buy a "domain watcher" that lasts for a year and you can change which domain it is watching as many times as you want. A subtle distinction, perhaps, but worthy of mentioning.

>> Edited by JonRB on Thursday 6th April 16:14