Snatching Expiring Domain

I have came across a dormant domain that I really liked which expires in coming month. I am aware of the common backordering process but I thought to better prepare myself in the event this domain name is available for grab.

After a bit of research, I am glad to have read this excellent blog by Mike Davidson that articulates the entire (and frustrating) process of acquiring an expiring domain.

In very short, after a domain expired

1. it goes into 40 days of grace period where owner can still renew it for a standard renewal fee
2. then it goes into 30 days of redemption period which now cost owner more money to re-activate and renew the domain
3. it goes into final 5 days of deletion period
4. on the last day between 11am and 2pm Pacific time, the name will officially drop from the ICANN database and will be available for registration by anybody

75 days after the domain expired, the real fun begins when you have to bid and outbid each other for the domain, all within that 3 hours registration window. Read more about Mike’s encounter of snatching an expiring domain, its not as simple as it seems.