[clp11479]

There is a website out there, snapnames.com, that really chaps my ass.

Normally, when a domain name expires anyone can go and swoop it up. Snapnames has come to deals with most of the major registries so that when a domain name expires instead of it being open to the public the domain registry company gives it to Snapnames and they auction it off.

A lot of the three character dot com domain names sell for $3,000-$5,000

I feel like this place is really ripping off the public.

Once in a while you may be able to find something and turn around and sell it for a profit, but now it is 100 times harder since you have to pay this inflated auction price.


www.tostito.com

[Andreas Bard]

hmm . .thats bad . . .

//Andreas

[907Group]

you are right.. most of the expired domains are picked up by the big players automatically.. example: pool.com picks up most and they charge you $60 for getting the domains and may even go on auction with others looking for the same domain name
you can try to be smarter and try to backorder from many domain registrars.. most they don't require you to pay unless you get the domain name (godaddy is $19.95) but success rate isn't better than pool
best luck

[nado]

This is why I make sure I keep my domains locked and set to auto-renew... hopefully that keeps them safe.

[AuctionMan]

Its very rare now that an individual can get an expired domain cheaply, particularly one that is high traffic/PR, it is still possible but yoiu have to seriously want it and it usually costs you more. Direct approach to the webmaster involved helps..