Ask HN: What's the best way to nab a soon-to-expire domain name from a squatter?
A domain name that I am interested in is currently being squatted on by a ad-laded splash page. It's set to expire next month. I've been reading up a lot on NameJet, SnapNames, and the like, but I can't seem to find many solid resources beyond spammy-looking domain name blogs and http://www.mikeindustries.com/blog/archive/2005/03/how-to-snatch-an-expiring-domain, which was posted almost 10 years ago. Any advice on the best way to have a shot of getting the domain? Step 1. Stop calling the rightful owner of a domain name a "squatter", even if you don't happen to agree with the way he chooses to make use of his asset. [1] Step 2. Contact the owner of the domain name and make him a reasonable offer. If the domain name has been registered for any length of time, it's highly likely the owner will renew it, and not let it drop. This is especially true if it has broad appeal or generic value. [1] Based on your profile, it seems likely you are trying to get this name: It has been registered since 1999 and the owner is a well-known domain name investor. Your best way to have a shot of getting the domain name is to contact him and offer to pay him a reasonable price for his asset. Note that he probably does not take too kindly to the pejorative term you have used to describe his profession. Squatters are people who live in homes or real estate that they don't own -- not land owners who choose to keep their land undeveloped. There is a huge difference. You don't call the guy who owns a bunch of land just outside of town limits a "squatter", because he leaves the lots empty for years, even though you'd like to build a house there. Cybersquatting is a very specific legal term which refers to bad faith trademark infringement. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cybersquatting Unless you started your company and/or registered a trademark before the domain you want was registered, and the person registered it only as a result of having heard of your company or mark, then no "squatting" or "cybersquatting" has occurred. Good luck. "Domain name investor" is one of the most generous job titles I've heard in a while. Calling this a profession seems a bit generous as well. "Internet leech" doesn't quite have the same ring to it. Oh come on, you are being just as ridiculous the other way. "Domain name investor". Clearly, you knew what the OP meant by squatter as you took the time to admonish him multiple times for no reason. It's a common phrase used on the web and it definitely has a different meaning than the legal term squatter. Just because you don't like the term doesn't change its meaning and using the legal definition is just another pointless argument tactic. This moral high ground argument is just as tired as the people calling them squatters.... Amen Every domain registrar handles an expiration of the domains they manage differently. Godaddy for example has a 43 day period, during which they take over and auction the domain name, before it is returned to the registry. Watch here for an even more confusing explanation : https://plus.google.com/events/ciopq0tcu12eshli77qp37s2scc Many other registrars cycle their domains through auction platforms like snap names and name jet. Few names actually end up in the pending delete status that you may have read about. My advice is to backorder the domain everywhere you can or hire someone to chase after the name on your behalf. It's really going to depend on where the domain is registered and where it is in this cycle. If it's a really good name like herron.com and you see it "expired" it'll probably be renewed. There's a grace period, so the owner has plenty of time to renew a domain after the expiration you see in the whois.