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Expired Domain Auction Frequently Asked Questions

This support article covers many of the frequently asked questions we receive regarding expired domain auctions in our Marketplace. We recommend reading through these questions and answers prior to bidding on expired domain auctions.

What are expired domain auctions?

Many domains expire in our system every day. Per our expiration process, we allow a grace period for most domains of up to 31 days within which to renew expired domains. However, many domains are not renewed within that grace period and are therefore subject to entering the restoration period. Expired domain auctions occur between 5 days after the expiration date and entering the restoration period.

How long do expired domain auctions last?

Five days after domains expire they are available for bidding via auction in our Marketplace. Bidding continues until the auction ends. The end of the auction occurs upon the earlier of the domain being renewed and the auction time elapsing. To clarify, current Registrants are still permitted to renew expired domains up until the end of the auction. If you have bid on an expired domain and it is renewed, the auction will end and you will be notified. If the domain is not renewed and you are the high bidder upon the end of the auction you will receive the domain.

What is the max bid and why is there a maximum?

Every expired domain auction has a maximum bid. The max bid is the most that can be bid for the domain. It is not possible to bid more than the max bid. We use a maximum bid as a convenience for people bidding on domains. If someone places a bid matching the max bid then they are assured that nobody can bid higher. This means that they can have peace-of-mind that if the domain is not renewed that they will win the auction. We understand there are times people would like to bid more than the max bid, but this is not permitted.

How is the max bid determined?

Our system uses several factors to determine the opening max bid for expired domain auctions. Some, but not all, of these factors include the domain length and the age of the domain.

How can I bid and what is "bid range"?

Bidding on expired domain auctions requires an adequate account funds balance to cover the cost of your bid plus the cost of renewing the domain. We require an adequate balance to ensure that if you win the auction that you will be able to pay for it. This is important to protect the viability of our Marketplace since it would not be fair to other bidders to lose out on an auction to someone who cannot pay for their bid.

You will notice a few fields on the top of each expired domain auction:

• Account Balance
  Your current account funds balance
• Credit Limit
  Some of our customers may bid using a provided credit limit. If you are entitled to credit, you will see a value in the "Credit Limit" field. The credit limit is automatically determined based upon a number of factors including purchase history. Please do not request a credit limit increase.
• Outstanding Bids
  The total of your outstanding bids on other expired domain auctions for which you currently have the highest bid.
• Domain Renewal
  The renewal cost of the domain. If you win an auction, you are required to pay for the bid amount plus the renewal price for 1 year for the domain.
• Bid Range
  Using all of the above, our system will automatically calculate a range of permitted bidding for you. The low end of the range considers the current high bid as well as the max bid. You must bid at least the low end of the range. The high end of the range is based upon Account Balance + Credit Limit - Outstanding Bids. You can bid up to the high end of the bid range.

When do I get charged if I win an expired domain auction?

If you win an expired domain auction, our system will attempt to deduct the amount (bid price plus renewal) from your account funds balance. If you do not have an adequate account funds balance, our system will try to also charge your account default credit card. If that does not work, we will next try to charge via an active PayPal Billing Agreement if one has been established.

If all of the above methods fail, then you will not win the auction. This would be a violation of our terms and something we strongly discourage. Again, it is not fair to other participants in our Marketplace auctions for people to bid on domains for which they cannot pay. If this happens, you would receive a notice from our system and any available credit that had been offered would be rescinded. If it happens more than once, you may be prohibited from participating in our Marketplace.

Do I need to pay anything other than the bid amount if I win?

Yes, if you win an expired domain auction, you will need to pay the bid price plus a one-year renewal for the domain.

Does the creation date of the domain change?

No, if you win an expired domain auction, the domain is moved to your account and the creation date of the domain remains unchanged.

Is NameSilo the only registrar to auction expired domains?

No, many other leading registrars also sell expired domains via auction or other means. It is certainly not our intent to sell expired domains if the Registrant wishes to keep them. It is for this reason that we offer one of the longest grace periods in the world, provide an option for automatic renewal, issue multiple email reminders concerning expiration and also send notifications as soon as any bids are placed.