Need some info on domain expiry.

Drake5 · 18 Feb 2011 at 12:52

I'm after some information regarding a domain name.

The domain was created around 5 years ago and the web address is no longer connecting and the webmail isn't working.

On a whois lookup, it says the domain has expired and it's now in a redemption period.

How long is a redemption period usually? We've been in talks with the guy who first created the domain however he isn't in the business anymore so he can't give us any information regarding this.

If we wanted to get the domain back again with the webmail working etc, would we have to wait for it to expire from the redemption period and then repurchase it?

Cheers

ZombieFan · 18 Feb 2011 at 13:22

From what I remember, the redemption period can be up to 30 days.

If you want to buy the domain, keep in mind that there are companies who monitor domain expiry lists and buy any which they feel they can sell on. Therefore, you've got a much better chance of getting the domain if you buy it off the previous owner privately before it expires.

That said, GoDaddy have a service which allows you to buy domains as soon as they have expired so you don't have to check them each day. I've used the service successfully in the past.

Drake5 · 18 Feb 2011 at 13:25

It seems that DirectNIC are the current hosters. Do you think it'd be a good idea to contact them and let them know of the current situation regarding the domain? We do not want it to expire so we'd be willing to pay a price to keep it active and in our own hands.

ZombieFan · 18 Feb 2011 at 13:42

What you really need to know is the actual person who now owns the domain rather than the hosters. If you do a whois lookup on the domain then it should should be able to get a specific persons name, address and email (for example, a whois lookup on www.overclockers.co.uk gives you the address for OCUK (or Esnet Ltd)).

You can then get in touch to see if they would consider selling the domain to you and for what price.

[edit] Sorry.. just re-read your original post. Is the guy who first registered the domain still the owner listed on the whois? If so, he still owns it and would be responsible for selling/transfering it to you.