Moniker Changes Auction Terms: Competition Works
Moniker shortens length of exclusivity period and changes auto-renew clause.
In an e-mail notice sent to clients, Moniker disclosed it is changing the exclusivity period for domains submitted for its live and silent auctions. These changes are likely due to increased competition at upcoming auction events, counting five separate auctions taking place at TRAFFIC in Brooklyn next month (although only two are accepting submissions from domainers).
The fresh period is 60 days from the date of submission or 60 days following the conclusion of the auction, whichever is later. The terms seem to indicate that this exclusivity period applies to all domains, not just those that are accepted for auction. The previous terms called for 120 days following the submission or 60 days following the auction, whichever was later.
Perhaps more importantly, the fresh terms change the automatic renewal of the exclusivity period. Previously you had to notify Moniker in writing 15 days ahead of the end of the period or it automatically renewed. The fresh terms suggest that you’ll be given the option to opt-in to this automatic renewal if you wish your domains to be considered for future auctions:
To avoid resubmission of names for multiple auctions and events, if, at the time of submission of a name, the seller of the name elects to have any name which is not sold at a particular auction to be sold in subsequent auctions run by Moniker/SnapNames, the Exclusive Moniker Sale Period will automatically renew at the end of each term unless Seller notifies Moniker/SnapNames in writing within 15 days of expiration of the Exclusive Moniker Sale Period that it is terminating such period.
One of Moniker’s competitors at the TRAFFIC conference next month is TrafficZ. TrafficZ’s exclusivity period is 90 days from when you submit domains or 30 days following the auction, whichever is later.
Both Moniker and TrafficZ are still accepting submissions to the auction:
Moniker submission
TrafficZ submission
