Reglikedomain industry desk

Policy fixes annoying clawbacks — GoDaddy expiration

Domain names can no longer be renewed or transferred following they are won at auction.

One of the biggest gripes regarding GoDaddy expired domain name auctions is that registrants can still renew or transfer their domains following an auction closes. Domain investors spend time bidding on domains only to have the domain pulled out from underneath them following winning and paying. Sure, they get the refund, but it was a waste of time. Some domainers complain that domain owners use the auction as a free domain appraisal ahead of transferring the domain to another domain registrar.

Yesterday, GoDaddy sent a notice to Premier Services clients regarding a change in how domains expire.

First, the firm will begin interrupting email services (MX records) in addition to web services five days following a domain expires. This ought to help alert the domain owner that his or her domain is expired and reduce the number of late renewals.

Second, clients will no longer be able to renew or transfer a domain following 30 days post expiration.

Expired domain name auctions right now end 36 days following a domain expires. So for domain names registered at GoDaddy that go through the expiry process, this means auctions you win ought to no longer be clawed back.

Technically, this means GoDaddy could eliminate the waiting period between winning a domain auction and receiving the domain name (for inventory registered at GoDaddy). This would be another welcome change: pay for the domain auction and the domain is yours.

The fresh expiration rules begin December 4.

Also on the wire

Other reporting from the domain desk.

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