Name Auction Scene is a-Changin’ — The Domain

SnapNames to unveil fresh service, GoDaddy signature auctions (finally) on tap.

October has been a crazy month on the domain name auction scene. It’s not the great prices we’re seeing that make it interesting; it’s the shifting landscape of domain name auctioneers.

First, Network Solutions and eNom deserted SnapNames to start their own service, NameJet. This was a big blow to SnapNames, which basically owned the expired domain market. The firm was recently purchased by Oversee.net, parent firm of domain name parking firm DomainSponsor.

SnapNames had by now started shifting its model this year to include more than just expiring domains. Domainers can submit portfolios of domains to be included in auctions. Today, SnapNames disclosed SnapNames Live, a live auction platform that will be used at the upcoming DOMAINfest conference. There will be a live auction each day. Bidders can raise their paddles on site or online.

Explaining the decision to have short, focused auctions on each day of DOMAINfest, SnapNames CEO Sudhir Bhagwan stated it “allows us to offer shorter and more targeted auctions that minimize bidder fatigue, keep interest high, and reach more segments of the audience.” A-men to that.

In another premium auction notice, GoDaddy will finally hold its first “Signature Auction” November 6-8. GoDaddy disclosed the fresh service back in July and we haven’t heard much regarding it since then. I did receive a message from GoDaddy regarding my comments that GoDaddy needs to make sure its domains are truly valuable. GoDaddy states they are making efforts to make sure the riff-raff stays out of the auction. The list of domains won’t be released until October 24, but I think they might pull this off. A press release from GoDaddy indicates there will only be regarding 25 domains in the auction. If it were over a hundred domains I’d question the “signature” nature of the domains.

Fresh auctions and platform changes are good news for domainers. Just like with domain name parking, the more competition the better for domain name owners.