SnapNames Domain Name Purchase FAQ

We have exclusive partnerships with some of the best registrars in the business. Our domain name resale auctions are powered by innovative, patented technology that gives customers exclusive first access to the world's largest inventory of high-traffic, brandable, and investment-grade domain names.

What do I have to do before I can bid on domains?

You will need to create an account and input a valid credit card. If you want unlimited bidding privileges, you will need to become a Verified Bidder. To apply to be a Verified Bidder, click here and complete the form.

Are the auction bids and information updated in real time or is there a delay?

The auction bids are updated automatically and will be seen in real time as the auction progresses.

Will I be able to see the bidding activity of both SnapNames and NameJet customers?

Yes, during the active auction, you will be able to see all of the bidding activity for all participants in the auction regardless of the auction platform they are using to place their bids.

If I go into an auction, will it be with both SnapNames and NameJet customers?

Yes, bidders from both NameJet and SnapNames will be participating in the same auctions.

If I have a question or a problem with a backorder or auction, who do I contact?

You can contact Customer Support by phone, email, or creating a support ticket.

How will SnapNames protect my privacy?

As a bidder, you can see all bidding activity, both during and after the auction has completed. Private auctions protect the privacy of bidders, and you are only visible by your bidding alias, which you set up with your account. Shill bidding, sniping, and other common abuses are all prevented by our patented, advanced auction platform.

What is Domain Privacy?

Domain Privacy uses third party contact information to display on the public WhoIs database as the registrant. The email address, postal address, phone and fax numbers of Perfect Privacy, LLC, will be displayed for administrative, technical, and billing contacts for the domain name. Domain Privacy may not be available on all domain names.

Why do I need Domain Privacy?

All registrant details in the WhoIs database are considered public information. There are many services that scrape the database to collect your personal information and sell it to telemarketers, spammers, and those intending to commit identity theft or domain hijacking. Without privacy, you will experience an influx of spam email and phone calls from companies trying to sell you website and marketing services. Many of these emails look harmless, and can seem to come from your registrar asking to renew the domain or register it with search engines.

How will people contact me if they can't see my information with Domain Privacy?

A private email address will be displayed in the WhoIs directory. Any email received at this address will be filtered for SPAM and forwarded to the email address associated with your account. A P.O. Box address will be provided as the mailing address, and you will only receive scanned email copies of any Certified Mail received at this address.

Will I still get to control my domain with Domain Privacy?

Even though you are not listed as the regisrant for the domain name on public WhoIs database, Perfect Privacy, LLC will not use, modify, or control the domain at any time.

I want Domain Privacy, but I don't see it as an option when I check out.

Right now, only domain names that will be managed via Network Solutions are available for Privacy. And even then, certain TLDs require transparent contact details due to residence or industry restrictions, enforced by the registry, and therefore will not allow privacy on the registrant information. The TLDs that do not qualify for privacy are:

.ac	.cx	.ms	.sa
.ae	.de	.name	.sa.com
.am	.dk	.net.nz	.se
.archi	.es	.net.uk	.se.com
.asia	.eu	.nl	.se.net
.at	.fm	.no	.sh
.bayern	.fr	.no.com	.st
.be	.gr	.nu	.store.ro
.berlin	.gr.com	.nu.com	.sucks
.br.com	.gs	.nyc	.sydney
.bz	.hamburg	.nz	.tc
.ca	.il	.org.at	.tel
.ch	.im	.org.il	.tm
.cn	.in	.org.nz	.tm.ro
.co.at	.io	.org.ro	.to
.co.il	.ir	.org.tw	.travel
.co.in	.is	.organic	.tw
.co.nz	.it	.ph	.uk
.co.za	.jp	.pm	.uk.com
.com.ar	.kz	.pro	.uk.net
.com.ar	.la	.ro	.us
.com.de	.li	.ru	.uy.com
.com.ro	.lt	.ru.com	.vote
.com.tw	.moscow	.ruhr	.voto

Do I have to renew Domain Privacy every year when I renew my domain?

Yes, Privacy is an annual product. So when you renew your domain name, you need to also renew the privacy services with the registrar to remain protected. Please note that the Privacy service is good for one year only, and renewal is subject to fees, terms, and conditions set forth by the registrar managing the service and the domain.

Can I cancel Domain Privacy if I don't want to use it anymore?

You can cancel Privacy with the registrar at any time.

What if I find out there is a trademark on a domain I am bidding for, or it is not spelled as I expected?

A buyer should always use caution and do the proper research when purchasing a domain name. Double check that a domain is not a typo or is actually numbers instead of letters. There are no refunds after an auction has closed when you win a name that is spelled differently than you originally thought, or you later find there is a trademark associated with the domain. We urge you to investigate as to whether a domain infringes on the legal rights of others before placing a backorder and making a commitment to purchase it.

How are NameJet and SnapNames Related?

NameJet and SnapNames have been combined to operate on one platform, which means that both will share the following: same domain inventory, communications, and storefront website functionality. The storefront websites will have the same functionality, including backorders, auctions, and payments, although we are branding them based on the customer's account.

Do I need accounts on both NameJet and SnapNames?

No, your current account will get to the same inventory and functionality. You do not need two accounts. If you do have an account on each, you do not have to nor would we recommend bidding on the same domain from both accounts.

Can I buy the same domains on either NameJet and SnapNames?

Yes, the inventory is the same on both NameJet and SnapNames.

Will I have access to my NameJet backorders on my SnapNames Account and vise versa?

No, backorders are associated to the account where you placed them. They will not be shown in your other account.

If I update my payment info on my NameJet account will it also update my SnapNames account?

No. Payment information is associated to the account you input it. It will not update your other account. You will need to update both accounts with the new payment information.

What happens if I backorder the same domain name on my SnapNames and NameJet account?

If you place backorders on the same domain from both your SnapNames and NameJet accounts, you will be bidding against yourself if there no other bidders. Your final price may be higher than if you bid from just one account.

Finding a Domain

Which domain name extensions (TLDs) can I backorder?

At this time, SnapNames can acquire or sell the major TLDs, such as .com, .net, .org, and are continuously adding other TLDs to our inventory. You can see the current TLDs in our inventory in theÂ Advanced SearchÂ tool.

When I search for a domain name, will I see everything available?

Yes, the search tool returns all available domains that match the search term.

Backordering

What is a domain backorder?

A backorder request is an expression of interest in a domain name. By placing a backorder, a customer has placed a commitment to participate in an auction and pay at least the minimum bid amount if the domain becomes available and the backorder meets the listed minimum bid amount. The customer has the option of retracting a backorder until the published deadline and time posted, if the backorder bid was at the minimum bid amount.

Placing a backorder for a domain name may result in an auction between all parties who backordered a specific domain meeting the minimum bid requirements, when the domain becomes available on our platform. If there is only one backorder request for a domain, the domain will be fulfilled at the backorder price if it meets the minimum bid. If there are multiple backorder requests at or above the minimum bid amount, a 3-day domain auction will be held for the registration rights to the domain.

How can I place a backorder for a domain name?

Once you find the domain name you want, the minimum bid price for the name and whether it is available for sale or only available for backorder will be shown next to it.

To order the domain, click on the shopping cart icon next to it to add the name to your cart. When you are done ordering domains, click on the shopping cart icon at the top of the page to proceed to your shopping cart and place your order.

If you haven't logged into your account yet, you will be prompted to do so when you click on the Checkout button. If you don't have an account yet, you will need to create one by following the "Create an Account" link.

**Please note that your order is not complete until you click on the Place Order button and have logged into your account.

Once the order has been completed, you can see it on the Pending Orders page of your account. You can find this under the Buyer Dashboard tab in the toolbar at the top of the page.

How much do backorders cost?

There is no cost to place a backorder. You will only owe for the auctions your account wins.

Is there a cut-off time for placing a backorder?

Backorders for domain names that are being released by the registry must be placed no later than 10:45 AM PST on the release date posted on our website.

For domains being released to us by our Priority Partner registrars, the orders must be placed no later than 9 PM PST the night before the scheduled date.

Is there a way to remove backorders from my account?

We want our customers to have full control over their unfulfilled backorders and these orders can be managed (or removed) any time by navigating to Buyer Dashboard -> Pending Orders. Remember - if you keep your backorder open, you may just get the name of your dreams the next time around!

What if another customer wants the same domain?

We use a competitive bidding process (auction) when there are two or more backorders that meet the mininum bid requirements.

What does Pending Auction mean on my backorder list?

A backorder with a status of "Pending Auction" indicates an auction will soon start for that domain name. Any backorders with this status cannot be deleted from your account. You will receive notification via email when the auction for the domain name begins.

Expiry Inventory

What are Expiry domains?

One way to purchase a domain name is through our Priority Partner registrars. Our partnership with these registrars allows us to acquire domains after they have expired and gone through the 30-45 day Grace Period. This gives us an advantage in offering the name before the RGP (Renewal Grace Period). **Please note that backorders for this type of domain acquisition must be placed no later than 9 PM PT the night before the release date posted on our website**

How do I find Expiry domain names?

A list of all Expiry domains is updated daily and published on our Auction list page. Your can find the lists of Expiry and all available domains here: https://www.snapnames.com/download.action?format=csv.

Pending Delete Inventory

What are Pending Delete domains?

When the Redemption Grace Period is over, the name goes into Pending Delete status while the registry processes the deletion. Approximately 6 days later, the domain name will become available. ** Please note that backorders for Pending Deleting names must be placed no later than 10:45 AM PT on the release date posted on our website. **

How do I know which domains are in Pending Delete?

A list of all Pending Delete domains is updated daily and published on our Auction list page. Your can find the lists of Pending Delete and all available domains here: https://www.snapnames.com/download.action?format=csv

Auction Process

How do "In Auction" auctions work?

Domains with the "In Auction" Status, allow anyone to join at any time during the auction timeframe. If there is a bid within the final 5 minutes of the auction, the auction will be extended an additional 5 mins to allow additional counterbids.

How do "Available Soon" auctions work?

"Available Soon" auctions can be joined by anyone, but are limited to those who place bids on domains before the Start Date of an auction. Anyone who pre-orders a domain name before the auction starts can participate in this type of auction. (Please Note: Start Date is our best estimated date, contingent on our ability to acquire the domain. If we cannot secure the domain name, there will be no auction.)

How do "Buy It Now" listings work?

"Buy It Now" listings are names available for instant purchase, no bidding necessary. The Buy It Now option is only available for these listings, not for In Auction, Available Soon, or Backorder inventory.

What is a Private auction?

A Private auction is one that is only open to those who have placed a backorder on the domain prior to the backorder deadline. Currently, Pending Delete auctions are private. The upcoming status of a particular domain is identified on the Backorder Details page for the domain.

What is a Public auction?

A Public auction is open to all Bidders and a backorder is not required to participate.

What is a minimum bid auction?

Some auctions may be listed with a Minimum Bid. This is the lowest amount the Seller will accept in order to sell the domain. Unlike reserve amounts, the Minimum Bid amount is made public and your backorder bid will not be accepted if it is below the applicable minimum bid amount for a domain.

Is this a blind bidding process?

No. During the backorder period, only minimum bid will be displayed. However, once the Public/Private auction starts, high bids will be displayed.

What are the bidding increments if a domain goes to auction?

Bid Range (USD)	Bid Step (USD))
9-89	1
90-149	5
150-249	10
250-999	25
1000-2499	50
2,500-4,999	100
5,000-9,999	250
10,000-24,999	500
25,000-49,999	1,000
50,000-99,999	2,500
100,000-249,999	5,000
250,000-499,999	10,000
500,000-999,999	25,000
1,000,000+	50,000

What is a reserve?

Some auctions may have a reserve. An auction reserve is the minimum price for which the seller will accept in order to sell the domain. The reserve amount is not made public, but the reserve range may be. Your bids are accepted even if the reserve has not been met. However no sale will be finalized at the end of the auction unless the reserve price is met. If you enter a bid amount higher than the minimum, your bid will be raised to the amount that will meet the reserve (up to your high bid). Visit the Auction Details page to determine if the reserve was met for a particular domain or see it in on the "My Auctions" page if you are a bidder.

How do I control how much I pay for a domain name?

You control how much you want to bid on any given domain name. Simply set the most you are willing to pay, and our system will bid for you, entering the minimal amount necessary to maintain your winning status, but never more than your limit.

How can I monitor/view my current auctions?

Auctions last for different lengths of time, anywhere from one to 28 days. During that time, you will be notified by email about each important event, such as the auction start, auction won, and if you are outbid. You can also see a live snapshot of the auction in progress in the "My Auctions" area of your account. We recommend you be logged in to your account in the final few minutes of an auction to monitor your "My Auctions" so that you have time to increase your maximum bid if necessary. Each time you refresh your browser, you see an updated snapshot of auctions. To ensure fair play, bids received during the final minutes of an auction automatically extend the auction close time by five minutes. This prevents someone from winning an auction in the final seconds, otherwise known as sniping.

What happens in the event of two identical auction bid minimums and neither customer submits a higher bid?

If two or more customers make a backorder request for the same amount (tie) and no one bids any higher during the multi-bidder auction, the domain will be awarded to the customer who first submitted the backorder request.

What if someone fails to pay for an auction?

In the event an account does not pay for an auction, the account will not gain access to the domain name. The domain auction will either be cancelled and deleted, sold to another account, or re-auctioned. In the event of a re-auction we will notify all participants from the failed auction. SnapNames will determine the course of action on a case by case basis at its sole discretion.

Payments

How do I pay for my purchases?

You can pay for domains you have purchased by credit card but any domains purchased over $25,000 will require a wire transfer payment.

How long do I have to pay for a domain?

You have 7 days from the time the auction closes to pay for domains you have won. If you are a verified bidder, then you can take up to 14 days to pay. If you don't pay within the allotted time your account will be Past Due where you will lose auction bidding privileges. If your auctions are not paid in the allotted time frame, we reserve the right to suspend your account from any current or future bidding and backordering.

How do I pay for domain names purchased that exceed $25,000?

For domains that you purchase that are greater than $25,000, you will be required to send the funds via wire transfer. You have 14 days to send the funds to your account. The instructions for sending a wire transfer can be found here Wire Transfer Instructions

Can I get an extension on the due date if I need more time?

No. All domains must be paid by the “Due By” date as listed on your report. No additional extensions will be granted beyond your Pending Payment and Past Due grace periods.

What does "Past Due" status mean?

If you do not pay for a domain by the due date, your account will be set to Past Due. During the Past Due period, you will not be able to join any new auctions or place any new backorders. If your account is still unpaid by the end of the Past Due period, your account may be permanently suspended.

How do I pay for auctions with a "Past Due" status?

You can go to your account and update or change your credit card information in the billing section. You can also send the funds via Wire Transfer to pay for the past due domains. Click here for wire transfer instructions.

Once I pay for "Past Due" auctions, when will I be able to bid again?

Once your account is paid and your account hasn't gone into Default, the system will restore your bidding privileges. You can then place new backorders and join new auctions.

What happens if I am unable to pay for auctions in a "Past Due" status?

If at the end of the Past Due period your account is still unpaid, it will permanently suspended. Any unpaid domains will be forfeited and you will not be able to place any backorders or join new auctions.

Domain Fulfilment

What happens after I win an auction?

After an auction has ended, we will process your payment. Once your payment is processed, you will receive instructions outlining how to access and manage your domain name via email within 72 hours. This email will be sent by the registrar partner used to acquire the domain.

Where do I manage the domain name I won?

The expired and deleted domain names listed are from multiple registrars, and when you win one it is placed in an account created for you at that registrar. When the account is created, the registrar will send you a welcome email with the login and account details.

How will I know which account my domain is placed into?

What if I don't have an account at the registrar that has supplied the domain name that I purchased?

The registrar who supplied the domain will automatically create an account for you, the first time you win a domain there with the information you provided in conjunction with your account. The registrar will send you a welcome email with the login and account details. The registrar will likely place all future domains you win from them into this same account.

When will the domain name show up in my registrar account?

How can I get an invoice for a domain I acquired?

If you win a domain name, we will send a confirmation email to you that states the name won, the price paid for the name, and where the name is registered. This acts as your electronic receipt for the name.

You can also download and print a receipt for your purchased domains from your account.
1. Log into your account and go to Financial Center -> Purchase History.
2. Locate your purchased domain, and on the right column, click on the "Receipt" link which will open a popup with a printable receipt

Account Management

How do I create an account?

Go to the home page and click "Sign In" then select "Create an Account" or click here Complete the form including putting in a valid credit card. To get unlimited privileges for backorders and auctions, complete the Verified Bidder Form.

What is the Verified Bidder program?

Verified Bidder program is a free, opt-in program that allows serious customers to bid on more names, and at higher dollar values. If you want to place auction bids over $2,500 total, or backorder more than 10 domain names, you must be a Verified Bidder. To apply to be a Verified Bidder, click here and complete the form.

How do I become a Verified Bidder?

To become a Verified Bidder, click here and complete the form.

Why is my account suspended?

Your account could be in a suspended status due to the following: an expired credit card, non-payment for a purchase, we need to validate your new account, fraud, or customer request.

If your account has been suspended, please contact customer support for further assistance.

How do I set up SMS/text notifications?

Please log into your account and scroll over My Account, then click on Notifications in the drop down list. Click on "Add Number" under "Mobile phone number for Text/SMS notifications" and follow the instructions. For more information and set up instructions, click here

FAQs

Email Address Selection

There is more than 1 email address defined on your account. Please choose the one you would like to keep.

There is more than 1 email address defined on your account.
Please choose the one you would like to keep.