Waiting for expired domains?

[hobwebs]

Two years ago I paid GoDaddy some money to jump on a domain that was going to expire.
The domain was obviously not wanted anymore by the original registrant and I wish I'd tried to contact him instead.
I lost my money and I believe a domain squatter got it before GoDaddy could register it for me. The domain was registered for one year in May 2009 and I watched it again when May 2010 came around. The new owner simply renewed it for one year again til May 2011.

The domain in question is justinspired(dot)com and while I don't NEED it, I would like to have it and so I'm not really inclined to pay a ransom to some domain squatter.

Does anyone have any comments or advice? Drew?

Thanks,
Julian

[Trev]

AFAIK as long as the squatter renews there's nowt you can do except pay his asking price (or haggle).

It's one of the problems with domains you either have them very cheap in which case squatters can hoover up millions of em knowing they only need a small number to be bought at extortionate prices to cover their costs, or you have them very expensive in which case you're paying through the nose each year for renewal.

[penders]

Originally Posted by Trev:
...or you have them very expensive in which case you're paying through the nose each year for renewal.

Are you suggesting that you'd have to rent the domain from the 'domain squatter' year on year? Does that happen?! That sounds too risky to me. Wouldn't it be more usual to have a one off large expensive to get the domain under your control / in your name and then available to you to change registrars/do as you please?

[jabb0]

I seen discussions on this before, and most came to the conclusion (can an internet discussion have a conclusion?) that the best course of action you could take was to contact the squatter and see how it goes.

They set the prices really hi hoping you are a numpty and will cough up that much dosh no questions asked, but are usually prepared to accept something realistic. I mean if they are making "something" off of it. I'd hit him and see what he is asking for it... then if ur haggling skills are up to par get stuck in, or get some one else to help you.

[penders]

Assuming the squatter agrees... how do you ensure that the deal goes smoothly? ie. You pay your money and that the squatter then transfers the domain? Is there a recognised safe way? Hope for the best, contract / employ a solicitor?!

[Drew]

As long as its renewed you can only buy it from the domain owner. If you do buy it pay by visa!! This domain is hosted with Enom so at least I can check if its fully transferred over properly. Its always risky buying domains from squatters but most of them go through ok. Won't be cheap though. Could be looking at around $2000.

[hobwebs]

Thanks guys. $2000! eh.. well, if it was $200 then maybe, but I'm not that desperate - I already have the .co.uk one.

[hobwebs]

Hehe, according to the various domain appraisal sites, it is worthless anyway.

[Malcolm]

Originally Posted by hobwebs:
Hehe, according to the various domain appraisal sites, it is worthless anyway.

It's worth what someone is willing to pay for it!

[Drew]

You would need to pay for a proper domain appraisal, the free appraisal sites are normally there just to point you to the paid ones