A British domainer who backordered a pre-release domain at Snapnames, was flabbergasted when the deadline passed with SnapNames not releasing the domain for $59.
Instead, he received an email with a fixed price notification:
Just a few minutes ago, I received as email from SnapNames, pasted below, offering me the opportunity to buy the same domain at a ‘Buy It Now’ price of $1,812, urging me to hurry because of the “potential high demand”.
Continuing with his venting at DNForum, he states:
Sure, someone might come along and buy that domain for $1,812 … but I know this market, that is highly unlikely, just crazy unlikely. Actually, I would go so far as to say that it is almost impossible for any domain with that sort of potential to make it as far as dropping without attracting at least two orders. Single-order domains like mine in this case could usually be picked up eventually without a Snapnames order, the only reason to put down $59-$79 is to rule out the possibility of it being grabbed by Korean drop-catchers but SnapNames are removing that advantage, it now appears to be safer to just wait for such domains to drop.
Apparently, the issue rises from cross-listing of domains on other venues. As user silentg responded:
[Snapnames] told me it was due to the partnership with Afternic. These expiring domains were listed at Afternic Premium Listing when they were expiring. So when the owner renews it, all those who had backorders on the domain at Snapnames will get an e-mail saying the domain is available to be purchased.
It’s definitely frustrating expecting to catch a domain name or at least, see it being auctioned among a group of domainers, and then watch it go back into the unavailable bin.
