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Frequently Asked Questions

  

Welcome / General Questions


  Tell me about the auction. How does it work?
This is a reverse auction in which the price
drops until a willing buyer purchases the domain
name or the domain name reaches our minimum price.

This auction format has no standard limits on time.  
So prices may keep dropping and dropping for days 
until the auction is over, or the auction could end 
with a buyer within the hour.

The bottom line is, if a domain you need/want goes to 
reverse auction, you should consider buying it when it 
hits a price that's appropriate for you.

If your budget is far less than the starting price, 
check back every so often... you never know what will 
happen.

However, if you have a real use for the domain, trying 
to get a real deal probably isn't worth the risk.


  What names will be auctioned off?
We'll auction the most popular domains. For the seller's 
sake, a domain name should not go to auction unless there 
are a minimum number of serious bidders, and/or a reasonable 
reserved price. 

Some ways to help your prospective domain go to auction:

   1) Register and mention the domain names when you register.

   2) Use the "Make Offer" link to submit an offer.  
      See  What's "Make an Offer"


  What can I do to get the domain name I want auctioned?
   First register indicating you're interested in that domain.  

   We'll auction the most popular domains. For the seller's sake, a 
   domain name should not go to auction unless there is a minimum 
   number of serious bidders, and/or a reasonable reserved price. 
   The more people who register and express interest in a specific
   domain name, the more likely it is that that domain name will 
   go to auction.

   Some ways to help your prospective domain go to auction:

   1) Register and mention the domain name when you register.

   2) Use the "Make an Offer" link to submit an offer.  
      See "Make an Offer"

   3) If you don't want to do either of the above, let us know. 

  Whom do you cater to?
Everyone.  Especially companies, charities and individuals
looking to use a domain name to enhance their web presence.


  Can Dealers participate in the auction?
Although the site is targeted to non-resellers (who have been the vast
majority of buyers on a per-dollar basis), about half our transactions
have been with resellers and speculators.  We appreciate your business,
and fully intend to accomodate you the best we can.  Our First transaction 
might seem a bit awkward, later on, we'll hopefully get to know each other 
a lot better.  :)

  How do I register with your website?
To register, click here.

  Why should I register?
Registering represents no obligation to purchase anything from us. 
It just gives us your current contact information and lets us know 
you are interested in one or more of our domain names.  In addition
only registered users may finalize a buy order.

We do not recommend waiting to register until the domain name you 
are interested is scheduled, as we are likely to schedule 
auctions based on the number of registered users expressing
interest in a specific domain name. 

More importantly, notice and access to some auctions 
may only be given to registered users.

We will NOT make unrelated use of your registration information, nor 
will we share it with third parties.



  How do I Become Verified?
To become verified, you simply need to provide us with
valid credit card information and we will place a $100
pre-authorization on your credit card. 

More Details

  How often should I be checking the webpage?
You can check as often as you like.  

Keep in mind that the counters may speed up or slow down, so you 
should reload the page occasionally.  

Better yet, you can leave a "Just Counter" button running on your 
computer.  However, since the animated counters only display 
an approximate price, reloading is still highly advised in order 
to keep in sync with the official prices as well as being advised 
of ended auctions.

  I just registered for your auction. When exactly does it start?
The auctions start on a rolling basis.  Domains listed as "being 
scheduled" are likely to start within 48 hours.

In order to preserve the integrity of the auction, we need to alert
a reasonable number of prospective buyers.  At a minimum we'd like to 
be sure that most of the people who have inquired about a specific 
domain name are aware of the auction.  So, we send an initial email 
informing people of the auction and encouraging them to register if 
they are interested.  
  
If we have your email address, we will contact you when 
any of the domain names you inquired about, or listed on 
the registration form, are scheduled.


  Why are the asking prices so high?
There's probably over a hundred million web surfers worldwide. Many 
of them go right to a domain name they remember or just type what 
they're looking for into their browsers, along with the "www" and 
"dot com" or "dot org".  

Even a tiny percentage of those millions of people can add up very 
quickly.  

A good domain name means your customers or patrons and other people can 
find your site, and can come back to do more business. If they can't find 
your website, by knowing the precise wording and spelling, nothing else 
could matter!

So the right domain name in the right hands is likely to be very very 
valuable.

On the other hand, finding the right buyer is sometimes difficult, if not
impossible.  And unfortunately, it's far too often prospective buyers don't 
fully appreciate how much the right domain name can help them until after 
they buy.  So, we sometimes let a domain name go for far less than that.

The bottom line is, if a domain you need/want goes to reverse auction,
you should consider buying it when it hits a price that's appropriate
for you.

If your budget is far less than the starting price, check back every
so often... you never know what will happen.

So, if you have a real use for the domain, waiting for a really cheap
price probably isn't worth the risk.  Be aware that other domain name 
resellers are also looking for a great deal.

  What's "Make an offer"
If you feel you don't have the time or inclination to participate in
the auction, yet want to purchase a particular domain name, you might
want to consider taking your chances by submitting an offer to buy a
particular domain name at a price you designate.

Unlike clicking "BUY", "Make an Offer" isn't considered binding, unless
you specifically state otherwise.  But, it is certainly going to increase
your chances of getting the domain name.

An offer may be made at any time in the auction up to the time your price
is reached, as long as the domain name has not been removed from auction
or sold.  Offers can also be made on domain names not currently being
auctioned.

If the domain name is not sold at a price above your offer, the auction
will stop at the price you have formally offered.

To make an offer, use the "Make Offer" link on any individual domain 
page or click here.

  What if I don't get the domain name I "want" before the auction is over?
If a domain name leaves the auction due to a "reserve not met" message, it 
will usually be considered for sale at or near the "asking 
price".  If this is still too much, contact us.  We may be able to 
suggest lower cost, 'still available' non-premium domain names.

See Below: The auction ended with "Reserve Not Met". Can I still 
buy it at or near the reserve price?

  What if I don't get the domain I *need* before the auction is over?
If you really need a specific domain name that goes to reverse
auction, you should consider buying it when it hits a price
that's appropriate for you.

If your budget is far less than the starting price, you shouldn't 
be discouraged.  Check back every so often... you never know what 
will happen.

But if you have a real need for the domain name, trying to get
a real deal probably isn't worth the risk.
                                                                
If the auction does end without you winning, and feel you really
*need* the domain name, here are some options:
                                                                
1) Let us know so we can contact you in case the deal falls
   through. 
                                                        
2) Wait a few days and see if the new owner's name is listed
   on the whois record.  If so, contact them and see if they're
   willing to sell the domain name.

3) If the auction page says 'Pending Verification' as opposed to
   'Sold' the auction isn't really over.  Contact us immediately
   and be verifed before the other buyer, and the domain name is
   yours (after full payment).

4) If the domain name is removed from auction because it hit
   the reserve or minimum price, contact us.  The domain name 
   may still be for sale at the asking price.



  Please explain clearly how to get the domain name I want.
1.     You should get VERIFIED in advance so that the auction 
       will stop when you click "BUY".  Otherwise, a VERIFIED bidder 
       could buy the domain name between the time you click "BUY" and 
       and the time you are able to set up an acceptable payment. 

   2.  Follow the auction.  When the counter reaches a price you
       are willing to pay, click "BUY".  If you wait to get a lower 
       price, you risk losing the domain name to someone else; if 
       that "someone else" is verified, there won't be any warning 
       before the auction goes to "SOLD". Or the auction might end 
       suddenly and unexpectedly for some other reason

   3.  Or you can "Make an Offer"


  I thought you'd get back to me (a lot) sooner!!! What gives?
We apologize for not having been more attentive.

Most of these domains have been held unsold for years
because we haven't been able to keep up with inquires.

In particular, most people inquire without making
any offer.  It seems that most people who do make offers try
offering very low amounts hoping it will help the "negotiation
process".  For the most part, however, it has meant that we haven't
been able to seriously pursue most inquires.

This reverse auction is intended to "cut through the red tape".
Unfortunately, to protect the seller's interest, a domain name should not 
go to auction unless there is a minimum number of serious bidders, 
and/or a reasonable reserved price.  

See Also What can I do to get the domain name I want auctioned?

  How do I contact you?
If you speak English well enough, the best way is to call us at:
               1-800-387-7413  (US/Canada)
              +1 617 464 0012 (International / Alternate)

If you call and get an answering machine, please leave a
message.  We may get back to you sooner than you would 
expect, and we don't mind making international phone calls.

Or, you can email us at:
auctiondomains@buy-our.com



  When does the auction end?
There is no preset limit for the length of the auction.
The auction ends when one of the following events occur:

1) A verified user finalizes a buy order.

2) An unverified user finalizes a buy order, and becomes
   verified or places a $100 deposit with us.

3) The domain name reaches its minimum / reserve price and 
   is removed from auction.  Reserve prices may either be
   visible or hidden.  If a domain name has a visible 
   reserve price, it will be listed on the auction page.

  What's the difference between a hidden and visible reserve price?
If a domain name has a visible reserve, you know that 
the auction will end when the domain name counts down 
to that price.  

If a domain name does not have a visible reserve price, 
the reserve price is hidden.  Auctions with a hidden 
reserve can and often do disappear suddenly and without 
warning when they hit the reserve price.

  How much is the current price?
The current price appears on the counter at the time the page is
loaded. The text-only and the price on the buy and buy-verification 
pages are official.

Animated counters should also depict the price,  But, reloading 
occasionally is highly advised in order to keep in sync with the
official prices as well as being advised of ended auctions.


  How quickly will I get the domain name once I buy it?
It depends a lot on how you make payment.  

If you are in a hurry to receive ownership of the domain name,
we recommend you send us full payment in the form of a Bank
Check, Cashier's Check, or Money Order via Standard Overnight
Federal Express and email us the tracking number.

  Are the prices listed on the page correct?
The prices listed on the auction page are the official prices
at the time the page is loaded.

Animated prices may vary slightly but the textual prices
including the ones on the bid and buy pages are official.

Please also see our terms about technical errors and exceptions.
 

  Why does it seem like the counter speeds up and slows down?
Because it does.
 The speed of the counter may change at any time.

  What if I know how I much I want to pay and don't want to keep checking the page?
The best thing to do if you don't want to keep checking the page
is to "Make an offer".

However, keep in mind that verified users clicking "BUY" during 
a live auction may be given priority over other "offers",
regardless of price and date submitted.

  The auction ended with "Reserve Not Met". Can I still buy it at or near the reserve price?
It is very unlikely.  Many of the closing prices are 
deliberately low in order to promote these auctions.
An auction is usually held because we feel that enough 
people are watching the auction and that an appropriate 
buyer will be found.

If a domain leaves the auction due to "reserve not met", 
it will usually be considered for sale at or near the 
"asking price".

Sometimes an auction will repeat immediately after 
stopping.  However, more often than not, it will be 
considered to be "at the bottom of the list" of 
domains to be auctioned soon and might not reauctioned 
for years to come.


  How much does a domain name cost after the auction?
See the previous question above: (The auction ended with "Reserve Not Met". 
Can I still buy it at or near the reserve price?)

  Are your phones answered by high-pressure sales people?
Absolutely not.  Actually, you're more likely to get
a helpful nerd.

  Do you auction domains for private owners, or only the domains you own?
It varies.

Currently, most of the domain names sold here are owned by 
individuals I have worked with closely in the past. I've
been entrusted to sell these domain names in whatever way I
think is in the owner's best interest.

Unlike some other organizations, we're not in it "for a quick
commission".  We try to get the best customer/offer for a domain 
name rather than jump at the first reasonable offer.


Buying Outright / Other Domains


  What if the domain name I'm interested in doesn't appear to be going to auction any time soon?
Feel free to make us an offer on any of our domain names.  
      See  What's "Make an Offer"

  What is the quickest way to get one of these domains? Can I make you an offer?

If you make an appropriately serious offer, we will respond right away.
      See  What's "Make an Offer"



Participating in the auction (and becoming verified)


  How do I know if I'm verified?
If you log in and see a "Get Verified"
link next to the "Buy" button, you aren't 
yet verified.  

  Explain verification and closing the auction
Once a user clicks Buy, the user should then
contact us as soon as possible to discuss payment terms
and/or address any other questions/concerns they may 
have.

The winner of any auction on our site is the first
verified buyer to finalize a buy order by clicking 
the Buy button on the Final Confirmation Page.

When an unverified user confirms buying a domain name,
the auction may continue until the purchase request
can be verified.  This is intended mainly to prevent 
"false warnings" of the auction ending.

If a verified user confirms buying the same domain
name or the auction hits its reserve price before
the unverified user can be verified, the unverified
user may lose out on the auction.

Verified users clicking "BUY" during a live auction
WILL be given priority over other "offers", regardless 
of price and date these offers were submitted at. 

  I don't have a credit card. Can I still become verified?
If you do not have a credit card, you can become 
verified by sending a $100 deposit through any of 
our other forms of payment.  

If you send such a deposit and don't get the domain 
name you need (or change your mind for any other 
reason), simply contact us for a prompt refund 
of your unused $100 deposit.

We may also make a special exception and verify you 
without a deposit especially if we've done business 
with you before.

  What methods of payment do you accept for becoming verified? "

The preferred method of payment for "Becoming Verified" is Mastercard, Visa, or Discover.

Verification
Credit Card
Preauthorization
PayPal
Bank/ Cashiers or
Certified Checks
Personal or
Business Check
Money
Orders
Wire Transfers
Ok for Verification
PreferredYes
Time to become effective Right away Instant Usually right away Upon verification
by issuing institution
Actual $100 deposit required No... we just preauthorize a $100 limit... you won't be charged unless you buy! Yes



When you're ready to buy


  Please explain the entire payment process.
AS YOU BUY: 
After a user finalizes a buy order, we will most likely require
a deposit.  If the user has become verified by providing credit 
card information, we may charge a $100 non-refundable deposit
to their card on file.  

If the user is not verified, the user needs to contact us as soon 
as possible to prevent a verified user from finalizing their own
buy order.  This is intended mostly to prevent "false warnings" 
of the auction ending.  Deposit may be made by Mastercard, Visa,
Discover, or Paypal.

Once the deposit is received, final payment can be sent via one of
the following methods, and ownership of the domain name will be
transferred within about 1-3 days.
  
Final payment should be made via Money Order, Bank Check, Cashier's 
Check or Wire Transfer.  We ask that payment be sent via a trackable
delivery method such as Fedex Standard Overnight.

Under some circumstances we may accept Mastercard, Visa, Discover, or
Paypal, and additional restrictions WILL apply.

  Do you allow the use of Escrow web-services?

  Must you retain ownership of the domain name for one year if I do not pay by check ?
You will have full use of your new domain name as 
soon as we receive final payment.

There may be a waiting period before you 
can change the domain registration information or 
transfer it to another registrar, depending on how 
you make final payment.  

Some payment methods have no waiting period. 

  What methods of payment do you accept for purchasing a domain name?

The preferred method of payment for final payment is to mail a
bank check or money order via a trackable delivery method such
as Standard Overnight Federal Express and to forward us the
tracking number.

All the forms of payment listed below are also valid for deposit
payments for non-verified buyers. However, since an auction
continues until deposit is received, we do recommend payment
methods that can be processed quickly.

We occasionally make exceptions on a case-by-case basis. If none
of these payment options seem suitable, please ask about other
arrangements.

Final Payment
Bank/ Cashiers or
Certified Checks
Money
Orders
Wire Transfers
Personal or
Business Check
Credit Card
Charge
(directly or via PayPal)
PayPal
(not using a Credit Card)
Ok for Final Payment Yes
Case-by-case
basis

Domain available for use
When you tell us
it's been sent
Upon Receipt Instantly
Upon Receipt
Change of Registration
or transfer to another
registrar
Upon collection or
verification of funds
   (fast)

Upon collection
of funds.  Usually
one week US, 2 to 3
weeks international.
Up to One Year
after Purchase

Case-by-case
basis


  Once I buy a domain name, how do you transfer it to me?
When we receive payment, we will change the "whois" registration
information on the Domain Name to match your name and address, 
or any other name(s) and address(es) you specify, so the domain 
name's "registered to" field" and "contact" fields show that it is
yours.   

Once the whois registration information has been changed, you may
transfer the Domain Name to any Domain Registrar.  If you do not
transfer the Domain Name, we will provide free DNS information as 
long as you pay the annual $25 registration fee.

More Details