SnapNames

Overview

In instances where the most suitable domain name is already being used, the sensible thing to do is to just register another domain name. Little do some people know that it is possible to own a domain that is unavailable. SnapNames.com is a marketplace for domain names that are already taken or expired. It's extremely easy to use and uncomplicated to navigate. They have auctions and brokerage services as well. SnapNames has more than 3 million customers to which it offers domain names and supporting services including website hosting and design, e-commerce, and search engine marketing, among others. If you are looking for a full-service domain registrar then this is not the place for you. However, there are quite a few things that SnapNames.com does exceptionally well.

Usability

A nice feature of SnapNames.com is the category lists which are great for those who are not sure of the exact domain that they want. For example, there is a list of entertainment domain names that will be available soon or that you can buy now. The buy now option is obviously much more expensive but it is nice to have that option available. The Auction Lists are particularly useful and allows those who are browsing for domains to download a file containing domains that might be of interest to those who are looking for names. For someone interested in browsing domain names for ideas this is a great site to use.

Domain Privacy

When registering for a domain, your domain registry of choice is bound to submit personal and contact information you might not feel comfortable disclosing but have to. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) requires this of all registrars (at least all those ICANN-accredited ones) which results to the aforementioned personal details visible to those who visit the WHOis database to look for info. There are certain types of people who would go online and get these information: people looking for about to expire domain names, registrars who are processing domain transfers, and criminal investigation authorities. Even though SnapNames operates slightly differently from full-service domain registries, it naturally still offers domain privacy.

Bulk Registrations and Management

For those looking to register bulk quantities of domain names, SnapNames.com is one of the best places to go. It is easy to order up to 500 domain names at once. The tool allows users to enter in domain names they want followed by a colon and the amount they are willing to spend. This is unique to this site and allows those looking to bid quickly and easily a simple way to do so. There is also a bulk bid tool which is the same as the bulk order tool except it is for existing orders. They even have a bulk delete section which allows users to cancel their bids with ease.

Access Level and Delegating

You go to SnapNames mainly to snap domain names currently owned by someone else. Users of their service pick them specifically for this purpose, which may not necessarily require delegating rights to third party users. Providing access to a third party user could be very useful under certain circumstances for different users, however, such functionality is not among SnapNames otherwise impressive control panel options.

Pricing and Coupons

Pricing at SnapNames.com is quite a bit more expensive than other domain registrars but there is a reason for that. The domain names that they offer are already owned by someone else so the buyer essentially has to purchase it from the previous owner. Sometimes domain names simply expire and if this is the case then SnapNames usually charges around $70 which is, unfortunately, still on the expensive side. Opting for a ‘Buy It Now’ domain comes with an even higher price and, again, understandably so, since most buyers browsing the site would be much more willing to spend on domains already taken. Domains sold in SnapNames.com are, in essence, desirable domains, hence, the relatively steep pricing.

Customer Service

A SnapNames client would likely be in need of help with the process of snapping up names, especially in terms of availability, pricing and brokerage. Most answers to basic questions on these concerns can be found in the support page. For those who require to talk to customer service representative, there are several options: phone support (US & Canada, International) and email. If you’re a Premium Domain Aftermarket Service (Inquires on domains valued at $2,500 or above) client, an especially designated email is provided to address your concern. There is no live chat support in SnapNames but separate support departments addressing various issues on usage, media and marketing, and domain abuse make up for that.

Management Summary

One of the best features of SnapNames.com is the ability to back order a domain name. You can order the name you want then SnapNames will purchase it for you as soon as it becomes available. You can also, of course, set the amount you are willing to pay. The only real downside to this site is that its additional services may not be the best the market has to offer. The prices may also be too restrictive for some domain name shoppers. Nevertheless, as a place to register bulk domains or seek out domain names that are currently taken or expired SnapNames.com is excellent. SnapNames.com has a very specific purpose and serves that purpose quite well.