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        Frequently Asked ReFunded Domain Questions

What is a Domain Name?

What is a ReFunded Domain Name?

What is Domain Tasting?

Can I receive a list of ReFunded Domains?

Can I buy ReFunded Domains?

What is a domain?   >> Back to top <<

A domain name, or domain, is basically a web site address on the Internet. Each domain is mapped to a specific IP address on the Internet so that people can easily find and visit websites.  Some popular domains are “Msn.com” and “Google.com”.  All domains are managed and recorded by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) so that there aren’t multiple websites with the same domain name.

What is a ReFunded Domain Name?   >> Back to top <<

A refunded domain is a domain that someone purchased but, for whatever reason, canceled the domain purchase during the five day grace period that ICANN allows following the domain’s registration.  So, a refunded domain is basically just a domain that is back on the market.

What is Domain Tasting?   >> Back to top <<

One common reason that domains are refunded is that the owner was just “tasting” the domain to see what the site traffic is and, in general, if the domain would be beneficial to keep.  Domain tasting takes advantage of the ICANN’s five day grace period following a domain’s registration.  During this five day period, a domain purchase can be canceled at no cost to the owner.

Some systematically take advantage of the grace period to perform cost-benefit analyses on the domain’s marketability and the potential revenue that can be generated by placing ads on the domain’s website.  The domain is successful in generating revenue, it is kept.  All others are canceled at no cost.

Domains that are commonly “tasted” include expired domains, misspellings of popular domain names, or generic domain names that may receive type-in traffic.  Expired domains are domains that were previously used but weren’t renewed.  These domains may still be linked to other websites and therefore have higher than normal traffic because of visitors following hyperlinks to the website.  Type-in traffic refers to someone trying to find a product or service by typing the name in the browser and following it by .com.  If the revenue generated by the site traffic exceeds the cost of the registration, the website may be kept.  However, people who abuse the grace period typically cancel the majority of the domains they register.

Can I receive a list of ReFunded Domains?   >> Back to top <<

Yes, there are some websites including ours (ReFundedLookup.com) that provide lists of refunded domains for those that would like to try to get potentially popular domain names.

Can I buy ReFunded Domains?   >> Back to top <<

Yes, you can buy refunded domains the same way as you would regular domains.  Domains can be purchased online from domain registrars.  A complete list of accredited registrars can be found on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s InterNIC website at http://www.internic.net/index.html.  The fees, charges, and services offered can vary greatly so, some research is needed to determine which registrar will give you the best rate while still meeting your needs.   The registration fee typically ranges from $15 to $35 per domain name. This will give you the right to the name for one year; you will have to renew it annually for approximately the same amount.  The registrars frequently offer specials and discounts that can help offset the costs involved in establishing a domain.

Once you’ve chosen a registrar, you can use their search engine to determine if the domain you want is available.  Simply type in the name and then choose the extension (such as .com, .biz, .net, .info, or .org) that you want.  The search results will list the domain if it’s available, any other available extensions, and other available domains with similar names.

When you purchase a domain, make sure that you are listed as the owner and the administrative and technical contacts.   If your registrar or web hosting service is listed as the owner, they will have the able to charge you for the use of the domain name later and there is little you can do about it.  Similarly, the administrative contact's approval is required before a domain name can be transferred from one web hosting service to another.  So, if someone other than you is listed as the administrative contact, then you’ll have to wait for your old hosting service to approve the transfer.  This has been known to take some time to do this and some have even refused to approve the transfer.

Step By Step Instructions

If you want to register a domain name, here's what you need to do. Please read it all before acting.

·         Think of some good domain names that will suite your website’s content.

·         If you have already chosen a website hosting service, get the DNS IP addresses and names of their primary and secondary nameservers. The information can usually be found in their FAQs (usually listed under a category like "domain name" or "DNS" or "domain name transfer"” or by e-mailing the webmaster.   Once this is done, you can go to a registrar’s website, search for your domain name, and apply for it.

·         If you do not have a web hosting service, you can always use one of the registrars listed below.  They will allow you to park your domain name at a temporary website until you find a suitable hosting service. This allows you to purchase your domain name right away before someone else does while you’re shopping for a hosting service. Some of those registrars also provide you with a free email address at your own domain name, like sales@yourdomain.com.

List of Domain Name Registrars

Yahoo.com , GoDaddy.com , Dotster.com , and Register.com