Auction FAQ

About Moniker Live Auctions powered by SnapNames

About Live Auction Bidding

About Online Auctions

Selling Domains in Live and Extended Online Auctions

 

About Moniker Live Auctions powered by SnapNames

What is a Moniker Live Auction powered by SnapNames?

Moniker is a pioneer in the staging and execution of live, premium domain name auctions, leading this segment of the aftermarket for over 10 years. Similarly, SnapNames is the recognized pioneer and auction leader in its own niche of the aftermarket: dropped and deleting domain names.

Moniker Live Auctions are called by professional, licensed auctioneers in a typical open-cry auction setting following standard auction policies.

Under the Oversee.net umbrella, Moniker and SnapNames have taken domain auctions to the next level. Moniker is now able to take advantage of innovative new online bidding technology developed by SnapNames, giving bidders FREE online access to Moniker Live Auctions, in real-time anywhere in the world. Sellers benefit from having their domains put in front of a global audience of interested buyers, and bidders benefit from a top selection of premium domain names.

Each Live Auction features:

  • A premium selection of quality domain names
  • Top bidders and sellers from around the world
  • Simultaneous live in-person and online bidding
  • Real-time web cam coverage of the auction
  • Robust pre- and post-event alerts
  • Timely settlement and fulfillment
  • Professional, experienced account management consultants

 

Why choose Moniker LiveAuctions powered by SnapNames?

The partnership of Moniker and SnapNames offers direct access to the largest and most sophisticated pool of domain buyers and sellers. The combination of our deep expertise and broad reach within the domain aftermarket space make us the best destination to buy and sell premium domain names. Sellers can rest assured that their domains are offered through the best sales channel, to the right buyers, at a price they're happy with. Buyers benefit from the best domain selection, easy bidding, and safe and secure transactions.

Who do I contact for assistance with Live Online Bidding?

We are available to answer questions Monday through Friday 6:00 a.m. (PST) to 6:00 p.m. (PST).

Phone: 1-866-690-6279 (toll-free) or +1-503-241-8547 (outside U.S.)

Online support tickets and emails, everyday of the week and weekends.
http://help.moniker.com
Email: support@oversee.net

 

About Live Auction Bidding

When is the auction catalog available?

You can expect a preliminary catalog and other updates to start showing up on the Moniker Live Auction site approximately 20-30 days prior to the event. The final catalog of Live and/or Extended Online Auction domains is generally available the week prior to the event. Any last-minute changes to the Live Domain Auction inventory will be announced prior to the start of the Live Auction proceedings. Moniker reserves the right to make changes to the auction inventory at any time for any reason.

What bidding options are available in the Live Auction?

We offer 4 ways to bid in a Live Auction. These include in-person (on-site) bidding, online bidding through the SnapNames LIVE™ platform, telephone/proxy bidding, and absentee bidding.
> Find out more about domain auction bidding options now.

How do I bid in the Live Auctions from my computer?

The SnapNames Live technology allows you to bid in the auction online and submit bids in real-time.

To join the auction, go to the Live Auction page about one hour before the auction and sign in. Please note that to bid you must have a SnapNames account.

Can I participate in the Live Auctions if I am not attending an event in person?

Yes. The SnapNames Live technology allows you to view the auction online and submit bids in real-time. All you have to do is download the SnapNames Live software. However, if you want to bid, you must have a SnapNames account.

If I want to submit bids, when should I launch the SnapNames Live software and check the bidding interface?

To join the auction as a bidder, go to the Live Auction page about one hour before the auction, select Join Bidding, log into your SnapNames account, and you will be directed to join the auction.

How do I pay for domain names that I won in the auctions?

If a domain is successfully won at auction, Moniker will work with the winning bidder to complete the sale and receive into escrow as soon as possible. This process typically takes 20-30 business days to complete, but could take longer if the domain is not already at Moniker, or if the winning bidder lives outside the United States. Both Buyers and Sellers must agree and abide by the Marketplace User Agreement.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To expedite the transfer process, Moniker asks that sellers be prepared to unlock all domains sold and provide EPP and/or other Authorization Codes immediately following the auction closing, where they will be held safely (without DNS change) in a separate Escrow account at Moniker, until the arrive in escrow.

Sellers can request Moniker to process payments via check, bank wire, PayPal, or by placing in the seller's Moniker account. Certain payment methods may require a small surcharge. Moniker will use best efforts to complete transfer within 7 business days of initiating the escrow process.

Domain purchases are generally due to escrow by close of business within 10 business days of the final auction event. Payment can be paid by bank wire, personal check, cashier & certified check, PayPal (for purchases under $10,000.00 only).

 

About Online Auctions

What are Online Auctions?

Online Auctions feature a selection of top quality domains that wouldn't fit into the limited time available for the Live Auctions. In addition, the Extended Online Auction allows visitors to place bids on any unsold domain inventory from any corresponding live auctions. Extended Online Auctions typically start the day of the Live Auction and run approximately a week. Bidding in Extended Online Auctions is only available online, and requires a SnapNames buyer account.

> Find out more about bidding in upcoming Extended Online Auctions

How do I bid in an Extended Online Auction?

The Extended Online Auctions feature several important tools to help you manage bidding:

  • Watch Lists—Select any of the domain inventory to track bidding activity.
  • Auto-bid Setting—Set up a "Max Bid" to automatically out-bid other buyers in pre-set increments up to a level you determine ahead of time. Many bidders overlook this valuable bidding options, which virtually eliminates the possibility of being sniped (outbid by a small increment) at the end of the auction.
  • Advanced Search Capabilities—Sort by a number of factors including extension, keyword, price or whether items (domains) have a current bid.

 

When is the auction catalog available for Extended Online Auctions?

Prior to the event, download the domain catalog to see all the inventory in the Extended Online Auction. The catalog will be available on the Moniker Auction site approximately 20-30 days prior to the event. Domains not sold in the Live Auction are also added to the Extended Online Auction. The final list of Extended Online Auction domains is generally available the day after the live event. Moniker reserves the right to make changes to the auction inventory at any time for any reason.

How do I pay for domains I won in an Extended Online Auction?

The transaction and settlement process for the Extended Online Auctions is handled like a normal sale on SnapNames. In most cases, the buyer’s credit card on file will be charged. However, for larger sale prices, you may elect to pay via wire transfer. Contact Moniker escrow services (escrow@moniker.com) for more details.

 

Selling Domains in Live and Extended Online Auctions

Why sell domains in our Live and Extended Online Auctions?

Moniker Auctions consistently delivers results for domain sellers. Our auctions are the best venue to sell your premium domains. Here's why:

  • Garner top dollar for sellers. We'll work with you to evaluate your domains and set a reserve price that you're happy with.
  • We've sold over $40 million in auction, with $25 million in the past year alone.
  • Aggressive cross-promoting, PR, and marketing of the event to ensure maximum buyer participation.
  • We take your domains to the right audience. Our live and online auctions are held about 15 times a year at major internet and web marketing conferences, including niche markets such as geo, casino and adult.

 

How do I submit domains for consideration?

Domain names you wish to sell in a Moniker or SnapNames live auction can be submitted via our browser-based submission form. To get started, click on the 'Submit domain names to sell' link associated with a specific auction event in our auction calendar.
What you will need to submit domains for consideration:

  • Moniker Account
  • SnapNames Account
  • Domain name(s) to be submitted should be held at a Moniker network registrar (includes all SnapNames registrars)
  • Accurate spelling and reserve prices

 

Can sellers set their reserve prices?

Yes. However, we encourage sellers to “trust the market” and set their reserves as low as possible to increase bidding activity. Note that Moniker’s 15% commission fee is added to the seller’s reserve to establish the auction reserve price paid by the buyer.

Do my names have to be at Moniker to be considered in the auction?

No, but we highly encourage it to ensure the quickest most efficient settlement process. Having your domain at Moniker also helps the domain sell faster. When domains are held at a Moniker registrar, the escrow and transfer process can be completed in less than 3 days. Domains held at another registrar must go through the entire transfer process before the transaction can be completed. Names that are sold at auction that are not registered at a Moniker network registrar will be assessed a $100 transfer assistance fee.

What is the commission rate for domains sold at auction?

Moniker applies a 15% commission, which is the lowest commission available throughout all aftermarket outlets on the Moniker and SnapNames network. Note that Moniker’s 15% commission fee is added to the seller’s reserve to establish the auction reserve price paid by the buyer.

How can I better position my domains for inclusion in the auction, and eventual sale?

The number one driving force behind domains selected for auction is sale potential. Here are several recommendations for getting your domains selected and sold:

  • Set the lowest reserve you can – In an auction setting, domains with lower starting reserves can often trigger increased bidding activity (a.k.a, a bidding war). Higher reserves can keep interested buyers from initiating a bid.
  • Report all pertinent statistics, including revenue, traffic, SEO value and corresponding assets (i.e., trademarks, matching toll-free numbers, etc)
  • Transfer domains for sale to your Moniker account. Buyers know that domains held at Moniker will close faster so they are more likely to bid on domains already held with us.

 

How do I close the transaction on domains I've sold?

If a domain is successfully sold at auction, Moniker will work with the winning bidder to complete the sale and receive into escrow as soon as possible. This process typically takes 20-30 business days to complete, but could take longer if the domain is not already at Moniker, or if the winning bidder lives outside the United States. Both Buyers and Sellers must agree and abide by the Marketplace User Agreement. IMPORTANT NOTE: To expedite the transfer process, Moniker asks that sellers be prepared to unlock all domains sold and provide EPP and/or other Authorization Codes immediately following the auction closing, where they will be held safely (without DNS change) in a separate Escrow account at Moniker, until the arrive in escrow.

Sellers can request Moniker to process payments via check, bank wire, PayPal, or by placing funds in the seller's Moniker account. Certain payment methods may require a small surcharge. Moniker will use best efforts to complete funds transfer within 7 business days of initiating the escrow process. Funds for domain purchases are generally due to escrow by close of business within 10 business days of the final auction event. Funds can be paid by bank wire, personal check, cashier & certified check, PayPal (for purchases under $10,000.00 only).