Champion

There is a domain on my list of names I'd like to acquire and it has been on that list for just over 11 years.

Honestly I've tried everything to get hold of the owner, however every route I take results in a dead end. Every e-mail has bounced back (even the ones listed on the site). I've not received one letter back from the owner.

Is it time to move on and forget about it?

GreyWing

No, there are plenty of ways to track these people down, only in a very small percentage are the people totally untraceable. I have seen many where at first glance you think, no chance. But 99% of the time always been able to find them.

There are tools you can use, you just need to know what they are.

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Edwin

Probably depends on the name of the owner. If it's owned by "John Smith" you may be stuck. But of course if there's an address attached to it, you can snail-mail them. If they're not at the address, then perhaps the new occupant knows where they moved to.

If they have an unusual name, you can try and narrow it down through searches, LinkedIn, Facebook and so on. A lot of people are either online, or get a mention from friends who themselves are online.

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Memorable Domains Ltd - Over 7,000 descriptive, generic .co.uk domains for sale
Please note: All sale prices over a week old are automatically invalid. No exceptions. Thanks!

Champion

The owner in my opinion does not have a common name, so perhaps the method you have suggested may work.

I'll go through the notes ect. which I have built up over the years are start a fresh. I had a look at the area which the domain is addressed to and it is a church, I hope he has not passed away.

There is a website resolving albeit a very outdated one, and the domain is being renewed.

Skinner

Facebook is your pal

Look up his name, and in the same area.

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WestHamFan

If all your emails to the website are bouncing it could be the business has ceased trading.

From the registrant rules at Nominet a domain registrant must:

4.1 give and keep us notified of your correct name, postal address and any phone, fax or e-mail information and those of your contacts (if you appoint any, see condition 5.2). This duty includes responding quickly and correctly to any request from us to confirm or correct the information on the register;

If you think they are breaking that rule then an email to Nominet questioning the current validity of their contact info may stir things up enough for you to get some answers if nothing else.

My understanding is that, if Nominet cannot make any contact with the registrant, they could decide to suspend the domain.

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Champion

To further on your point WHF, the domain is listed under a UK Individual even though on the website it mentions customer support and sales. I may choose to contact nominet if I cannot make contact within the next few weeks.

Skinner

Champion, You can still be a UK Individual and trade, as long as your name is legal and displayed.

You can't trade and opt-out of the whois tho.

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Champion

Just spoke with nominet about this, the owner/company has not ceased trading and therefore if I wanted the domain I would have to contact the owner.

Edwin

If the owner is a company, then why not look up their info at Companies House? Only costs a few quid...

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Memorable Domains Ltd - Over 7,000 descriptive, generic .co.uk domains for sale
Please note: All sale prices over a week old are automatically invalid. No exceptions. Thanks!