Organisation failed to renew and now they want it back

[cavcav is verified member.]

Good evening

I recently registered a domain name that dropped a few days ago; the organisation who owned it (I have confirmed they did own it) have just contacted me saying the hosting company messed up and let it drop by mistake. They desperately need it back as they are launching their new website on the domain name next week.

Morally I think I should transfer it back, no charge but as a businessman I think I am giving away a potential valuable asset through no fault of my own.

What would you do?

Thanks in advance.

 

[EdwinEdwin is verified member.]

Is it 100.00% generic and descriptive? Or does at least part of the value come from the incoming links etc. it had as a site but it's not a pure generic?

 

[cavcav is verified member.]

it is an acronym... no links... no trademarks...just potential future resale value.

p.s. they have never had a site on this.

Is it 100.00% generic and descriptive? Or does at least part of the value come from the incoming links etc. it had as a site but it's not a pure generic?

 

[martin-s]

I would personally transfer it back with a small charge to cover my time and goodwill.

 

[cavcav is verified member.]

Thanks Martin;

I would personally transfer it back with a small charge to cover my time and goodwill.

 

[Adam HAdam H is verified member.]

I guess I'm just unethical or morally corrupt then lol . If I had picked up a domain which I planned to use then id want a convincing enough compensation from the organisation to stop me from progressing with my plans, they dropped the lease and its no one elses fault other than theirs.

If it was just going to be resold as a domainer then maybe id show a little compassion, but it would hugely depend on the organisations attitude.

 

[EdwinEdwin is verified member.]

I'd probably ask them to write an £xxx cheque (or electronic equivalent) to charity. That A) at least benefits someone and B) it may make the "lesson" sink in a bit

 

[cavcav is verified member.]

Thanks Adam; I assume they would have had email reminders from Nominet and their hosting company. I do feel some compassion as they appear to be a new organisation and a touch naive in such matters. Oh well, I am sure i well get my rewards in life elsewhere.....

I guess I'm just unethical or morally corrupt then lol . If I had picked up a domain which I planned to use then id want a convincing enough compensation from the organisation to stop me from progressing with my plans, they dropped the lease and its no one elses fault other than theirs.

If it was just going to be resold as a domainer then maybe id show a little compassion, but it would hugely depend on the organisations attitude.

 

[Adam HAdam H is verified member.]

I'd probably ask them to write an £xxx cheque (or electronic equivalent) to charity.

I like that idea very much.

 

[matmat is verified member.]

One thing I have learnt in life is that kindness can be taken advantage of.

Yes I would probably feel bad for them and give it back, but would not be suprised if this site they are launching "next week" never happens etc.

But that is life

 

[cavcav is verified member.]

I have checked their existing website and they do refer to their "new website" using my newly acquired domain name... I will give them the benefit...

One thing I have learnt in life is that kindness can be taken advantage of.

Yes I would probably feel bad for them and give it back, but would not be suprised if this site they are launching "next week" never happens etc.

But that is life

 

[martin-s]

One thing I have learnt in life is that kindness can be taken advantage of.

True, but I'd rather be a nice person and get taken advantage of - the alternative is just to be an asshole

 

[MurrayMurray is verified member.]

Id ask for how much I think it's worth

No way (given the scenario you've posted) id just hand it over out of kindness

 

[deedee is verified member.]

I'm all for being decent, and generally believe people are good.

However... in this case, I doubt its the hosting company that accidentally lets the domain drop. As a general rule, hosting companies do not let domains drop that you are paying for. More like, the person whos contacting you was in charge of renewing the domains and didn't. If you're dealing with even a reasonably large company its always "somebody else's problem " I like the idea of charging what its worth and giving a chunk to charity if you feel so inclined.

I seriously doubt if you contacted them and asked for a freebie in whatever field they work they'd be generous.

 

[RobMRobM is verified member.]

You don't own a domain name - you rent it. If I don't pay rent on my house what happens? If I don't pay rental for my car what happens? Fed up with sob stories of businesses that didn't renew, little Jimmy wants a domain for a non-profit project, or just plain give it me you're not using it. Charge them accordingly or change industry - that's all I can advise.

 

[keys]

In life we have to accept the cost or consequences of mistakes.

If the company failed to renew the domain in time they lose it, same applies to any other Registrant. If their hosting company is at fault then they should resolve the matter.

The Admin contact either ignored renewal reminders, or did not maintain a valid email address. If this did not happen dropcatching would have no valuable domains to chase.

My advice - Ignore the history and pleas for special consideration. Set a price that you would accept based on usual criteria. If you want to assign all or part of it to charity that is your decision.

 

[aZooZaaZooZa is verified member.]

Personally I'd just hand this acronym back, and wait and see what life's karma brings next time to my table...

 

[cavcav is verified member.]

Thanks for all the advice; I have decided to transfer it to them as a goodwill gesture but have asked for a donation of their choice in return. I have built up an excellent reputation in my niche which brings with it a lot of essential goodwill, and as a businessman that is quite important in achieving future rewards.

 

[martin-s]

For everyone that said they'd sell the name back, what if you found their wallet?

 

[keys]

what if you found their wallet?

They would still own their wallet - and it should be returned without question.

Unlike contents of a wallet, IP rights often have no perceived value, until they are lost.