Still waiting for Snapnames to snap those names.

I have backordered a few domain names with Snapnames. I did a whois check on those domain names and they all have expiration date - 25th Dec 2007. My question is that why is my orders are still pending?? How long does it normally take for a domain name to be fully available to the public?

Also, will Snapnames charge me for the initial bid if I don't get the domain in the end?

Thanks for your expertise

 

It can take anywhere up to a few months, depending on the registrar. Keep an eye on the status, when it goes to pendingdelete it means it is about to come free within a few days at most.

 

Whois shows the domain expiry, but it is still roughly 80 days from then until the domain drops. 30 days grace period where it can be renewed by owner for no fees, then 45 day redemption period where it will cost owner more money to renew, and then a 5 day deletion period after which the domain officially drops.

 

Oh and with the domain backordering (snapnames, namejet, pool) you only pay if they get your domain

 

Thanks for the info. I guess I still have to wait a few more months and even then it's not 100% that the owner will drop the domain. It's not as easy as I thought, no wonder why some domains are so expensive!