Ask HN: What to do if a domain registrant is uncontactable

10 pointsby stevejalim16 lat temu9 comments

Long story (vaguely) short, there's a domain I'd like to buy that's currently not being used and hasn't been used properly pretty much since it was registered (based on the Wayback Machine at archive.org).

I already have a hyphenated variant, but would like the non-hyphenated version too, for a slightly better user experience.

I'm happy to make an offer to buy the domain from the current owner.

The whois gives me contact details for them, but the email address bounces, the registered company doesn't appear to exist (at least, any more), and the phone number goes to a voicemail message that sounds like a pocketdial.

Short of driving up there (about 100 miles) and knocking their front door, I'm wondering what else I can do.

The domain was renewed earlier this year (and is one of 70 or so others, I gather), so I'm guessing it's someone who bought and didn't use it, or who is deliberately keeping it to sell on, but if no one can contact them, that's a bit of a problem...

Any suggestions, beyond me getting in the car?

4 comments

anateus16 lat temu

Send them a letter. You have an address, after all! 100 miles should get covered in under a week.

If you want to be obnoxious about it you can even have them sign for it.

uptown16 lat temu

Also consider sending it certified or with delivery confirmation and/or return receipt. But keep in mind that the level of interest you display in your attempts to get in touch may also increase their asking price of the domain.

stevejalim16 lat temu

Heh - good point. Could well be time to fire up the printer!

CatalystFactory16 lat temu

I would inform the registrar that the email information in the WHOIS is incorrect.

I would also send a polite letter, in my experience that can get the ball rolling.

My gut says that if they have 70 domains registered, it's likely you'll have to pay an arm, a leg, and your firstborn for the domain. Good luck!

reashlin16 lat temu

Contact the registrar. If they cannot get the details of the registrant then they will be the ones most likely to advise you further.

If its been recently paid for the the registrar has bank or credit details in the registrant at the very least.

covati16 lat temu

All domain owners are required to maintain current and working contact details. Not doing so is grounds for the registrar to cancel their registration. Contact the registrar to inform them that the email address bounces.

I think they will probably inquire about the postal address, so I would try mailing a letter as well.

qjz16 lat temu

I recommend not being a jerk about it. Endangering their registrations is not going to put you in a good bargaining position. The registrar is happily being paid for these domains, and just because an address bounces for you doesn't mean it bounces for everyone (unless it's an unknown user). In any case, these issues are easily resolved in the registrant's favor, and they're not going to be in a good mood if you spoil their day. If you can't get a reply, pick another name and move on.

Also keep in mind that not all domains are used for the World Wide Web. I regularly get inquiries about domains I own because "they aren't being used" when, actually, they are critical to my infrastructure and just don't have any web sites associated with them.

stevejalim16 lat temu

Yeah, true. I guess getting the registrar involved feels quite heavy handed, but if it comes to it, I agree they'd be the best place to fire off a query to

tdmackey16 lat temu

They are not obligated to reply to you in any way. While the registrar can technically cancel the registration because of an invalid email addr, I don't know of a single registrar who will. Certified mail is the best way to contact them, but again if they aren't looking to sell don't expect a reply.