What does the Redemption status mean?
Let’s assume that you have registered a domain. Once the domain registration period ends, it falls into the Redemption status, if it is not renewed on time for any reason. This status still allows the current domain holder to reactivate the domain for a higher price than the renewal.
You can check the scheme below that shows at which point anyone can backorder a domain that is currently in redemption.
Note! Not all domains fall into Redemption (more details can be found here). Hence applying for registration of such domain is only possible within the first 27-30 days after the expiration date.
Also, some ccTLDs (like .es) have certain statuses (like Registrar Hold) missing, including the Redemption period. In such a case, the domain will be sent to deletion right after the expiration date and its status will be changed to Pending Delete. Once that happens, the domain can no longer be renewed/reactivated and re-register through the current Registrant.
How to buy a domain in Redemption?
You can only buy a domain if the current owner is willing to sell it or if he didn’t renew the domain. If you don’t want to buy a domain from the current owner or can’t do so, you can backorder a domain that is in Redemption. To do so you need to wait until the domain expires (can check using WHOIS) and backorder it through the Registrar if he offers this kind of service. After the domain expires, its status is changed to Registrar Hold during which it can be renewed for the regular price.This status lasts for about 30 days).
Some TLDs don't have it. Then the domain falls into redemption for 30 more days during which it can be renewed for an additional fee. And during this period it is possible to backorder it. Then, if there is more than one application, there's an auction and the one who gives the highest bid gets the domain. If no one bids, the domain does to PendingDelete and gets released into public poll, i.e. becomes available for registration.
How to evaluate the domain?
The price depends on a variety of factors that are described in this article.
Where to order a domain in Redemption (send application)?
In the majority of cases the domain can be purchased on the website of current Registrar (can be found using domain WHOIS) it’s currently registered with if he offers the service . Some Registrars can list domains registered with other companies on their marketplaces. GoDaddy is an example of such.
Correct domain drop catching
There are dropcatching services that allow registering a domain in Redemption status. These are some of the services that can assist you with that: Pool.com, Snapnames.com, and Namejet.com. DropCatching companies try to register a domain that is about to expire using their connections with the Registrars or by automated registration options. You just provide them the domain name and if they succeed you pay them. If someone else is using those to register the same domain, it will be auctioned. Some registrars have a notification service for domains about to expire for all those subscribed for backordering of the domain in question. Godaddy is one of those who offer backorder services.
