Whats the best way to search and acquire available domains?

Can domain registrars be trusted?

[ibQuixote]

A few years ago, I was checking the availability of a .com domain I wanted to get through a prominent registrar. I was a bit surprised to see it available because it was pretty good, and in my excitement checked it 4 or 5 times. Anyway, I ended up not having time to get the domain that night, but went back the very next morning to get it, and it had been taken by some company (I think from outside the US). It seems like too much of a coincidence that the name was suddenly taken overnight.

Now, I want to register a new domain that I like, but I'm scared to even check to see if its available. In fact, I'm even scared to type it into a browser for fear of somebody somewhere "seeing" this domain name and taking it. Am I just being paranoid, and what do you think may have happened when that domain was taken? Who can be trusted and what is the best way to make sure you get an available domain name you want?

Thanks!

[Webwork]

Hello ibQuixote and welcome to WebmasterWorld and the Domain Forum.

We've covered this topic many, many, many times. Take a look at recent past threads and take a look in the Domain Forum Library.

My advice is when you think of a good domain go and register - right then and there. The price is cheap enough and, if you really think it's a good domain name, well . . . register it. Just don't keep doing it over and over. ;)

Since we've covered this issue quite a bit I'm reluctant to let the thread run . . but I'll sit back for abit. I just don't want to rehash the same issue over and over. There is no definitive answer and the wisest advice is don't wait to register what you consider to be a good domain. Many other folks - and some machines - are doing the same thing every second of the day.

Sabe Quixote?

[ibQuixote]

Muchas Gracias, te entiendo :-)

I figured this was a very old issue, but I went back a little bit in the archives and didn't really see exactly what I needed.

Nontheless, you just told me exactly what I needed to know, so now I'm a happy man.

[draggar]

I'll fully agree with WebWork on this one. If it's available and you like it, snag it before someone else does. Sure, sometimes the next morning you'll think "What was I thinking" but the few dollars for a year's lease on the domain is worth the risk. Yes, I have a few domains that I'm kicking myself for (more like over a dozen) but considering the others that I've gotten on the spot are worth it. I just won't renew the bad ones nest year.

Also, just because the .com isn't available doesn't mean you can't get the .org, .net, .info, .mx (Mexico?), .es (Spain?), or other ccTLD.

[LifeinAsia]

Although I really don't like the concept of domain "tasting" (since it seems to be mostly abused by SPAMMERS), it seems like this is the only reasonable justufucation for it: you think of a great domain name, you check if it's availale, you register it right away to make sure no one else does, then 2 days later you realize that great domain wasn't so great once the tequilla drained out of your body. :) So you give the domain back and get a refund.

How many registrars actually offer tasting/kiting? (And do they actually offer that to the common person, or just their buld buyers?) I believe the one I use stipulates that the fees are non-refundable.