E-commerce
Legalities of Domain Expiration and Fees After a Transaction Attempt
Understanding Sedo's Commission Fees Post-Expiration
To tackle the question at hand, let's break down the legalities involved when Sedo attempts to sell a domain that expired two months ago. According to Sedo's terms and conditions, they are legally entitled to a commission if certain conditions are met. First, the domain in question was still listed under your Sedo account. Second, the domain was still showing you as registrant, even if it was in the 'pending delete restorable' status after the 30 day grace period and a further 30 day redemption period.
The Grounds for a Failed Transaction
The transaction may have been canceled because you couldn't transfer the domain anymore. This could be due to various reasons, such as the domain's status post-expiration. Once a domain expires, it becomes publicly available for anyone to re-register. It is no longer yours, and it's important to keep all domain registrations current to avoid such situations.
Sedo's Right to Commission
Sedo charges a transaction fee as mentioned in their terms and conditions, especially when you list your domain with them. Whether or not the transaction was completed, you agreed to these terms by using their platform. Therefore, if you sell the domain using their services, it is legally binding that you pay the agreed-upon commission.
Considering the Delisting Factor
It's wise for domain registrants who intend to use domain marketplaces to always read the fine print before listing or delisting their domains. One must be prepared to act quickly if they plan to stop renewing the domain. Delisting from such marketplaces as soon as possible will prevent any further charges or transactions.
Domain Recovery and Fees Consideration
Many registrars, such as GoDaddy, have a recovery rate of around $80 for holding periods. Once a domain expires, it can become available for anyone who wishes to re-register it. It's important to note that even if you are using a domain marketplace like Sedo, you are still legally responsible for any fees associated with the domain's recovery or purchase.
The Consequences of Non-Payment
If you do not pay the commission fee on time, the domain may be lost, and you won't have any claim to it. Most registrars provide a courteous 28-day period to pay any outstanding fees. However, there is no obligation to do so, and it may cost the registrar to handle the transaction. Once the domain is in a pending delete restorable status, other individuals or services like Sedo may hold it to sell it for a higher price, and you may have to pay a fee to get first purchase rights.
Disclaimer: This is not professional legal advice. For specific and detailed legal advice, it is always best to consult a professional in your locality or community. This opinion is merely indicative and not exhaustive.