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Why was my domain declined from a GreatDomains or Themed Auction Event?

Sedo’s brokers carefully review all GreatDomains or Themed Auction applications to determine if a domain meets all of the criteria of that auction.  Applications often run into the tens of thousands, so selection is very limited.  If your application is declined, you will receive a notification email; in this email, each domain submitted is marked by a letter in parentheses that corresponds with a specific reason.  There are four primary reasons why a domain might be declined:

1.   Reason "(Q)" – Quality:  The domain you submitted does not fulfill the quality requirements (this is the most common reason a domain is declined).  Domains are only accepted if:
  • The domain extension (TLD) of the domain is considered premium and has a history of high-value sales(such as .com, .net or .de)
  • The domain is generic, describing an existing product or service. (e.g. like car.com, creditcard.com, or healthcare.com)
  • The domain is short, consists of an actual, real word, and is easy to remember
  • The domain is easy to spell and not prone to typographical errors
  • The TLD geographically matches the language of the domain name
  • The domain doesn't violate third party rights (e.g. trademark rights, intellectual property, or other famous names)
Additionally, your domain may be declined for one or more of the following quality-related reasons:
  • The domain name has been recently registered, so potential interest is indeterminable
  • The word or phrase making up the domain name returns limited search results
  • The domain name has low CPC/Advertising bids in relation to search terms
  • The extension of the domain is not one being considered for that particular auction event
If your domain is declined due to quality, you cannot reapply for a later auction with that domain.  The quality of a domain cannot be changed, so please consider starting a Marketplace Auction if you receive an offer for the domain.  Promoting a domain using Sedo's Featured Listing system can help to increase your chances of receiving offers.
Hint!  Check our Tips for Sellers for other ideas on how to increase your chances of making a sale!
2.   Reason "(O)" – Whois:  The ownership of the domain cannot be verified.  This happens when the information in the domain’s Whois record does not match the contact information in your Sedo account.  Please make sure that at least the email address on the Whois records matches the email address you have confirmed with Sedo; then, you may reapply through My Sedo > My Domains.

3.   Reason "(R)" – Reserve:  The minimum/reserve price you suggested for the domain is too high for the current domain market, based on trends we’ve noticed in buying and selling.  The decision email contains minimum/reserve recommendation from our brokers, and you may reapply for the Premium/Themed Auction Event using this recommended amount.

4.   Reason "(F)" – Auction Full:  Sedo has approved the maximum number of applications for this Auction Event. You may reapply for a later event through My Sedo > My Domains.


Note: Application decisions are final, as determined by Sedo's brokerage staff.  Consider our Tips for Selling for alternative ways you can promote your listed domains.

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