When a domain enters redemption, you are given a grace period to renew a domain name after it has expired. ICANN has placed this “grace period” in place due to domain names inadvertently being deleted or expired.
This is handy if you have forgotten to renew a domain. But, if your domain is managed by InMotion Hosting, your domain name is renewed for you.
However, if a domain falls into redemption it can be quite costly to regain the domain. Most registrars charge a fee to reclaim a domain. So, while the initial cost of purchasing the domain may be low, domains in redemption can be retrieved at a slightly higher cost.
The cost for redemption (for the TLDs we handle) is $80. We also bill for a 1-year renewal based on the domain TLD, which is added to the total for the final redemption fee.
A domain will not fall into redemption immediately after it expires. 40 days after the domain expires, and has not been renewed with the registrar, it will be placed into redemption status. If you renew your domain within the 40-day grace period, then you can avoid paying the redemption fees.
Domains stay in redemption for approximately 100 days. This allows the owner to reclaim the domain before it is released to the general public. After 100 days, the domain name will be available for purchase by the general public.
If you have further questions or need assistance please contact our support department.
For more information from OpenSRS, see this post about OpenSRS redemption policies.