I was monitoring two domains, one registered with NetSol and the other with OnlineNic. Despite being the sole preorder for the NetSol domain, it unexpectedly went to public auction, causing me to spend a significant amount of money on a domain that I don't see having much value. On the other hand, the domain registered with OnlineNic, which I expected to go to public auction, ended up being listed as "Closed" after someone else placed an order just before the cutoff time for preorders. Interestingly, similar names registered with OnlineNic are now offered with a BuyNow option instead of going through public auction.
It seems that the process of domain acquisition through SnapNames and its partners is not entirely transparent, and I'm left wondering if all the domains obtained through these channels go to public auction or if it depends on the registrar. Can anyone shed some light on this?

Also, I would love to hear about others' experiences with using SnapNames for domain acquisitions. This has been quite a learning experience for me, as it's my first time using SnapNames.

It's important to note that the behavior of domains going to public auction or being listed as "Closed" after preorders can depend on various factors, including the registrar, the specific domain, and potentially even the timing of orders. While some registrars may consistently send domains to public auction, others may adopt different approaches based on their own policies and agreements with partners.

Moreover, the sudden change in the availability of similar names registered with OnlineNic, now offered with a BuyNow option, indicates the dynamic nature of the domain market. This further underscores the intricacies and unpredictability of domain acquisition processes, especially when dealing with multiple registrars and partner platforms.

Regarding your query about others' experiences with using SnapNames for domain acquisitions, it's important to recognize that individual experiences can vary widely. Factors such as the specific domains sought, the competitiveness of the market, and the timing of orders can all significantly impact the outcome of domain acquisitions through SnapNames.
While the domain acquisition process through SnapNames and its partners may lack full transparency, it's imperative to stay informed of industry trends, registrar practices, and market dynamics to navigate this intricate domain landscape effectively. Continuing to seek insights from professionals, forums, and communities within the domain industry can provide valuable perspectives and help refine strategies for future domain acquisitions.