I came across a domain on EPIK.com that was not renewed by the owner and caught my interest. I figured the best course of action would be to secure it before it gets deleted.
Upon my research, I discovered that the domain could either be sent to their own expiry auction, their backorder queue, or nameliquidate. In hopes of increasing my chances, I purchased their fully refundable backorder worth $199, with the option to participate in the auctions if the domain goes there. However, the owner transferred the domain to another registrar, dashed my hopes, and prompted me to cancel my backorder and request a full refund.

Unfortunately, upon cancellation, I discovered that the money went to in-store credits instead of my credit card. Although it wasn't surprising, I still had to manually request a refund from support. The support team notified me that there would be a 2.5% fee for any refund to a credit card, which was my payment source. After confirming my agreement to the fees and requesting a refund, I had to go through multiple emails and confirmations with the support team before getting it processed. However, despite their assurance to send it to their accounts team, there has been no update or action taken yet, even after more than 10 days.

This situation is unfortunately not uncommon, as many other domainer's sales proceeds have been stuck in limbo. Despite feeling less hopeful now, I will continue to follow up until the refund is processed.

Check out the financial difficulties that Epik is facing by reading through their threads. Additionally, some domainers can purchase domains for the low price of $8.49 if they requested it. It seems outrageous that prepayment is required when every other platform that allows backordering only collects payment if they successfully catch the domain.

However, this doesn't really matter because Epik doesn't seem to be as effective at catching domains compared to their competitors.

The anticipation of securing a domain only to have it transferred to another registrar can be particularly disconcerting. It reflects the competitive nature of the domain market, where timing and strategic management play vital roles. When you initiated the backorder, it was a reasonable move to protect your interests, but the subsequent transfer demonstrates the unpredictable nature of domain ownership.

Regarding the refund process, it's unfortunate to hear that the money was credited to your account as in-store credit instead of being returned directly to your original payment method. This practice is not uncommon among registrars, as they often encourage users to utilize funds for future purchases, but it can lead to unnecessary complications for users seeking refunds. Your decision to prioritize a credit card refund, despite the associated fee, reflects a desire for cash liquidity, which is completely understandable in your situation.

The 2.5% fee for credit card refunds is a point worth addressing. It's important to be aware that many companies impose similar fees to cover payment processing costs. This can be frustrating, especially when you feel entitled to a full refund based on the circumstances. Your proactive approach in confirming your agreement to the fees and following up with support exemplifies good practice in managing customer service interactions.

The delays you've experienced, particularly with the accounts team, are all too common in the industry. Many organizations have layers of bureaucracy that can slow down processes such as refunds, especially during busy periods. Consistent follow-up is vital, and documenting your communications can help expedite the resolution. Consider escalating the matter if you continue to face delays, perhaps by requesting to speak with a supervisor or higher-level support.
While your experience is indeed a tough one, it's also a valuable lesson in the domain acquisition process and the importance of being prepared for the various challenges that can arise. Patience and persistence are key, and remaining proactive will serve you well as you navigate this situation. I wish you success in resolving the refund and encourage you to continue chasing the opportunities that the domain market presents.