When Using "Buy a domain", Prevent Interruptions

One of the saddest problems reports, seen in Blogger Help Forum: Something Is Broken, and mentioning the custom domain purchase process, starts with

I had a problem with my credit card, and had to get my bank to allow my purchase. But now, I see

We found an existing order for this domain. Please contact support.

or maybe

I had to answer the phone after I started my purchase, and now the domain that I wanted isn't available. How do I get the domain that should be mine?

These problem reports are from people who did not understand how simple the domain purchase process is.

1. Select an available domain.
2. Provide registration and payment information.

That simplicity is based on a monolithic restriction.

The purchase process does not allow for interruption.

It is to your advantage, when purchasing your domain, to complete the purchase, quickly.

The domain purchase process is similar to the blog setup process, as you choose an available blog name. When you identify an available and useful URL (or domain name), you need to select (or pay for) that URL (domain name) immediately. As you purchase the domain name of your dreams, remember that there are, at any time, up to 3 groups of people looking for a domain.

1. You.
2. Other Blogger blog owners, looking to buy a domain for their Blogger blog.
3. People outside Blogger / Google, looking to setup a website.

Unfortunately, only one of you can have the domain name of your dreams.

Look again, how simple "Buy a domain" is.

1. Select an available domain.
2. Provide payment information.
3. Done. Get to work, planning the migration process.

The longer you take, between starting Step #1 and completing Step #2, the greater the chance that you may see

Sorry, this domain is not available.

as you complete Step #2.

In some cases, and when you specifically see

We found an existing order for this domain. Please contact support.

we can offer you an alternative.

1. Clear cache, cookies, and sessions (all 3!), restart the browser, and try again.
2. Wait 48 to 72 hours, and try again.

This alternative allows you to "try again". It does not guarantee that the domain that you chose will still be waiting for you, when you try again. A popular domain name, based on some major cultural news event, may be gone in a matter of minutes. Wait 48 to 72 hours - and your guess is as good as mine.

Maybe, we should rewrite the purchase process.

1. Prepare.
   • Call your bank, and get your credit card cleared for the purchase.
   • Get a cup of coffee.
   • Unplug the phone.
   • Close the door of your office.
2. Select an available domain.
3. Provide payment information.
4. Done. Plug the phone back in, and rinse out the coffee cup.

Take 15 minutes out of your busy schedule, and get the purchase done. Then, return to normal life.

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