When I entered domain speculation in 2015, GoDaddy had great prices, discounts and competitive renewal rates. In 2022, they now have the least competitive renewal rates, highest BIN commissions, and a 1 coupon limit per customer, literally one coupon per account - one time usage.
I don't see Dan.com deal being good for domain speculators, though I congratulate Dan.com on a successful exit. Building a good product or service isn't easy, let alone building a company or brand to GTO said goods or services.
Still, no matter the level of ambiguous PR talk I hear from GD and Dan, I'll wait to see where things are one year from now. Historically, all these deals do is increase costs for users of GoDaddy. Study the record since 2015 and prove me wrong.
With every acquisition the costs are passed onto customers, and domainers are 70% of the domain business.
Ironically, one of the arguments from monopolists for monopoly is lower costs!
On the bright side, I use NameCheap, Epik, and Dynadot registrars and the removal of Dan from the innovation lane opens a huge opportunity for aforementioned registrars and others. Customizable landers, single digit commissions, flexible payment plans, and registrant controlled negotiations are key to filling the Dan.com vacuum.
Many like myself were expecting the big announcement from Dan as a newly minted registry, so total let down in that regard.
If all fails, I'll focus on building my own landers in 2023 to keep all commissions to myself.