I create websites for small businesses. I've seen almost every conceivable domain renewal failure in my 20 years of experience. No matter how many times we re

I create websites for small businesses. I've seen almost every conceivable domain renewal failure in my 20 years of experience. No matter how many times we remind clients to get this aspect of their business documented we still have sites go down every year. We charge a fee to "manage" domains for those who opt-in, solely for this reason (and it's worth it). The most common reasons: Bad contact email Auto renew off Expired CC Lost password The more obscure: Bought domain through a reseller who is now out of business (more common than you think) "Branded" contact email which post expiration, no longer works. Disgruntled "losing" webmaster who registered domain under his/her account and is now holding it hostage.