When do you buy the domain?

In the middle of the night, about 3 years before I start working on the idea.

Unlike everyone else. I buy a domain randomly when I am sad or down, same way my girlfriend buys a new dress when she's sad. I know its not normal but I can't help it.

I buy the domain first. When I finish the project, AWESOME. When I don't finish the project, I unregister the domain, 'cause I am not a A-Hole domain hoarder. :)

usually when there is a solid base to proceed with idea and concept

I’ve a separate list in my notes tracker. When an idea or a project re-emerges couple times, it’s time to launch a landing page and get a domain.

Buying domain names is an addiction by itself for me haha I usually buy the domain when I come up with a good name. Sometimes that's the first thing, sometimes it takes a while

like you, I check and buy the domain right away.

Controversial opinion: If you don't own the {.com} domain, you don't own the company. Signal is key on day 0.

Marketing and branding first. I check the potential market and run a benchmark so I know what domain I can use. For example, I bought a domain for an association that takes care of elderly people. In the beginning, I just wanted to put the name of the association, but then I wasn't sure about the extension (.org, .fr...) because of its location. So we ran market research and based on the competition and what people searched on Google, we chose the domain that would work best.

after I discussed it with close friends (#realitycheck) otherwise I would end up with a ton of domains :D

The same as you ,indeed many ideas seem it's wonderful.It tells me that is a mistake when making those out . Maybe we should cool down~ and think about it times .

I would recommend wait. I have bought domains thinking they were awesome only to realize a couple of weeks later that the domain actually sucked. As your idea matures also the naming will do, no rush to buy anything when you are just excited about the next "big" idea you had.

always have a stash of names in had as you work on your idea, if it a great idea and you can't shake it off go check which one is available and claim it

I buy it well before I start coding 🙂

Have the solid idea first before buying.

If it's relatively inexpensive, I just buy the domain. Helps motivate me get the project started even if it doesn't workout in the end.

Buy first, set to auto-renew after (and if) the project is done 😁

Out of curiosity, how many domains do you all own?

Tricky! I'd say after the product has started to take shape, I went through 3 domains before settling on one.

I tend to do the same mistake of buying the domain as soon as the idea swings by, i start my search for a good name and baam its bought :) thats why i have around 30 domains lurking around... haha