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

As soon as I get the idea for it I check the domain. If the price is right, I buy!

Always buy it as soon as I have the idea - I have so many in used ones now. I guess its a reminder of the ideas you didn’t see through.

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.

@aaronoleary on the positive side, maybe one day, your unused domain could give you some good return on investment ;) I would buy a domain once I know I will proceed with the idea.

Sometimes before, sometimes after :) If they're cheap its kind of a fun hobby to collect them and dream. If I'm serious, I try and make sure I have the domain and its running some kind of landing page ASAP

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

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. :)

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

I like to buy them early because it gives me a motivation to start working on the product. Usually I just chuck a very simple email sign up onto the page with my value proposition so I have something for people to click and sign up if interested.

Whenever there is a solid convention to proceed with the idea before the actual coding starts.

Every year around 10 of my domains expire and I add 10 more. On average I have 30-40 domains.

when my name acquired b y domain broker then I bought a shorter one.

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.

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

Right after I decide that I'm going to work on it. I don't buy a domain name because I have a "great idea." If I feel like I'm commited to it, then yes, I'll register a domain name.

I'm probably the worst example of domain buying, but I have a rule. I buy the domain once I know I am really keen on the idea / space and at that time consider this a serious business to get into. I buy this way usually within 10 days of the idea popping into my head. In these 10 days I typically try and get basic validations in place for the idea (market and potential, competitors etc.); but then I give myself 1 year to either do that business or junk the domain!

First decide if you intend to pursue the online business idea. Before purchasing the domain name it makes sense to examine the domain names of rivals and industry leaders. Then take note of any keywords they use as well as their domain extension.

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 also purchase the domain as soon as possible. My accountant says I spend way too much money on domain names but my opinion is that if it's there you've got to jump on it. To reduce waste, I often turn unused domain names into SEO testing domains. That way, at the very least, the registration cost goes toward learning.