EPAG Domainservices, SnapNames, Tucows.. what?!

[jjmcd82]

Hello, I'm kinda new to looking for dropped and expiring domains, so I was hoping someone could help me figure out what is going on with this mess.

I found a domain I'd like, and I set up backorder services through multiple providers (including snapnames and pool).

Well, SnapNames kept saying the auction would start today @ 10 am so I was assuming they actually got it.

Instead, it is now saying "Acquiring Name" and the registrar has changed to EPAG Domainservices GMBH - someone I've never heard of before today. Apparently EPAG Domainservices GMBH is owned by Tucows? And SnapNames says they have affiliation with Tucows?

But now the auction is listed on some other entirely unrelated site as a private auction that only people who backordered can get in to.

I'm guessing EPAG got to it first, and only the people who backordered through them are being allowed to bid on it now? Is this a correct understanding, and is there really anything I can do at this point except try to use even more backordering services in the future?

Any advice is greatly appreciated - I'm trying to learn as I go along!