Domain backorder
A domain backorder is a paid order placed with a drop-catch service before a domain becomes available. The service attempts to register the domain at the moment it drops. If multiple backorders are placed for the same domain, it is auctioned to the highest bidder. Typical price: $59-$80 per attempt with no refund if catch fails.
In depth
Backorders are the standard way to compete for a high-value dropping domain. You pay the drop-catch service in advance; they attempt to register the domain at the precise moment of release; if successful and you are the only backorderer, you keep the domain at the original fee. If multiple parties placed backorders, the service runs a private auction and the highest bidder wins.
The major drop-catch services are DropCatch (operates many registrar shells, catches the majority of high-value drops), SnapNames, and NameJet (these two merged in 2020). Each runs different fleets of registrar accounts and offers different auction mechanics.
Backorder fees are non-refundable in most cases. If the catch fails (a different service or a different backorderer wins), you lose the order fee. Some services credit your account for future use; others do not.
For low-demand domains a backorder is often unnecessary — manual registration via any registrar at the drop time usually succeeds. Backorders are economic only for names where the resale value clearly exceeds the catch fee + auction price.
Examples
- A 4-letter .com hits redemptionPeriod. You place a $79 backorder with DropCatch. 35 days later DropCatch catches it. Three other parties also backordered. The domain is auctioned and you bid $1,500 to win.
- A niche keyword .com hits pendingDelete. You place a $59 backorder. The catch succeeds with no competing backorders. You receive the domain at the standard $10 .com fee + the $59 backorder.
- A premium 3-letter .com drops. Three drop-catch services compete; DropCatch catches it. The internal auction settles at $48,000.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a domain backorder cost?
Typically $59-$80 per attempt. If multiple backorders compete, the catch goes to auction with separate auction-side pricing.
Are backorder fees refundable?
Usually not. Some services credit failed orders to your account for future use; most do not.
Which backorder service should I use?
For .com/.net drops, DropCatch typically has the highest catch rate. SnapNames/NameJet are competitive. For ccTLDs and newer gTLDs, results vary by TLD.
Can I backorder a domain that is not yet expired?
You can place an order at any time. The service will only attempt to catch the domain if it actually progresses through the drop cycle.
How is a backorder different from registering directly?
A backorder is a queued attempt to register at the moment of release. Direct registration only succeeds if the domain is already available. For dropping domains the timing is too tight to do manually.
Related terms
References
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