Published on TIGM.com — Where Domains Become Headlines
Backorder timing cheat sheet: when to backorder on DropCatch, SnapNames, NameJet, and how GoDaddy auctions/closeouts work. Includes UTC↔IST planner, checklists, and FAQs.
Key terms
- Backorder / Catch: system tries to register a domain the moment it drops (registry deletion).
- Cut-off time: latest time a platform accepts a backorder/participation for a specific domain.
- Pre-release / Expired auction: registrar sells a name before it drops (many never reach PD).
- Private auction: if >1 backorder on the same platform, only those backorderers can bid.
Cheat Sheet — Timing & Behaviors
| Platform | Use Case | Safe Timing | If >1 Bidder | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DropCatch | Pending Delete (.COM strong) | ≥6–12 h before drop | Private auction | Huge network; top names often auction |
| SnapNames | Pending Delete + partner TLDs | ≥12 h early (sooner is better) | Private auction | Partner coverage varies; order early |
| NameJet | PD + pre-release feeds | PD: ≥12 h Pre-release: before close |
Private auction | Pre-release inventory may never hit PD |
| GoDaddy Auctions | Expired + Closeouts | Track auction end (no backorders) | Public auction → Closeout | Most GoDaddy names never drop |
| Dynadot | Select TLD + expired stream | ≥12–24 h early | Auction if multi-order | Strong for ccTLD / alt coverage |
| Name.com / Porkbun | Registrar-level catches | ≥24 h before drop | Varies by registrar | Confirm supported TLDs + renewals |
Evergreen habits, not fixed policy numbers. Always check the platform’s live rules. Strategy-wise, place orders hours earlier than any known cut-off.
UTC ↔ IST planner
Drop windows run in UTC batches.
IST = UTC + 5:30
Common planning anchors:
- 14:00–16:00 UTC ≈ 7:30–9:30 PM IST
- 17:00–19:00 UTC ≈ 10:30 PM–12:30 AM IST
- 20:00–22:00 UTC ≈ 1:30–3:30 AM IST (next day)
Safe rule:
Place all Pending Delete backorders by UTC morning for the same-day batch. Plan for clusters, not a single minute.
Simple playbook
- Check status (WHOIS/data): is it truly Pending Delete (PD Day 1–5) or still expired/pre-release?
- If GoDaddy-held and not PD → prioritize GoDaddy Auctions (then Closeouts if no bids).
- If PD: place backorders across DropCatch + SnapNames + NameJet (coverage > micro-timing).
- Place orders hours early to avoid cut-off misses.
- Set a hard max (walk-away price) for private auctions.
- Have funds ready (deposits/verification) so you can bid/pay instantly.
Cut-off myths vs reality
- “I can backorder at the last minute.”
Cut-offs & verification can lock you out. Place early. - “One platform is enough.”
For contested .COM, multi-platform coverage beats micro-timing. - “Drops have one exact minute.”
Registries delete in batches. Aim for the window, not a single timestamp. - “If it’s expiring, it will drop.”
Many registrars auction first; those names never reach PD.
Pre-drop checklist
- Status shows Pending Delete (PD) (not redemption/pre-release)
- Backorders placed on 2–3 platforms ≥6–12 h early
- Budget/walk-away set per name
- Funds ready; account verified
- Post-catch plan (lander/BIN, nameservers, WHOIS privacy)
FAQs
What if multiple platforms “win”?
Only one can register it. If your platform catches it, it appears in your account (or moves to a private auction if >1 backorder there).
Do Closeouts beat backorders?
Different streams. Closeouts occur after a GoDaddy expired auction gets zero bids. PD backorders are for names that actually drop.
How early is early enough?
Make it a habit: the day before, or at least UTC morning of the expected drop.
Alt/ccTLD timing?
Behavior varies, but place early, multi-platform, set budget still wins more than chasing minutes.
Change nameservers before bidding?
Not needed. Prepare your post-catch plan; change after you win.
