How Backorders Work: Timing Rules for GoDaddy, DropCatch, SnapNames & NameJet

When valuable domains enter the deletion cycle, savvy investors don’t wait and hope—they use backordering services to automatically attempt registration the moment a domain drops. Understanding how these platforms work and their timing mechanisms is essential for capturing expiring domains.

What Is a Domain Backorder?

A backorder is a pre-registration request with a specialized service that monitors expiring domains and attempts to register them immediately upon deletion. When multiple users backorder the same domain, the service typically conducts a private auction among participants. Backorders don’t guarantee acquisition—they guarantee an attempt and entry into competitive bidding if successful.

The Four Major Platforms

GoDaddy Auctions

Cost: $18.99-$24.99 per backorder
Process: Place your backorder, and GoDaddy attempts capture when the domain drops. If successful with only one backorder, you get the domain. Multiple backorders trigger a 7-day public auction starting at the backorder fee.
Timing: Attempts during standard deletion windows (typically 2:00-2:30 PM ET)
Advantage: Strong catch rates as a major registrar; budget-friendly pricing
Refund: Only charged if GoDaddy successfully catches the domain

DropCatch

Cost: Minimum $69 bid
Process: Fund your account and place bids on expiring domains before they drop. Highest bid at drop time wins—no post-auction period.
Timing: Real-time bidding with attempts at precise deletion moments
Advantage: Transparent competition (see bidder count); immediate results
Unique Feature: Pre-drop bidding allows strategic positioning before the domain becomes available

SnapNames

Cost: $69 starting backorder
Process: Place backorder, SnapNames attempts capture, and successful catches with multiple backorders enter 3-day private auctions restricted to backorder participants only.
Timing: Monitors entire expiration lifecycle with coordinated catch attempts
Advantage: Private auction format often yields lower prices than public auctions
Refund: Charged only if caught; refunded if you don’t win auction

NameJet

Cost: $69-$99+ depending on domain tier
Process: Backorder premium domains, and if caught with competition, enter 4-day private auctions. High-value domains may have reserve prices.
Timing: Extensive monitoring with registry-synchronized catch attempts
Advantage: Strong premium domain catch rate; partnership access to pre-release domains
Unique: Some domains listed before deletion through registrar partnerships

Platform Comparison

Strategic Approach

Multi-Platform Strategy: Serious investors backorder valuable domains across multiple platforms simultaneously to maximize capture probability. You only pay if the domain is caught, making this low-risk.

Timing Your Backorders:

• Early (30-60 days out): Research domain value and place backorders
• Mid (Redemption period): Confirm non-renewal and monitor competition
• Final (Pending delete): Verify active backorders and set bid limits

Drop Time Patterns: While unpredictable, most .com deletions occur between 2:00-2:30 PM ET. Backordering services monitor continuously throughout deletion windows.

Maximizing Success

✅ Use 2-3 platforms for high-value domains
✅ Research domain history, traffic, and comparable sales
✅ Set rational bid limits before auctions begin
✅ Place backorders early in the expiration cycle
✅ Check trademark issues before bidding

❌ Avoid backordering without research
❌ Don’t rely on single platforms
❌ Never overbid based on auction emotion

Conclusion

Domain backordering transforms expired domain acquisition from chance into strategy. By understanding how GoDaddy, DropCatch, SnapNames, and NameJet operate, you can position yourself to capture valuable domains as they re-enter the market. Combine multi-platform backorders with disciplined research and bidding for the best results.

Related: Domain Expiration to Deletion: Complete Guide to Grace, Redemption & Drop Times