Domain backorder service for drop catching domains

Look through our lists of pending delete domains, soon to be released by the registry.
Alternatively, search keywords across all ccTLDs we monitor.
Find an expired domain name you would like to obtain.

Place your backorder for free

Backorder any domain listed on our website, free of charge.
We then monitor the drop, track the timing, and prepare the registration attempt, known as ‘drop catching’ the domain.
As soon as it drops, we attempt to register the domain, utilising our proprietary software and vast experience.

Win your domain

You'll receive an email informing you of the result.
If we are successful and you are the only user to backorder, the domain is yours from £49.
If there are multiple backorders, a domain auction between everyone¹ who attempted to backorder is created.
If you are the highest bidder, you pay the amount of your winning bid. If outbid, there's nothing to pay.

What is a domain backorder?

A domain backorder is a request to register a domain name as soon as it becomes available again. With backorder.com, they are free to place - you only pay if we are successful in capturing the domain for you.

It is most commonly used for domains that have expired (where the owner hasn't renewed) and passed through the redemption and deletion process (when they are known as "pending delete" domains), and are about to be released by the registry, meaning they can be registered by someone new.

For the average person, it is very hard to try and hand register a domain at the exact moment it drops, so instead, it’s best to place a backorder in advance, with a backorder domain service like ourselves.

Using our own proprietary software and expertise, Backorder.com monitors supported pending delete domains and attempts to secure your chosen domain the very moment it is released - far faster than you could do it manually yourself. This is known as ‘drop-catching’ a domain.

A backorder does not guarantee that you will get the domain, but it gives you a dedicated attempt at capturing it during the release window.

Why backorder a domain with backorder.com?

Free to place a backorder. No subscriptions, no upfront fees, no obligation. You only pay if we register the domain.
Fixed pricing from £49. Successful single-bidder catches are a flat fee - not an opaque markup that scales with the domains perceived value.
ccTLD specialists. We focus on the extensions most drop catchers ignore - .io, .ai, .uk, .eu, .nl, .me and 20+ more.
Fair, transparent auctions. When multiple users want the same domain, it goes to a private auction between only the users that backordered - no hidden bidders, no inflated reserves, no new entrants to the auction.
Direct relationships with registries including EURid, Nominet, SIDN and Identity Digital.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to backorder a domain?

Nothing upfront, as backorders are free to place. However you are required to agree to our 'offer to purchase' which will automatically charge your payment card should the domain be caught and you are the only user to place a backorder for that domain. You only pay if we successfully register the domain on your behalf, with successful catches starting from £49.

What happens if more than one person backorders the same domain?

If we catch it, the domain goes to a private auction between everyone who placed a backorder. The highest bidder wins. If you're the only person who backordered it, you pay the fixed fee instead.

Which TLDs can I backorder?

We currently support 24+ ccTLDs including .io, .ai, .uk, .co.uk, .eu, .nl, .me and .ch.

What happens if Backorder.com catches the domain?

If we successfully secure the domain, we’ll email you with the outcome and next steps.

Does a domain backorder guarantee I will get the domain?

No. A domain backorder does not guarantee success. It gives you an attempt to register the domain when it becomes available, but other people or services may also be trying to secure the same name.

What if the backorder is unsuccessful?

You pay nothing. We only charge for domains we successfully secure for you.

Can I backorder any domain?

You can only backorder domains that are supported by Backorder.com and are eligible within the relevant registry process. Search the site to see which domains are currently available to backorder.

Can I backorder a domain that hasn't expired yet?

Unfortunately not - a domain must have expired to appear in our pending delete or expiring soon lists.

When should I place a domain backorder?

As early as possible, as our direct accreditation with some registries gives us early access (up to 14 days before the actual drop!). Once a desirable domain has dropped, it may be registered quickly by someone else.

How many domains can I backorder at once?

Accounts with no previous payments can backorder up to five domains at any one time. Once successful payments have been made, the limit is removed.

Can I cancel a backorder?

You can cancel a backorder providing it is before the drop date. For domains that include a drop time, backorders must be cancelled at least 60 minutes before the scheduled drop time, however if we have already applied for the domain, cancellation is not possible.

Backorders are eligible for cancellation if you see a cancel option on your backorders page.