What is a Domain Backorder? (And How to Correctly Submit One)
What Is Domain Backordering and Why Should You Consider It?
Did you know that every day, thousands of valuable domain names expire and become accessible again?
Yet, many individuals are unaware of the systematic approach to secure these domains before anyone else takes them.
This is where domain backordering comes into the picture.
What Is Domain Backordering?
A domain backorder is basically a service that tries to register a domain name the instant it becomes available.
By utilizing a backorder service, you are essentially reserving a domain that is currently owned by someone else.
Think of it as being first in line for tickets to a sold-out concert, hoping for a cancellation so you can seize their spot.
And believe me, the excitement of finally obtaining that perfect domain is unmatched.
What is a Domain Backorder? (And How to Correctly Submit One)
Why Consider Backordering a Domain?
At times, you may come up with the ideal domain name for your blog or online shop, only to find it’s already registered. It might not even be in use—or worse, it’s simply parked and neglected. In such cases, backordering a domain can make a significant difference.
Here are a few reasons to think about backordering a domain:
You could acquire a premium domain name that is currently owned.
It’s often more economical than purchasing directly from the existing owner, who may ask for a high price.
You receive expert help in securing the domain the moment it becomes available, which saves you both time and effort.
Utilizing several backorder services can enhance your chances of success.
Difficulties of Domain Backordering
I’ve discovered that domain backordering has its flaws. There are several challenges and potential risks involved.
Primarily, there’s no assurance that you’ll obtain the domain, as you may not be the sole party interested in it. If several individuals backorder the same domain, it could be put up for auction, increasing the price beyond what you’re willing to pay.
I’ve also observed that certain services will charge you even if the attempt to backorder is unsuccessful. Furthermore, there are instances where the existing owner renews the domain at the last moment, essentially resetting the entire process and leaving you back to the beginning.
If you can handle the possibility that it might not pan out, continue reading!
What’s there to lose?
It may feel intimidating initially, but I’ve navigated through the domain backordering process several times, both for myself and for friends.
The Lifecycle of Domain Registration: How Does It Operate?
Timing is crucial for domain backordering. But when is the ideal time to place that backorder?
To determine this, it’s essential to grasp how domain names evolve through their lifecycle.
Here are the key stages:
Domain Registration Periods: Each domain name is registered for a specified duration, usually between 1 and 10 years.
During this time, the owner has complete rights to utilize and renew the domain as they choose.
Expiration and Grace Periods: When a domain registration period concludes without renewal, it doesn’t immediately become accessible to the public.
Instead, it enters a Grace Period that typically lasts from 30 to 45 days.
During this stage, the current owner can still renew the domain at the standard renewal rate without facing any penalties.
Redemption Period: If the domain remains unrenewed during the Grace Period, it transitions into the Redemption Period, usually lasting an additional 30 days.
At this point, the previous owner can still retrieve their domain, but they will incur a substantial redemption fee, which can be as high as $200.
Pending Delete Status: Once the Redemption Period is over, the domain enters the Pending Delete phase, lasting approximately 5 days.
At this stage, the domain is set for deletion, and the original owner can no longer renew it. No modifications or registrations can occur during this timeframe.
After the registration is deleted, the domain becomes available for public registration!
Here’s a visual representation that may assist you in understanding the domain lifecycle more clearly:
What is a Domain Backorder? (And How to Correctly Submit One)
If you find that your ideal domain is in the redemption or pending delete stage, it might be wise to take action.
However, if your target domain doesn’t expire for another 9 years, consider that a signal to be patient and revisit the situation later (or search for an alternative domain).
In the upcoming section, we will demonstrate how to keep track of a domain’s status. This will help you determine if it’s worthwhile to place a backorder.
Here’s a brief summary of key terms associated with the domain life cycle:
🕒 Grace Period: A 30 to 45 day timeframe post-expiration during which the existing owner can renew the domain at its standard price.
💰 Redemption Period: A further 30-day window where the owner has the opportunity to reclaim the domain by paying a redemption fee.
⏳ Pending Delete: The last 5-day countdown before the domain is returned to the public. No renewals or modifications are permitted during this phase.
🗑️ Domain Drop: The moment when the domain is officially removed from the registry and made available for anyone to register.
🎯 Drop Catching: The act of trying to register a domain the moment it becomes available during the Domain Drop.
Conducting Research Prior to Backordering a Domain Name
When considering backordering a domain name that belongs to another party, it is crucial to perform some fundamental research beforehand.
From my experience, not all domain names are the same. Some may infringe on copyrights or trademarks, may have been utilized for distributing malware or spam, or could be linked to other harmful activities. It is wise to steer clear of these issues.
However, there’s no need to fret—numerous tools are available to assist with your research.
Tracking the Status of the Domain
Staying updated is crucial when it comes to backordering domains. WHOIS tools offer historical records for all kinds of domain names.
This enables you to see when a domain was registered, when it was last renewed, when DNS modifications occurred, and other historical information.
By examining historical WHOIS records, you can identify potential warning signs, such as frequent changes in ownership, which might suggest problems.
Here are several tools that I have found particularly useful for tracking a domain’s history:
ICANN WHOIS Lookup: The official WHOIS lookup tool from ICANN provides authoritative data straight from the domain’s registry.
It displays key dates like creation, expiration, and last update, as well as the current status codes of the domain.
DomainTools: This site offers extensive WHOIS records along with historical data.
It can assist in tracking changes over time and revealing whether the domain has undergone multiple expiration cycles.
ExpiredDomains.net: This service lists domains that are either expired, pending deletion, or soon to be available.
It serves as a valuable resource for monitoring domains nearing the conclusion of their lifecycle and finding potential backorder opportunities.
What is a Domain Backorder? (And How to Correctly Submit One)
Utilizing these tools allows you to monitor the status of your preferred domain closely and be prepared to place a backorder at the right moment.
I’ve discovered that integrating these monitoring tools with backordering services greatly enhances my likelihood of acquiring the domains I desire.
Verifying Trademarks
Next, it’s important to ensure that the domain name does not infringe on any registered trademarks.
Under ICANN regulations, if a domain name breaches a company’s registered trademark, that company can lay claim to the domain name or request its removal.
I’ve witnessed this occur, and it’s a situation you definitely want to steer clear of.
To conduct a quick trademark search, you can reference the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s database. Just input your desired domain name in the search field to check for any potential matches.
What is a Domain Backorder? (And How to Correctly Submit One)
Verifying Previous Use of a Domain Name
It’s crucial to investigate how the domain was utilized in the past. What types of websites were linked to it?
Was it associated with any questionable activities?
I consistently check the history of a domain before moving forward.
The simplest method to accomplish this is by utilizing the Wayback Machine.
It serves as a vast historical archive of the internet, regularly capturing snapshots of websites.
By inputting the domain name, you can access earlier versions of the website and gain insight into its former content.
What is a Domain Backorder? (And How to Correctly Submit One)
Conducting a Domain Health Check
It’s essential to verify that the domain hasn’t been associated with spamming, cyber attacks, or malware distribution.
I’ve come to realize that acquiring a domain with a negative reputation can lead to significant complications later on.
You can utilize tools like MxToolBox’s domain health tool to look for any warning signs.
Just input the domain name, and the tool will perform a variety of checks to uncover any potential issues.
What is a Domain Backorder? (And How to Correctly Submit One)
Choosing the Right Domain Backordering Service
When it comes to securing the ideal domain name, picking the right backordering service can truly make a difference.
Not all backordering services are equal; some are transparent with their pricing and provide assistance for any queries, while others complicate the process of acquiring the information you need.
Based on my experience, here are the essential factors to consider when choosing a backordering service:
Transparent Pricing and Policies: You want to avoid any unexpected fees.
Proven Track Record: A service that has a history of successful backorders boosts your likelihood of obtaining that desired domain.
Excellent Customer Support: Responsive support is crucial when questions come up.
Effective Communication: Getting timely updates keeps you informed throughout the process.
Source : wpbeginner.com