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Here’s a common scenario: you came up with the perfect domain name, but someone’s already taken it. In 2019, the internet grew to 362.3 million domain names.
This number only continues to increase, so it’s no surprise if you’re having trouble securing the right domain name. However, just because someone else has your desired domain name doesn’t mean that it’s forever lost. You can use a domain backorder service to try to obtain that domain name.
Keep reading to learn about how domain backorder services work. To set you up for success, we’re giving you information on five of the best domain backorder services.
How Do Domain Backorder Services Work?
Put simply, domain back ordering is when you monitor a domain name until it expires or becomes available for someone else – like you – to take.
Domains typically become available when people forget to renew a registered domain name or if they intentionally let it expire because they no longer need it.
If a domain owner does not renew the domain, it enters a 30-day grace period. At the end of the grace period, it goes through an expired domain auction. If the domain name remains unsold, it returns to the registry, and anyone can claim it.
A domain backorder service helps you find domains when they’re at the end of the renewal grace period. These services use domain backorder software to keep track of expired domain names.
In general, you provide your desired domain name to these services, and they alert you when it’s available.
5 of the Best Backorder Domain Services
There’s a high probability that many other people want the same domain name as you. Therefore, it’s helpful to use multiple backorder service companies to stay on top of the competition.
Going with several different services can increase the probability of securing a domain name. The reason for this is that each one uses its own systems or software. On top of the list below, we backorder many domains via NameCheap.
1. GoDaddy
GoDaddy has one of the most popular backorder services in the market. This service offers free domain monitoring and membership to GoDaddy Auctions for one year. If you successfully secure a domain name, you also receive a year of domain registration.
Once you open a GoDaddy account, you can buy backorder credit. After you’ve purchased credits, you can search for domains and apply them to your preferred domain name. Domain backorders start at $24.98 each.
After creating a backorder, you will receive automatic notifications every time the status of the domain name changes. You can also use GoDaddy’s monitoring tools, which help keep track of changes.
If multiple people backorder the same domain name and it becomes available, they enter into an auction. The first person to place a backorder will receive the opening bid.
Now, if your backorder is unsuccessful, you can submit another backorder and try again. You can also move your credits to a different domain name for free.
2. SnapNames
SnapNames is another well-known backorder service. It offers several benefits, such as daily deals on domain names and a member-exclusive list of domain names.
After you create an account, you can search for a domain name and place a backorder. If the desired domain name becomes available, you’ll receive an email notification.
If multiple people place a backorder on the same domain name, it goes into a 3-day auction. You have the option to change your maximum bid amount, and SnapNames will adjust accordingly. Bids will increase at the minimum increment until someone achieves the highest bid.
You only get charged if SnapNames successfully secures a domain name for you. If you don’t get the domain name, you can place another backorder for the same one or try obtaining a different one.
3. 123 Reg
123 Reg is a reputable company that has been around for 20 years. It’s the largest domain name provider in the UK and has won several awards for its services.
Its mission is to make the internet accessible to everyone, and backorder service is just one of many services offered.
123 Reg’s backorder service is simple. First, search for your desired domain name. Then, place a backorder, and 123 Reg will monitor the domain name until it becomes available. Once it’s available, 123 Reg will attempt to register it for you.
A benefit to 123 Reg’s backorder service is that you don’t have to pay a fee unless you win the domain name. The current charges are £49.99 and £59.99, depending on the domain’s extension.
Working with 123 Reg can be very convenient for people looking to build their websites and internet presence. Along with securing a domain name, you can use 123 Reg’s other website development services to ensure that everything is running as optimally as possible.
4. Dynadot
Dynadot encourages its clients to use WHOIS and its Watch List. WHOIS can help with the following:
- researching domain owner’s contact information
- checking a domain’s availability
- monitoring domain expirations
Best of all, WHOIS is free. All you have to do is type in a domain name in the WHOIS search bar, and you’ll have access to a lot of helpful information.
You can use Dynadot’s Watch List in tandem with WHOIS Search to keep track of domain names. Users can submit backorder bids through Watch List. Like 123 Reg, you don’t have to pay until Dynadot successfully secures a domain name for you.
The cheaper bids usually start at $24.99. Dynadot also provides an EstiBot appraisal value so you can get an estimate of the domain name’s worth.
Dynadot is also pretty accessible. It has mobile apps for both Apple and Android. It also has a live chat function so you can ask any questions and receive a direct response.
5. Hexonet
Hexonet prides itself on its top-notch, speedy technology. A team of experts manages the services to provide reliable customer service and the most up-to-date domain expirations.
One of the highlights of Hexonet’s backorder service is Hexonet’s Daily COM/NET Promotion. This feature only lists .com and .net domains. It shows domain names that become eligible for bidding at a promotional price. These promos refresh daily at 2pm Eastern Time.
Another feature is Backorder Lite. Hexonet tags specific domain names so that they’re eligible for Backorder Lite. Users can purchase these domain names at a discounted, flat-fee price on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The only caveat is that the regular Backorder service overrides Backorder Lite. So, if a user bids for a domain name through Hexonet’s regular Backorder service, the Backorder Lite discounts no longer apply.
You can set up an account for free, and you only pay when Hexonet successfully places a domain name into your account.
Final Thoughts
We recommend using several domain backorder services because it can take a lot of time and patience to secure a domain name.
You have to monitor when domains expire and participate in auctions and bidding wars. The process can get overwhelming very quickly, especially if you’re juggling multiple domains.
Also, there are some instances where a domain name gets renewed and doesn’t expire. You could potentially spend hours monitoring a domain name that isn’t even available.
Domain backdoor services make the process way more convenient because they do all the work for you. They save time by monitoring domains and submitting bids. They also often take care of domain registration.
All you have to do is place a backorder and wait for the results.
Now that you have more information on the best domain backorder services, you have to make sure you have your eyes on quality domain names.
We can provide valuable insight and information on domain names so that all your backorders are for competitive and valuable domains. Contact us with any questions, and make sure to sign up for a free account with us to get started today.
