Buying an expired domain can be a great way of acquiring a domain with a good backlink and SEO profile, or a catchy name you couldn’t get earlier.
But how do you go about getting one? When a domain expires, it doesn’t immediately become available for registration. Below are three common ways of trying to get an expired domain with the pros and cons of each.
1. Search for Auctions at the Same Registrar
Most of the major domain registrars (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Dynadot, etc.) auction off expired domains before they actually drop (become available to the public).
So, the first place to check is the marketplace of the registrar where the expired domain is registered at. See if they have it listed in their auctions.
Pros:
- Direct transfer: If you win the auction, the domain is moved directly into your account with no middleman.
- Transparency: Other bids are public, and you can set a maximum bidding price.
- Speed: You can get the domain quicker than waiting for it to drop.
Cons:
- Competition: Valuable domains attract multiple bidders, and this drives up the price.
- Not all domains are auctioned: Some registrars don’t hold public auctions.
2. Place a Backorder with a Drop Catching Service
If the domain doesn’t go to auction, you may use a drop catching service like SnapNames, DropCatch, or NameJet. These services try to automatically register the domain the instant it is dropped (released) by the registry.
Pros:
- Automated process: You don’t have to monitor the precise drop time.
- High success rate: Professional drop-catchers employ quick, distributed systems.
- Multiple services: You can submit backorders at more than one place to increase your chances of getting the domain.
Cons:
- Not guaranteed: Even if they catch the domain, it may still go to auction in case more than one person had a backorder on it.
3. Wait for the Domain to Drop and Manually Register It
After the grace and redemption periods (usually 75 days in total), unrenewed domains get released (or dropped) back into the open market. You can try to manually register the domain at that point.
Pros:
- No extra cost: You only pay the normal registration price.
- Your choice of registrar: You can use any registrar to register the domain as soon as it becomes available.
Cons:
- Timing is critical: Domains drop at a specific time, and milliseconds matter.
- Very low chance with competitive names: Drop-catchers usually win the race.
- Manual effort: You’ll need to monitor expiration cycles and drop time.
Final Thoughts
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to obtaining expired domains. If you’re going after a high-value or brandable domain, your best chance is with an expired auction or backorder service.
However, if it’s a niche or not-so-well-known domain, attempting to register it manually may just succeed, but it’s always risky as someone else may beat you to it using a backorder/drop-catching service.
Leave a Reply