What Is a Domain Backorder? | Domain Backordering

Let’s say you want a domain name immediately. You begin the domain name registration process, only to find… it’s taken.

Not all hope is lost. One of the first things to do is to monitor the domain, next search when the domain is expiring to see if the domain is available for backorder. This way, you can reserve the domain in advance and automatically attempt to register it the moment it becomes available. 

Many domains expire because their owners forget to renew them, abandon projects, or no longer need them. When that happens, backordering gives you a chance to secure the domain as soon as it’s released.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how domain backordering works and how you can increase your chances of getting the premium domains you want.

How Does Domain Backordering Work?

To use a domain name, you need to register it through a domain registrar. All domain names are managed by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers).

When you register a domain, it’s yours for a year or several years, and you can renew it to keep it.

But what if the domain you want is already taken? 

This happens a lot, especially with popular names. Someone else might already be using it, or they may have registered it but no longer need it.

In some instances, you may not need the domain right away but want to secure it for the future to protect your brand, add it to your domain portfolio, or just keep others from claiming it. 

For example, before OpenAI launched ChatGPT, they acquired Chat.com to prevent potential buyers from using it in a way that could interfere with their brand.

Domain backordering allows you to request a domain that’s already taken. If it ever expires or becomes available, your registrar will try to register it for you before anyone else can.

The Domain Backorder Process

When a domain name expires, it isn’t released immediately. Instead, the registrar holds it for a while, giving the current owner a chance to renew.

First, there’s a grace period of 30–45 days, during which the owner can still renew the domain. If still not renewed, the domain moves into a redemption period of another 30 days, during which recovering it becomes more expensive.

Once the redemption period ends, the domain is deleted from the registry and becomes available for registration. Anyone can register for it as soon as it’s released. This means high-demand domains can be picked up in seconds.

Backordering helps you purchase a domain and secure it when it becomes available, preventing someone else from taking it first.

Let’s walk you through the steps to backorder a domain name.

1. Choose a Domain Backorder Service Provider

To backorder a domain, you first need to choose a domain backordering service. These services monitor the domain for you and attempt to register it the second it becomes available.

Many backordering services are available in the domain industry, but not all are the same. 

As a domain investor, you need a tool that allows you to perform different domain monitoring tasks. You don't want to juggle multiple platforms for backordering, monitoring, valuation, and auctions. You can get all these services in a single tool and never need to use domain broker services.

Bishopi is a versatile platform that offers a reliable backordering service. You can track expiring domains, place backorders, and increase your chances of getting your desired domain.

You’ll also get access to other essential tools in domain investing and management all in one place:

• Domain availability lookup: Track domain status to know if it's available for buying and track the availability of the same domain in other extensions.
• Domain SEO Analysis: Find out the potential search engine performance of a domain name.
• WHOIS lookup: Check domain ownership details.
• Bulk domain search: Find and analyze multiple domains at once.
• Auction bidding: Participate in domain auctions for high-value names.
• Domain valuation tool: Estimate a domain’s market value before purchasing.

2. Search for a Suitable Domain Name

Once you’ve chosen a backordering service, the next step is to find the right domain name. 

You can use the provider’s tools to look for newly dropped domains or check their availability and status. Start with the domain availability checker to see if the domain name you want is registered and when it will expire.

You can also view WHOIS data to check ownership details and determine if the domain might become available soon. 

Using these tools, you can identify valuable domains and place a backorder before they become available.

3. Place your backorder

Once you’ve found the domain you want, placing a backorder is simple. Top backordering services like Bishopi have a one-click option, allowing you to submit your request instantly. 

Just click "Backorder," and the system will automatically attempt to secure the domain for you as soon as it becomes available.

4. Monitor and Await the Results

Once you've placed your backorder, the final step is to monitor the domain and wait for the outcome.

As we've seen, domains don’t become available immediately. They go through expiration and deletion cycles. A backordering service like Bishopi tracks the domain for you, but keeping an eye on its status is still a good idea. 

If multiple people have placed a backorder on the same domain, it might go to an auction, where the highest bidder wins. In this case, you’ll need to decide how much you're willing to pay.

If your backorder is successful, you'll become the new registrant and receive instructions on how to manage the domain.

Factors to Consider Before Backordering a Domain

Before placing a backorder, you need to evaluate the domain carefully to ensure it’s worth pursuing. 

Not all expired domains are valuable, and some may come with risks like trademark issues or a bad history. 

Let's look at the factors to consider before backordering your preferred domain name:

Age of the Domain

Older domains have more value because they may have existing search engine rankings, backlinks, and trust built over time. For instance, a five-year-old domain has an advantage over a one-year-old domain.

A well-aged domain can give you an SEO advantage compared to a brand-new registration.

Use the Bishopi Domain Age Checker to find out when the domain was first registered.

Domain History

A domain’s past can impact its value and future usability. If the domain was previously used for spam, scams, or black-hat SEO tactics, it might be penalized by search engines, making it harder to rank. 

On the other hand, if it had legitimate use and quality backlinks, it could give you an SEO advantage.

Use the WHOIS lookup tool to view past versions of the website and see how it was used. 

Domain Owner

If the domain is inactive, you can check who owns it and when the current registration expires.

Using a domain availability checker, you can also see if other country-code or top-level domains (ccTLDs and TLDs) are registered. 

A domain with multiple TLD registrations is more valuable because it indicates strong demand and brand recognition. Once you have these details, you’ll have a clearer idea of whether the domain is worth pursuing. 

The next step is to review the terms and conditions of your chosen domain registrar. If everything looks good, you can proceed with placing your backorder.

Key Players in the Domain Backorder Industry

Choosing the right domain backordering service can make all the difference in securing a valuable domain.

Here’s a table showing the Domain Aftermarket Market Concentration Analysis

Let’s look at top backordering services and their strengths.

1. GoDaddy

GoDaddy is one of the largest domain registrars and offers a backordering service.

GoDaddy’s backorder service also includes domain monitoring, which notifies you of any changes in the domain’s status.

Through Godaddy auctions, the platform ensures that the highest bidder wins in case several people have back-ordered for the same domain. Users recommend you use it for domains already registered at GoDaddy that expire there.

2. Bishopi

Bishopi makes it easy to backorder domain names for new and experienced domain investors.

The platform keeps track of expiring domains and registers them as soon as they become available.

Besides backordering, Bishopi also offers tools for domain valuation, WHOIS lookup, and portfolio management. If you want to save time and improve their chances of getting valuable domains, this is your go-to tool.

3. DropCatch

DropCatch is known for quickly acquiring expired domains after they are deleted from the registry. It operates a large network of registrars, which increases its chances of successfully capturing highly demanded domains.

It allows users to place backorders for free—charges only apply upon successful domain registration. 

DropCatch also starts a three-day auction for domain names with backorders from multiple investors. 

Additional Tips for Domain Backordering

Backordering a domain is more than just placing a request and waiting. Some domains are highly sought after, and others may come with hidden issues. 

To improve your chances of securing the right one, here are some additional tips:

• Consider backordering on multiple platforms: If the domain name is very high in demand, you can increase your chances by placing backorders on more than one service.
• Be ready for auctions: If multiple people place a backorder on the same domain, it might go to auction. Set a budget in advance.
• Monitor domain status regularly: Some domains get renewed at the last minute, so always stay updated on their status.
• Consider variations: If your ideal domain is unavailable, look for close alternatives or different TLDs. For instance, if the .com is not available, you can consider the .io variation.

Get the Chance to Own your Dream Domain

Domain backordering is a low-effort, cost-effective way to try and secure a registered domain. 

If you’re looking for an expired domain or preparing for one to become available, having the right tools makes all the difference.

Look for a complete domain investment platform with options for domain valuation, WHOIS lookup, SEO metrics, portfolio management, and more.

Check out Bishopi's backordering services and sign up for your free trial today.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How does a domain backorder work?

A domain backorder is a service that allows you to reserve a currently registered domain in advance. 

If the current owner fails to renew the domain before it expires, your backorder service will automatically attempt to register it on your behalf before others get the chance. 

However, if the owner decides to renew it, the domain will remain with them, and your backorder will not be fulfilled.

What is the best backorder domain service?

A good domain backordering service should have a fast and reliable system that grabs domains the moment they become available. It should also offer domain monitoring tools to track expiration dates, WHOIS lookup to check ownership details, and transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

Bishopi combines all these features with AI-powered technology to improve success rates. It offers a free plan, so you can test its tools before committing.

How do I cancel a domain backorder?

At Bishopi, you can cancel a domain backorder by visiting the “My Backorders” page and selecting the option to remove your request. 

However, remember that cancellations are not allowed within 24 hours of the domain’s expiration and availability for registration. 

Remember to review your backorder service's cancellation policy to avoid any issues.

How long can backorders take?

The time it takes for a backorder to be successful depends on when the current owner fails to renew the domain and when it officially becomes available. 

This process can take anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the domain's expiration cycle. 

Some domains may never expire if the owner keeps renewing them. However, once a domain is released, backorder services attempt to register it immediately, giving you the best chance of owning it.

Are domain backorders free?

Most domain backorder services are not free. Providers may charge a one-time fee or require a deposit to place a backorder. 

Some services may also charge only if they successfully acquire the domain for you. Meanwhile, Bishopi offers affordable backorder pricing as well as free domain-related tools.