I'm on the hunt for a reliable domain registrar or a backordering service that allows me to stake a claim on a non-expired domain. Essentially, I'm looking for a platform where I can input a desired domain, and once it becomes available due to expiration or deletion, I receive an alert, enabling me to swiftly snap it up.
Can anyone recommend a trustworthy resource that offers this functionality?
GoDaddy Domain Backordering is a solid choice, offering a robust platform that sends alerts when your desired domain becomes available. Their system is designed to quickly grab the domain, minimizing the risk of missing out. With GoDaddy, you can trust that their experienced team will help you snag that elusive domain.
On the other hand, some might say that Namecheap's Domain Backordering is a bit of a dark horse. While they don't have the same level of brand recognition as GoDaddy, their backordering service is surprisingly robust. With competitive pricing and a user-friendly interface, Namecheap is definitely worth considering.
To grasp the intricacies of domain release, let's break it down into a simplified, step-by-step process.
Non-payment to the registry on the billing date triggers a sequence of events.
The domain is transferred to the Redemption Grace Period (RGP), lasting anywhere from 30 to 90 days. During this phase, the domain can still be restored by its original owner.
Following RGP, the domain enters the PendingDelete stage, a 5-day window where deletion is imminent and irreversible.
In the realm of domain acquisition, the term "backorder" is more accurately defined as a strategic maneuver to secure a domain. There are two primary types of backorders:
Registrar-backed backorders: This involves the registrar bombarding the registry with requests during the PendingDelete stage, typically at a rate of one request per hour. However, this approach is often inefficient, as registrars may not overload their API for individual users.
Drop catcher services: These professional interceptors utilize a portfolio of accredited registrars to bombard the registry with requests during the PendingDelete stage. This approach yields a high success rate, as it's a core aspect of their business model. The company's revenue is generated through a service fee and a percentage of transactions facilitated within their platform.
From a practical standpoint, the first approach is less viable, as users can simply leverage the API from one or two major registrars and create a basic script to automate the process.
In contrast, the second approach involves a finite list of players in the gTLD space who publicly offer their services, including:
Namejet
Pool.com
Snapnames.com
Another crucial aspect to consider is the expired domain auction service offered by some registrars, such as Dynadot and GoDaddy. During the RGP stage, these registrars put domains up for auction, adding an extra layer of complexity to the domain acquisition process.
Now, let's explore the possible scenarios for a domain in the expired status:
Ideal scenario: The domain remains unclaimed, progressing through all stages, and is eventually released. Users can then register it manually or via a script using the API.
Probable scenario: Another party expresses interest in the domain, which is then intercepted by a drop catcher during the PendingDelete stage. If users haven't submitted applications through these services, they'll be excluded from the bidding process within the platform.
Probable scenario 2: The domain enters RGP and is put up for auction by the registrar. Users can participate in the auction, but if they win, the domain will still be subject to the RGP period, allowing the original owner to potentially reclaim it.
A key takeaway is that both drop catchers and registrars have a vested interest in their backorder services, which often include analytics and platforms for domainers to track desirable domains. This can create a situation where users inadvertently attract additional interest from competitors.
If users are confident that no one else is interested in a particular domain, they can opt for a manual approach. However, when dealing with registrar auctions and drop catcher applications, users should be aware of the potential risks of attracting unwanted attention from competitors.
When it comes to WHOIS scraping, I'd recommend rolling your own solution. The task is relatively low-hanging fruit, even for a junior dev. The objective here isn't to wrestle with massive zone files or datasets, but rather to perform periodic lookups for a handful of domains.
The thing is, when you rely on third-party services, you're essentially handing over your data to a black box - and let's be real, most public WHOIS services have been quietly harvesting analytics for years (not everyone is a script kiddie, but many are guilty of data hoarding). By building your own script, you can ensure you're not inadvertently fueling someone else's data mining operation. Plus, it's a great opportunity to hone your skills in domain parsing and regex wizardry.