What is a domain backorder?
A backorder is a request to register a domain the moment it becomes available. When the owner of a domain does not renew it, the domain is eventually deleted by the registry. A backorder service watches that domain and sends a registration request at the exact second it drops, much faster than anyone could do by hand.
At Continental Network a backorder needs a $15 deposit in your account wallet. If we don't catch the domain, the deposit is not lost: it stays in your account as credit for hosting, domains or another backorder. Backorders are available for .com and .net domains.
When do expired domains drop?
For generic domains such as .com, .net and .org, an expired domain goes through several stages before it is released:
- Expiration date. The domain stops working, but the owner can still renew it at the normal price.
- Grace period (up to 45 days). Many registrars use this time to auction the domain. If it sells, it never drops.
- Redemption period (30 days). The owner can still restore the domain, usually for a higher fee.
- Pending delete (5 days). Nobody can renew or transfer the domain anymore. This is when it appears on drop lists like ours.
- Delete. The registry releases the domain. Good domains are caught within seconds by backorder services.
Country-code domains (.uk, .de, .eu and others) have their own rules and timelines, so drop times can differ. Our backorders cover .com and .net.
How to backorder an expiring domain, step by step
- Find a domain. Browse the expiring domains list, domains expiring today or high DR expired domains. Use the search box to find names in your niche.
- Check its history. Look at referring domains, the Wayback Machine archive and anchor texts. The metrics on our list come from third-party tools, so verify them yourself before you order.
- Create a free account. Start the free 30-day hosting trial — no credit card needed. Do not choose “Transfer” for the domain: a backorder is placed inside the control panel.
- Add $15 to your wallet. In the control panel, top up your account balance.
- Place the backorder. Go to My Domains → Domains Backorder, search for the domain and click Backorder. Do it before the delete date — once the domain is deleted it is too late.
- Wait for the drop. If we catch the domain, it is registered to your account. If not, the $15 stays as credit. Catching is first come, first served, so there is no guarantee.
Missed the drop?
Not every expired domain is caught. We check every deleted domain the day after it drops. The ones nobody registered are listed on expired domains available to register now, where you can register them at the normal price.
Tips for choosing a good expired domain
- Prefer many referring domains over a high backlink count from a few sites.
- Check that the domain's past website fits your project. An unrelated history can work against you.
- Avoid domains with links from spam networks, adult, casino or pharma sites unless that is your niche.
- Use Ahrefs Domain Rating as a first filter, then look at the links behind it.
Strongest domains you can backorder right now
- DR 74 podshow.com Backorder
- DR 60 imgspice.com Backorder
- DR 59 darkwebsitesit.com Backorder
- DR 58 idfblog.com Backorder
- DR 58 jewishbusinessnews.com Backorder
- DR 56 overclothing.com Backorder
- DR 54 smart24x.com Backorder
- DR 53 siliconthemes.com Backorder
- DR 52 uk-roids.com Backorder
- DR 51 earthcalendar.net Backorder
See the full expiring domains list →
Frequently asked questions
How much does a domain backorder cost?
A backorder needs a $15 deposit in your account wallet. The deposit is not refunded in cash, but if we do not catch the domain you keep it as credit and can use it for hosting, domains or another backorder.
Which domains can I backorder?
Backorders are available for .com and .net domains that are about to be deleted. Other extensions on our list cannot be backordered, but if nobody catches them after the drop they appear on our available-now page and can be registered at the normal price.
Can I backorder a domain that is still registered?
Yes. You can place a backorder at any time before the domain is deleted. If the owner renews it, the backorder is simply not used.
Is a backorder guaranteed?
No. Catching a deleted domain is first come, first served, and other services try to catch the same names. A backorder gives you a real chance, not a guarantee.
When does an expired domain become available?
For .com and .net, roughly 75 to 80 days after the expiration date: up to 45 days of grace period, 30 days of redemption and 5 days of pending delete. Then it is deleted and released.
What if nobody catches the domain?
Then it can be registered by anyone at the normal price. We check every dropped domain and list the free ones on our available-now page.