How to Buy Expiring Domain Names: Backorders and the Drop (2026)

Want a domain name someone else owns but might not renew? In 2005 web designer Mike Davidson described how he spent two and a half months and $369 to grab an expiring domain, after a simple $18.95 backorder wasn’t enough. The process still works the same way. Here’s how to buy expiring domain names in 2026, from watching the drop to winning the auction.

Quick answer: When a .com domain isn’t renewed, it goes through grace and redemption periods (roughly 75-80 days in total) before it “drops” and becomes available. To catch it, place backorders with drop-catching services such as DropCatch, NameJet/SnapNames or your registrar’s backorder service. If several people backorder the same name, it goes to a private auction. You pay only if the service catches the domain.

The domain expiration timeline (.com)

1. Expiry date: the owner didn’t renew.
2. Grace period (often up to 30-45 days): the owner can still renew at the normal price; the registrar may also auction it.
3. Redemption period (30 days): the owner can recover it for a higher fee.
4. Pending delete (5 days): nobody can renew it.
5. The drop: the registry deletes the domain and it becomes available to register, usually within a short daily window.

Exact periods vary by registrar and extension, so check the domain’s WHOIS/RDAP status (for example “redemptionPeriod” or “pendingDelete”).

How to buy expiring domain names

• Backorder with several services: drop-catchers race to register names the second they drop. Mike Davidson signed up with all the big services of 2005 (SnapNames, eNom and Pool) to improve his odds.
• Watch expired domain auctions: registrars often auction names during the grace period, before they drop.
• Bid smart in auctions: if more than one person backorders, the service runs an auction. Set a maximum and stick to it; Mike paid $369 at Pool.com.
• Contact the owner: sometimes simply asking to buy before it expires is cheaper.

Check before you buy

• Look up the domain’s history on the Wayback Machine to avoid names with spam or adult pasts.
• Check backlinks; a spammy link profile can hurt a new site.
• Make sure it isn’t a trademark you could be challenged over.

Protect your own domains

The flip side: don’t let your domain drop. Turn on auto-renew, keep your contact email working and lock your domain. Even Google’s own domain had a famous glitch: read how Google.com was bought for $12. More tips in our guide to managing domain names like a pro.

FAQ

How long after expiry does a domain become available?

For .com domains, typically about 75-80 days after expiry, but it varies.

Do backorders guarantee I’ll get the domain?

No. If the owner renews, or another service catches it first, you won’t get it (and usually won’t pay).

Is buying expired domains for SEO a good idea?

Only for genuine use. Using expired domains just to pass link value can violate Google’s spam policies.