Drop Catching: Racing to Register Deleted Domains
Drop catching is the practice of registering a domain in the instant it is deleted by the registry, using automated systems that fire registration requests the moment the name becomes available. Because valuable drops are contested by multiple parties, specialized drop-catching services — with fleets of registrar connections — win the race far more often than any individual can.
How catching services work
Services like the major catchers accept backorders for names in the deletion pipeline, then race to register them at the drop using many accredited-registrar connections in parallel. If one customer backordered the caught name, they get it for the backorder fee; if several did, it goes to a private auction among them. If the catch fails, most services charge nothing.
Drop catching vs. backordering
They are two sides of one transaction: the backorder is your standing request for a specific name, and drop catching is the service's execution at the moment of deletion. Sophisticated buyers place backorders at multiple competing services for important names, since no single catcher wins every race.
Track your whole domain portfolio in one place
Sourdough is the system of record for domain investors: every domain, renewal date, cost, and sale across all your registrars. 7 days free, then $10/mo. $0 due today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does drop catching cost?
Backorder fees commonly run from around $20 to $100 depending on the service and TLD, typically charged only on success — but a contested catch goes to auction, where the final price can be far higher.
Is drop catching allowed?
Yes. Catching services operate through ICANN-accredited registrar connections within registry rules. It is a competitive, legitimate part of the aftermarket.