Domain Backorder
A domain backorder is a reservation placed with a drop-catching service or registrar, requesting that the service attempt to register a specific domain name the moment it becomes available upon expiration and deletion. Backorder services charge a flat fee (typically $10-80) regardless of success, though some operate on a success-only model. If the domain is caught and multiple customers have backordered it, it goes to an internal [[domain-auction|auction]]. Major backorder providers include SnapNames (powered by Network Solutions), NameJet, DropCatch, and GoDaddy's dedicated backorder service. Backordering a domain does not guarantee acquisition — the original registrant can still renew until the very end of the redemption period.
Example
A startup placed a GoDaddy backorder on GreenStar.com for $24.99; the original owner let it expire, GoDaddy caught it successfully, and since no competing backorders existed, the startup received it at the flat backorder fee.