How long is it before a dropped domain shows?

**MrP** · March 28th, 2011, 5:22 PM

Hi,

My wife was after a particular domain name that is already registered but due to expire on 17th April. I've suggested adding a dash between the two words but she was not entirely happy with that.

So, assuming that current owner fails to renew - which we probably shouldn't do I know, but just for a moment, lets pretend life is perfect, and the name gets dropped...

Can anybody tell me how long it takes for a dropped / expired domain to show-up in places like JustDropped dot com or Unwanted-domain-names dot co.uk..?

Also, do you have to go to those sorts of places to get one, or can you re-register it anywhere..?

Any info would be great.

Jas

**grynge** · March 28th, 2011, 5:30 PM

Do you know what registrar it is with?

Some of the bigger ones have auctions for dropped domains and you maybe able to pick it up cheaply there. Otherwise it is kind of hit and miss and you have to try every few hours. Some registrars only release once a day others release at varying times. Nothing is too standard when it comes to dropped domains.

**MrP** · March 28th, 2011, 6:08 PM

Hi Grynge, I just had a look - the registrar is 123-reg dot co.uk. It's also their landing page, I don't think the name has ever been linked to a site.

I don't see anything about auctions at 123-reg so does that mean I can try to register the name anywhere (after its expiry date), or do you think I would be better off trying with them.

**grynge** · March 28th, 2011, 6:31 PM

I am assuming the domain you are after is a .co.uk
I am not sure if there is a dropped domain auction for .co.uk's
I have not really had anything to do with them.
I think Nominet is the head registrar body for .co.uk and it has a pdf about expired domains and also there renew policy
I hope that at least helps.

**crabfoot** · March 28th, 2011, 7:32 PM

If it is a UK domain, they drop into a "pool" from which they can be "caught" by "dropcatchers".

In theory, anyone can catch a dropped UK domain by trying to register it on the drop date, when it re-enters the pool of available domains. In practice, a name worth catching usually gets caught by a TAG holder - someone actually licensed to register UK names. They pass a test and pay money to get their registrar's TAG, and that gives them inside info on what domains will drop on a particular date.

Now, when a UK domain expires it goes into suspended status - if the owner does not take steps to renew the domain, it typically drops 92 days after that. So if the domain expires on 17th April, and the owner lets it drop, it will actually drop on or just after 18th July.

If you think it will drop, the best bet to catch it is to book a "catching slot" with a recognised catcher - someone who catches dropping domains for a living. This will usually cost £20-£30 for a successful catch, and they are not always successful!

The only EP member I know who offers such a service is rob. You could try asking him for advice.

**MrP** · March 28th, 2011, 8:55 PM

Thank you both for your advice and of course your time.

I went ahead and registered the same domain but with the ' - ' between the two words. Wifey thinks that people won't think/remember to put the dash though, thats why she wanted the name without it.

I can't imagine the domain would be highly sought after, so I don't think paying £20-30 for a catching slot would be worth it - especially since it only cost £7.14 for the domain with the dash included. Also, as it happens July 18th is our wedding anniversary so if the current owner does drop the name, and if I can catch it, that's got to keep me out of the dogs house - I usually forget til a week later

From what I understand, on average more traffic arrives at a web site from search engines than from direct url input anyway. So if I can convince her that is true, she might stop worrying about it.

Thanks again,

Jas

**crabfoot** · March 28th, 2011, 9:39 PM

You are wise to register the hyphenated version. For most purposes it will serve as well, but it does not pass the "radio test", ie. if spoken, or read out on the radio, people would not "get it" first time.

Domains do not always drop exactly as predicted - I once spent three days trying for a domain at 15-20 minute intervals - it dropped on the fourth day and I was doing something else! Thankfully, drop dates are a bit more reliable these days.

If you get the registered domain, you will be able to point it at the site you set up on the hyphenated domain and get the benefit of both.