Backordering Domain Names

Does this ever work?

[glitterball]

Yesterday I received yet another notice that my backorder of a .com domain had failed. The domain had no links, no PR - it never previously existed as a website.
This got me thinking that I have never successfully used a backorder to obtain a domain name.
I've waited for expired domains to become available and registered them successfully plenty of times but never with a backorder.

Is this just me?

[Hunter]

No, there is a lot of competition these days and a lot of domain tasting as well. Which backorder service(s) did you use?

[glitterball]

GoDaddy

[Hunter]

There's your answer :)

[glitterball]

What does that mean?
Is there a big secret that I've missed?

[Hunter]

no, just search for backorder on this site in the search box above.

[nativenewyorker]

glitterball said:
Yesterday I received yet another notice that my backorder of a .com domain had failed. The domain had no links, no PR - it never previously existed as a website.

You are incorrectly assuming that only domains with inbound links and PR have value. Common generic and descriptive domains can have significant value. If you are going after these types of domains, there is going to be a great deal of competition from domain professionals.

Oftentimes, these top generic and descriptive domains get registered by drop catching services the instant they become available for registration. If there is more than 1 person who wants the domain, it will go to an auction and get awarded to the highest bidder. Top expired domains routinely sell for at least 4 or 5-figures at auction.

If you really want an expiring domain, you should backorder it with as many drop catchers as you can. Be prepared to bid serious money if you want to win. Good luck.

[anallawalla]

I once worked for a large registrar and frequently heard sales people calling customers who had backordered a ccTLD that had been successfully grabbed. So it does happen. :)

[glitterball]

I actually got that domain in the end - but only after it was tasted by 2 different parties in the last few days.

I guess the advice about back-ordering with several different registrars is the way to go if you really want an expiring domain.