How to snag deleting domain names?

Drop scripts

[spikedo55]

I keep hearing about drop scripts people use to snag some domain names. I would like to snag some not-so-popular dropping domain names this way, instead of paying a lot of money to Pool and Namewinner to catch it for me. Can anyone recommend a good, low-cost script or service that a noob could implement? I understand that I can't use it to snag the really great domains, but for the not-as-popular ones, I'd like to have another option. Thanks.

[Webwork]

If it's a low profile domain you might do just as well with the lower cost snap offerings of some domain registrars. Mostly, they stink, but if it's a domain that you don't really think someone is after then just wait for the drop. If anyone else is after it, and they are using one of the many services, you will not win the drop battle.

[spikedo55]

I'm surprised I didn't hear from anyone using drop scripts. Perhaps they are really good and no one wants to give up the secret.

[john_k]

To actually get the domain, you need to be a registrar. All of the services for snagging dropped names are associated with one or more registrars. Essentially they attempt to register the site via a specific registrar.

So you would need a script/program that interfaced with a registrar's registration system.

Since most registrar's already have agreements/contracts with someone else, they are unlikely to make it easy for you.

[Webwork]

I'm surprised I didn't hear from anyone using drop scripts. Perhaps they are really good and no one wants to give up the secret.

Pssssttt! I've got a special deal for you: A deed to the Brooklyn Bridge and a drop script. Cheap. Today only.

[cabbagehead]

Back to the original question - I'd also like to know: how do the big companies like SnapNames do it? Can anyone rn a script to do what they're doing? How does it work and what do you need to make that happen?

[Hunter]

cabbagehead, take a look at some of the domain name forums out there if you really have the interest, your going to have to basically piece together the process yourself by what you read...not many people in the know are really very interested in talking about it...

[Dan_Norder]

Honestly, these days, with all the competition to get good names and sometimes even crappy names, a drop script on your own has no chance. You might as well just check by hand.

The incredible majority of names that get dropped that are of any value at all get picked up before most whois features get updated to let normal people know it's available. You have to have registrar access to be able to spot the drop. Good names get grabbed within seconds, and usually there are hundreds of people who have been doing this for years fighting to be the ones to get it within those few seconds.

Now, if the name is so lackluster that all the big guys *and* the people using major dropcatch services all decide they don't want it (or don't want to pay dropcatch prices, which in some cases are only $9 or so but can go, much, much, MUCH higher), then you might be able to pick it up yourself, using a script or just tying it into whois until it says available and registering it by hand.

You asking about how to get a script to run on your computer at home hoping to compete is like someone asking what they can do to fix up their house to improve their chances of being selected to host the Olympics.