What is a Droplist Domain?
A droplist domain is a domain name that has expired and is about to be released back into the pool for general registration. You can attempt to register this domain name normally once it is in the general pool, or you can attempt to register it ahead of general release through our Droplist Service which has access to the Droplist Window.
What is the Droplist Window?
The droplist window is a a short window ahead of general release through which registrars can attempt to register a domain on your behalf. Our Droplist Service allows you to bid for the right to use our registration engine and secure a domain ahead of general release.
Is a Droplist registration guaranteed?
No. We cannot guarantee registration, the chance of securing it depends on how many other registrars are also attempting to register it. Our success rate is typically higher than 90% - higher value domains will have more competition.
How does bidding work?
At the end of the auction window, the winning bid is the second highest bidder plus NZD $1.00. Example, at the end of the auction window:
- Bidder 1 has bid a maximum of $400 (second highest bidder)
- Bidder 2 has bid a maximum of $200
- Bidder 3 has bid a maximum of $500 (winning bid = $400 + $1)
The winning bidder is Bidder 3 who (on successful registration) is charged the second highest maximum bid $400.00 + $1.00 = $401.00.
IMPORTANT: If the two highest bids are identical, the winner is the FIRST bidder.
Does the auction extend if there is heavy bidding?
No. The auction close is fixed.
Is there minimum bid?
Yes. The minimum bid is the standard registration cost including any sales taxes. That means if you are the only bidder, there is normally no cost difference between bidding in the auction vs a normal registration. The auction gives you the opportunity to register it before everyone else.
Is there maximum bid?
No.
Can I cancel a bid?
No. Once it is entered you are committed to it.
I was the highest bidder, why has it reopened?
Occasionally the registry may change the drop date of an expiring domain at the last minute. In this scenario, if a new drop date is assigned, the auction will automatically reopen for bidding and close at the standard cutoff time on the new expiry date.
Will I receive an alert if I'm outbid?
No. There is no alert if you are outbid, check back regularly!
Will I receive an alert if I win?
Yes. You will receive an invoice notification if the domain name is successfully secured for you.
Is there any cost to me if you fail to register a domain?
No. You pay nothing if we fail to register a domain for you.
How long do I have to pay for a successful registration?
24 hours. If you fail to pay for the registration within this time, the domain name may be allocated to the next highest bidder.
I've won and paid, now what?
The domain name is now Active in your account, please update the WHOIS contact details to your preferred contact details and nameservers if applicable. As usual you can send a ticket for DNS setting changes and/or order email and/or web hosting with the domain as desired - we hope you enjoy your new domain!
For further related information see: