Needed Some Advice on DropCatching

[VimLdn]

Hey,

For some reason I can't access my original account WineLoverLondon. My name is Vim and like so many of you have flipped domains for years.

I need some advice please. I want to start building out scripts to drop catch domains. Not for the public, but simply for myself. I completely understand there's a lot of competition out there, but to me, it seems worth a shot.

I have some questions where I need guidance please.

1) Whilst I know registrars have APIs, is the quickest way to catch a domain with a TAG and through Nominet ? Or will it go to registrars first?
2) Is there a way of knowing exactly what time a domain will drop, versus just the day?

Any and all advice is appreciated.

cheers

Vim

 

[Helmuts]

@ukbackorder

 

[alan]

Hi @Vim!

1) Yes - with the correct setup, the fastest way to register a domain will be to communicate directly with the domain registry (Nominet in this case), rather than going through a registrar (who themselves will go through the registry). If you want to play around with how to do this, you can contact Nominet and become a self-managed registrar for free to get access to their test environments. BUT, you will want to consider becoming a Nominet member (not free!) to get preferential rates (https://registrars.nominet.uk/uk-namespace/managing-account/preferential-rates/) before trying to register real domain names. Registering domains directly with Nominet for non-members can be cost prohibitive.

2) Yes - In the case of the .UK registry, Nominet release daily drop lists here: https://registrars.nominet.uk/drop-lists/. You will find various websites and tools that will also publish the .UK drop times as well as enriching the search and data (e.g. various filters, SEO metrics etc.). Examples of such 3rd-party websites are: https://www.droptimes.co.uk/, and https://ukdroplists.com/.

Regards,
Alan

 

[VimLdn]

Hi @Vim!

1) Yes - with the correct setup, the fastest way to register a domain will be to communicate directly with the domain registry (Nominet in this case), rather than going through a registrar (who themselves will go through the registry). If you want to play around with how to do this, you can contact Nominet and become a self-managed registrar for free to get access to their test environments. BUT, you will want to consider becoming a Nominet member (not free!) to get preferential rates (https://registrars.nominet.uk/uk-namespace/managing-account/preferential-rates/) before trying to register real domain names. Registering domains directly with Nominet for non-members can be cost prohibitive.

2) Yes - In the case of the .UK registry, Nominet release daily drop lists here: https://registrars.nominet.uk/drop-lists/. You will find various websites and tools that will also publish the .UK drop times as well as enriching the search and data (e.g. various filters, SEO metrics etc.). Examples of such 3rd-party websites are: https://www.droptimes.co.uk/, and https://ukdroplists.com/.

Regards,
Alan

Hey, thank you so much

 

[alan]

Hey, thank you so much

No problem! Happy to help.