Frequently Asked Questions
Dropcatch.st FAQ
Plain-language answers about Dropcatch.st. Sign in on Dot.st to open support tickets.
Backorders
What is the difference between starting bid and max bid?
Your starting bid is the opening amount you are willing to pay if you win the name outright without a contested auction.
Your max bid is the highest amount you authorize us to use if the name enters a contested auction on Premium.st — for example when multiple backorders qualify or operations runs a forced auction.
We may hold wallet funds up to your max bid while the backorder is active. Bids are in whole dollars only.
Your max bid is the highest amount you authorize us to use if the name enters a contested auction on Premium.st — for example when multiple backorders qualify or operations runs a forced auction.
We may hold wallet funds up to your max bid while the backorder is active. Bids are in whole dollars only.
Is catching a domain guaranteed?
No. Drop catching is competitive and depends on registry timing, technical factors, and other interested parties.
Submitting a backorder does not reserve the name or promise delivery. The name may not drop, may be renewed by the current registrant, or may be caught by another party.
If we cannot secure the name for you, holds on your wallet are released according to the backorder status shown in your account.
Submitting a backorder does not reserve the name or promise delivery. The name may not drop, may be renewed by the current registrant, or may be caught by another party.
If we cannot secure the name for you, holds on your wallet are released according to the backorder status shown in your account.
What happens when several people backorder the same domain?
If we catch the name and more than one backorder qualifies, the name typically moves to a public timed auction on Premium.st rather than assigning silently to one party.
All verified network members who meet bid requirements may participate in that auction — not only the original backorder holders. Original backorder holders are notified when a room opens.
Auctions use whole-dollar bids. The highest bidder at hammer time wins, subject to payment and settlement rules.
All verified network members who meet bid requirements may participate in that auction — not only the original backorder holders. Original backorder holders are notified when a room opens.
Auctions use whole-dollar bids. The highest bidder at hammer time wins, subject to payment and settlement rules.
When do domains actually drop?
Drop times come from registry lifecycle data and WHOIS tracking shown on each droplist row.
Times are displayed in UTC and may be updated if the registry or prior registrant changes status. A name can be renewed at the last minute, which removes it from the drop window.
Check Dropping Now close to the listed time for the most current status, and avoid assuming a name is free until a catch outcome is confirmed.
Times are displayed in UTC and may be updated if the registry or prior registrant changes status. A name can be renewed at the last minute, which removes it from the drop window.
Check Dropping Now close to the listed time for the most current status, and avoid assuming a name is free until a catch outcome is confirmed.
Billing & Account
Where do wallet holds and billing for backorders live?
All wallet balances, holds, invoices, and payment methods are managed on Dot.st.
When you place a backorder, Dropcatch.st may place a hold against your shared network wallet up to your authorized max bid. View holds and release timing from Billing on Dot.st or your backorder detail page.
Add funds or enable auto top-up on Dot.st before drop time so holds and settlements are not declined.
When you place a backorder, Dropcatch.st may place a hold against your shared network wallet up to your authorized max bid. View holds and release timing from Billing on Dot.st or your backorder detail page.
Add funds or enable auto top-up on Dot.st before drop time so holds and settlements are not declined.
Why was money held on my wallet for a backorder?
A hold reserves funds so we can settle if you win the name or a related auction closes in your favor.
The held amount is tied to your max bid authorization, not an extra fee. If the catch fails, you lose the auction, or the backorder is cancelled in an allowed state, the hold is released back to spendable balance.
Check your backorder status and Billing on Dot.st for the exact hold amount and current state.
The held amount is tied to your max bid authorization, not an extra fee. If the catch fails, you lose the auction, or the backorder is cancelled in an allowed state, the hold is released back to spendable balance.
Check your backorder status and Billing on Dot.st for the exact hold amount and current state.
Getting Started
What is Dropcatch.st?
Dropcatch.st is the backorder and droplist desk of the Dot.st Network.
Use it to place backorders on .st names you want if they expire or become available, browse the droplist of upcoming drops, and track names you care about.
Dropcatch.st does not replace Dot.st for registration or billing — your wallet, invoices, and account settings still live on Dot.st, and you sign in with the same network account.
Use it to place backorders on .st names you want if they expire or become available, browse the droplist of upcoming drops, and track names you care about.
Dropcatch.st does not replace Dot.st for registration or billing — your wallet, invoices, and account settings still live on Dot.st, and you sign in with the same network account.
How does a backorder work?
A backorder tells us you want a specific .st name if it becomes available at or after drop.
You submit the domain, set a starting bid and maximum bid, and confirm payment readiness. When drop time arrives, our external catch systems attempt to register the name. If we secure it and you are the qualifying backorder, the domain is assigned to you subject to the backorder terms.
A backorder is not a guarantee — many names have competing interest or may not drop on schedule.
You submit the domain, set a starting bid and maximum bid, and confirm payment readiness. When drop time arrives, our external catch systems attempt to register the name. If we secure it and you are the qualifying backorder, the domain is assigned to you subject to the backorder terms.
A backorder is not a guarantee — many names have competing interest or may not drop on schedule.
What is the droplist?
The droplist shows .st domains scheduled to drop or recently flagged as expiring, sorted by drop time and popularity.
Browse Dropping Now or the main droplist to discover names entering the catch window. You can place a backorder directly from a droplist entry or add watches to get notified when status changes.
Drop times are based on registry and lifecycle data and can shift — always treat listed times as estimates, not promises.
Browse Dropping Now or the main droplist to discover names entering the catch window. You can place a backorder directly from a droplist entry or add watches to get notified when status changes.
Drop times are based on registry and lifecycle data and can shift — always treat listed times as estimates, not promises.
Support
How do I get help with a backorder?
Sign in and open dot.st/support on Dot.st to create a support ticket.
Include the domain name, your backorder reference if shown, and what you need — for example a hold question, drop time clarification, or auction notification issue. Because billing lives on Dot.st, payment and hold questions are also answered through the same support desk.
For contested auctions, mention whether you saw the Premium.st auction room so we can trace the full path quickly.
Include the domain name, your backorder reference if shown, and what you need — for example a hold question, drop time clarification, or auction notification issue. Because billing lives on Dot.st, payment and hold questions are also answered through the same support desk.
For contested auctions, mention whether you saw the Premium.st auction room so we can trace the full path quickly.