How It Works
TheyDrop operates a reverse auction system for premium domain names. Unlike traditional auctions where prices increase with competing bids, our prices decrease over time until someone decides to buy.
What is a Reverse Auction?
A reverse auction (also called a Dutch auction) starts with a high price that gradually drops at regular intervals. The first buyer to accept the current price wins the domain. This creates an exciting dynamic where you must balance waiting for a lower price against the risk of someone else buying before you.
Key Benefits
- Fair Pricing: You decide when the price is right for you
- No Bidding Wars: No competing bids driving prices up
- Real-Time Updates: Watch prices drop live every few minutes
- Transparent Process: See exactly when prices will drop and by how much
How Our Auctions Work
1. Auction Starts
Each domain auction begins at a starting price at a scheduled date and time (displayed in your local timezone for convenience).
2. Price Drops Automatically
At regular intervals (typically every 30-60 minutes), the price automatically decreases by a fixed amount. You can see exactly:
- Current price
- When the next price drop will occur
- How much each drop will be
- The minimum price the domain will reach
3. First Come, First Served
When you decide the price is right, click "Buy Now" and complete the payment via PayPal. The first person to complete the purchase wins the domain.
4. Minimum Price & Grace Period
Every auction has a minimum price (the lowest the domain will go). Once this price is reached, it stays there for 24 hours before the auction ends, giving everyone a fair chance to buy at the lowest price.
Example Auction
Domain: premium-example.com
Starting Price: $1,000
Price Drop: $50 every hour
Minimum Price: $100
Timeline:
- Hour 0: $1,000
- Hour 1: $950
- Hour 2: $900
- ... continues dropping ...
- Hour 18: $100 (minimum reached, stays here for 24 hours)
You can buy at any point during this timeline. Wait too long, and someone else might purchase it first!
Purchase Process
Step 1: Monitor the Auction
Watch the auction page as prices drop in real-time. Our live updates refresh every few seconds so you never miss a price change.
Step 2: Buy When Ready
When the price meets your budget, enter your email address (for the domain registrar) and click "Buy Now".
Step 3: Secure Payment
Complete payment securely through PayPal. We accept all major payment methods via PayPal's platform.
Step 4: Domain Transfer
After payment confirmation, we'll initiate a push transfer of the domain through the registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.). You must have an account at the same registrar to receive the domain.
Important Notes
- Account Required: You need an account at the domain's current registrar to receive the transfer
- One Winner Only: Only the first person to complete payment gets the domain
- No Refunds: Once purchased, sales are final
- Live Updates: Prices and status update automatically - no page refresh needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I place a bid?
No, this is a reverse auction. You cannot bid or make offers. You simply buy when the price reaches a point you're comfortable with.
What if someone buys while I'm waiting?
The first person to complete the purchase gets the domain. This is the strategic element of reverse auctions - balance waiting for a better price against the risk of losing to another buyer.
What timezone are dates displayed in?
All auction dates and times are automatically displayed in your local timezone. This means you'll see start times, end times, and countdowns adjusted to your location, making it easier to plan your purchases without timezone conversions.
How do I know the domain is legitimate?
Each listing shows the current registrar and expiration date. Domains are pushed directly through the official registrar's transfer system.