Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about our service.  If you have a query that isn’t answere here then please contact us.

What is Droppr?
Droppr is a fully hosted, flexible dropcatching system for Nominet registrars to register expiring domain names for themselves or their clients.

What is dropcatching?
Dropcatching is the speedy registration of a domain name that has not been renewed by the previous owner.  The domain is “dropped” by the registry (Nominet) and then “caught” by a new registrant.

Can Droppr catch .com/.net/.org/.eu domain names?
No, Droppr can only catch .uk domain names – .org.uk, .me.uk and .co.uk – registered through Nominet.

Is Droppr any good?
We think so, yes.  Nobody can guarantee to catch any domain name but there are a number of things that help tip the odds in your favour.  We have done what we can to produce a very fast script – the rest is up to you!

If it’s so good, impress me with a list of domain names that it has caught.
Client confidentiality is important to us (and our clients) – we are not able to publically disclose this information.  Read our testimonials to hear what our clients think about our service.

Is Droppr configurable?
Yes, you can change many aspects of Droppr’s behaviour.  It supports multiple Nominet accounts, burstable querying, high/low priorities and email alerts.

All those configuration options sound complicated – is it hard to use?
If you want a simple life, you don’t have to use all the different options but they are there if you need them.  Some people will want to run the system 24 hours a day at the same query rate, whereas others will want to burst at specific times – Droppr caters for all of these.

I only want one domain name – can you catch a domain name for me?
No.  At the present we only offer the Droppr service for Nominet members on a monthly basis – we do not try to catch one off domains.

Do you provide drop lists?
No, not at the moment.  This was a planned development for the future but recent changes to Nominet’s terms and conditions make this somewhat questionable.  We are looking into it!

Can I resell Droppr?
You are free to resell dropcatching services – but you must not allow any 3rd parties access to the Droppr system/control panel.

Have you got a development roadmap?
No, but we’re not standing still!  Droppr is under continual development and we are always happy to hear your ideas for new features.  We do keep our customers informed about planned revisions but we don’t give target dates.

What language is Droppr written in?
Droppr is half PHP and half Ruby on Rails.

I’ve never heard of you – are you new?
Droppr is based on a proven dropcatching system that has been operating for around four years.  The name Droppr is new but we are not.  The system has been constantly revised to keep up with developments (eg EPP) and with speed enhancements. Prior to use public launch, it has been in active use by a customer for some months and they say that it has paid for itself.

Do I get access to the source code?  Do I get root access to the server?
No and no!  Our code is proprietary and is not made available to clients.  You have full control over the Droppr script using our web based control panel.  Whilst each subscriber gets their own physical dedicated server and IP address, we do not provide any other access to the server.

How do I become a Nominet member / registrar?
You need to deal direct with Nominet – more details on this are available here.  Joining Nominet costs a one off £400+VAT, with an ongoing fee of £100+VAT per annum.  You will also need a DAC subscription costing £25+VAT per year. If you need any help, give them a call – they’ve very helpful!

What payment methods do you accept?
We accept PayPal and/or bank transfers (BACS/CHAPS/Fast Payments) into our account at The Co-Operative Bank.  We do not accept cash, cheques or Nochex.

Is Droppr available on credit?
No, Droppr is billed one month in advance.  Our payment terms are strictly seven days.  New customers must pay the first month’s charge and the setup fee before their service will be activated.

What is the minimum contract length?

One month.  Furthermore, we require one month’s notice of your intention to stop your subscription to Droppr.