The Best Places to Buy and Sell Domain Names

written by

Joe Uddeme

The Best Places to Buy and Sell Domain Names

Domain Buying Guides

Got a domain name in your sights? Looking to sell one? Here are 5 ‘safe pairs of hands’ when looking to buy or sell non-premium domain names.

1. Sedo

Sedo is a dedicated domain marketplace (similar to GoDaddy) with millions of users. It has been around for over two decades, making it a trusted marketplace for buying and selling domains.

Any domain name owner can sign up for free and list their domain for sale on the website, and prospective buyers can easily contact them through the platform to buy domains.

On Sedo, sellers can set a fixed price for their domain, put it up for auction, or indicate that they’re entertaining offers with an unspecified price range.

When buyers come to the site, they can search for any keyword and check if anyone has listed a related domain name on the market.

If you’re in the market for a premium domain name costing upwards of $10,000, consider seeking out an expert domain name brokerage service. These can help you purchase a domain name at the best price – or sell one without leaving money on the table.

Sedo Search Sample:

The first three results are bikes.org, bikes.co, and bikes.biz, which are premium domain names and Sedo also includes other domain names that are closely related to your search phrase to sell domains.

The first two domains in this example have a Make Offer buttons next to them, while the last has a Buy It Now button for your popular domain.

This indicates that the domain sellers of the first two domains put them up for auction, while the third domain’s owner set a fixed price for their marketing strategy.

As a buyer, you’re free to search for any specific URL and find related domains listed on Sedo to find the perfect domain.

Purchasing from the domain marketplace requires added registration and jumping through a few other hoops, but it’s worth it as Sedo has such a large selection of premium domains available for acquisition.

2. NamePros

NamePros is an online community for domain name owners to interact and discuss events related to their industry. In the forum’s early days, users commonly posted they had domain names available for sale and wanted to connect with potential buyers.

Observing this, the owner of the forum launched an official domain marketplace section for buying and selling domain names.

On NamePros, any registered user can list the domain names they have available in a forum post. To make the domains easy for prospective buyers to find, NamePros has formal categories that users can attach to their posts to find the perfect domain.

How much is it worth?

Namepros can also share pertinent details of recently sold domains that are similar in nature to your domain search.

Because it is a forum, NamePros only helps buyers and owners find each other and it’s up to them to negotiate and decide how they’ll handle payments for the domain. This is unlike Sedo, which facilitates payments and domain transfers for its users among other services.

When using NamePros to buy a domain you should be more careful about your purchase. Set specific terms with the seller before proceeding on any deal and use a trusted online escrow service (e.g. Escrow.com) to ensure that the payment goes through only after the seller has transferred the domain name to your preferred registrar.

You can find a large variety of domain names for sale on NamePros, making it one of the best domain marketplaces in the World.

3. Flippa

Flippa is a marketplace competing with Godaddy for buying and selling online properties, including websites and domain names.

The platform has facilitated millions of dollars in domain name sales since its inception in 2009 and has built a reputation as one of the most trusted domain name marketplaces to find the perfect domain name. The most expensive domain name deal arranged on Flippa was StockPhoto.com, which sold for $250,000.

Any domain name owner can sign up on Flippa and list their domains, but it requires a payment; $29 for a base listing and $99 for an enhanced listing. Sellers often pick the second option because it makes their domains more visible to potential buyers looking for the perfect domain name.

As a buyer, you can create a free account on Flippa and find domain names matching your taste. You can then search for a specific keyword and find related domain names listed by domain owners to buy domain names based on cost, features and budget.

Easy to use:

To demonstrate, we searched for “cars” and got the results displayed in the image below:

The first three results were OldCarsForSale.com, acars.com, and fastsportscars.com, listed for $5,000, $100, and $1 respectively.

OldCarsForSale.com is a premium domain worth its higher price. It’ll be a very good domain for anyone who wants to sell used cars online with a specific destination.

Fastsportscars.com seems like a good generic domain name, but it can easily be mistaken for fastsportcars.com, giving it a disadvantage. It’s likely why it’s listed for an very low price and shows that you can find a good deal on a domain name, for personal use.

When you’re ready to make an offer or buy a domain on Flippa, the platform handles the entire process for you. They have been around for over a decade and built a reputation on the internet as one of the most trusted domain name marketplaces to find the perfect domain name on the net.

4. Namecheap

Namecheap is one of the most widely-used domain registrars, serving over 2 million customers and giving Godaddy a run for its money! It also has a premium domain marketplace as well as business resource and forums support for its customers.

Popular Domain names

Internet marketplace where domain name owners can connect and manage potential buyers.

Only domain names registered on Namecheap can be listed for sale on this marketplace and owners can list their domain names at a fixed amount or put them in auctions.

If a seller lists their domain at a fixed price, you can purchase it immediately just like you would purchase a new domain on Namecheap.

Auctions

If the seller puts their domain up for auction, you’ll have to participate in a timed bidding process for all auctions. If you are selling your domain, Namecheap collects a 10% commission on each sale.

You must have a Namecheap account to buy domains from its marketplace and after buying any domain it is automatically transferred to your control. The convenient sale process makes Namecheap one of the easiest domain marketplaces to use over other domain marketplaces.

5. Atom.com (formerly Brand Bucket)

Quality Assurance: Each premium domain is carefully reviewed by branding experts to ensure it meets high standards of originality, pronunciation, and memorability when selling domain names.

Business Identity

Professional Logo Designs: Top designs for your org and branding strategy.

Visual Identity Package: Every premium domain listing includes a professionally designed logo for your org, providing a cohesive domain brand package for your business resources and companies identity.

User-Friendly Search and Navigation

Advanced Filtering: Search domains by industry, point, style, length, and other attributes to find the perfect match.

FAQ About Buying and Selling Domain Names

Where can I sell my domain name fast?

If interested, you can quickly sell your domain name on any of these marketplaces. A large platform such as SEDO, GoDaddy, Afternic or Namecheap offer great options for buying domains quickly and a fast transfer process.

How fast do domain names sell?

Domain names take anywhere from hours to days, months, or years depending on the demand for them. The amount the domain is listed for also plays a role in how quickly it will sell. If the price is too high relative to its value, there may be no interest from buyers, especially for a premium domain. If a domain is listed on the wrong marketplace, it may not sell. Use a large marketplace like Godaddy for your companies success. Check out our post about domain flipping for some extra tips.

Where do I buy expired domain names for sale?

Many domain registrars host auctions for expiring domain names, including GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Network Solutions to buy domains.

There are also websites specializing in auctioning expired domains, such as ExpiredDomains and DropCatch market services for other domain name sales on non-active domains.

How can I build or develop my domain?

Select a registrar, select and pay a hosting company to host the domain and a web builder interface to develop the site. WordPress or Wix are great platforms for easy sales development tools on the internet. Godaddy has a turnkey solution for your companies development to make it worry free.

About the author

Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact us at: [email protected]

If you have big plans for your business, you’ll likely be in the market for a domain name to match. Cheap, everyday domain names are unlikely to work for you, which is why you’ll need to get your head around the world of premium domain names, as NameExperts.com principal Joe Uddeme explains. Domain names are the ultimate authority on the web. They can make or break any business with an online presence. It’s necessary to pick a suitable domain name if you want customers to discover your website with little stress. Most individuals and businesses understand this rule, and that’s why there’s significant demand for the class of domain names known as premium domains. There are various considerations to what constitutes a premium domain, but the most important thing to know is that they’re often short, catchy, and memorable. Premium domain names give you greater recognition on the web. If you’re serious about your business, you’ll want to buy one of these pieces of prime digital real estate for your website. Key takeaways What makes a premium domain name Valuations of a premium domain name Long-term financial growth possibilities How to buy a premium domain name

How to Choose a Domain Name

Open the dictionary and pick a word – the .com of that word will almost certainly be gone. So where do you begin when choosing a domain name that will help your business grow? NameExperts.com Director Joe Uddeme walks you through the whole process. One of the most important decisions you’ll make about your business is the domain name you choose to acquire. The domain name you give your business is crucial because it becomes your identity on the web. You want it to reflect your brand and fit your business, but you also need it to be easy to find and promote. Acquiring a premium domain name is definitely the way to go, but choosing one can be difficult. What criteria should you be following to make sure you end up with the very best when you buy a domain name? This post is a little different to the others on the NameExperts blog – it’s a list of six key pointers to consider when choosing a domain name. 1. Pick a Short Name When You Choose a Domain What You Want to Avoid: When you’re just starting out playing with domain names to choose, it can be tempting to combine all your ideas into one long domain name – like UsedCadillacsInTexas.com. However, while that may make it unique and descriptive, it may hurt your branding. What to Do Instead: A short name is easy to remember, easier to spell, and thus, has a better chance of becoming a household name. It also makes it easier when you want to branch out into branded items, or you want to create a logo, etc. Unfortunately, all the very easy 3-letter names were all taken as early as 1997, but there are plenty of others available that are appropriate. The shorter your domain name is, the easier it is to share through word of mouth. It’s also easier to type into your search bar, especially if you’re using a phone. 2. Pick Something Easy to Spell, Pronounce, and Remember What You Want to Avoid: A name that is difficult to spell can negatively impact your traffic because it can mean that users don’t land on your page. They might even end up with a competitor, instead. You’ll also want to avoid using multiple spellings and the use of hyphens, numbers, or special characters. Your customers will often misunderstand numbers or misplace hyphens. People who hear your web address might not know whether you’re using a numeral or if it’s spelled out. What to Do Instead: This name needs to be easy to remember. Your customers need to be able to spell it correctly and pronounce it easily, so that they can easily share it with others (check out our guide to choosing a strong brand name for your business). Imagine you’re naming a child – you want something unique for your site, but you also don’t want a name that will create difficulties because of spelling or pronunciation. Every ‘Steve’ whose parents opted for ‘Steeyve’ or ‘Stëeve’ will tell you that being ‘clever’ with a name rarely works. If you absolutely need to include special characters or terms that are more difficult to spell in your domain name, make sure you register different variations of it to be safe. Some of the most famous and brandable names out there are extremely simple: Google. Facebook. Amazon. Apple. These are giants who created an excellent product or service, but who also knew how to brand themselves by acquiring premium domain names. 3. Use Relevant Keywords What You Want to Avoid: A word of caution, here – if your domain is entirely made up of keywords, you run the risk of creating a brand that sounds too generic, or unrecognizable. Especially if you’re starting a blog or a personal page, you need something with a bit of personality. What to Do Instead: You’ll notice that a lot of the heavy players have names that are composed of two words, and one of them is usually a keyword. That is a very clever choice, because a) it’s descriptive of your business, b) it majorly contributes to SEO, and c) it makes your name easy to remember. So, if you’ve got an interior design business, for example, you’ll want a premium domain that ideally includes a relevant keyword, like “design”, “interior”, “decorator”, “home”, “style”, etc. That will tell your potential customers all they need to know about your business. Your name is also likely to pop up in whatever Google search they try for “interior design” or similar keywords. If your business is local, you might consider including your city or state in your domain. That way, customers in your area can find your name and remember it easier. Often, when doing keyword research for your business, you’ll find that city and state will most likely be included. 4. Avoid Anything Confusing or Inappropriate What You Want to Avoid: You want to pay attention to not pick a name that is confusing (either because of spelling or sheer peculiarity), awkward, or inappropriate. If the initials of your business make up an inappropriate word, scrap the name immediately. What to Do Instead: Pay attention to what a domain looks like when you spell it out, if it’s made of multiple words. You’ll be surprised at how many other words you may inadvertently spelling. Example: your name is Marc and you’re a rapper. www.marcraps.com isn’t great, is it? The other thing to look out for is picking a name that has no relation to your line of business. That can be very confusing. 5. Avoid Names that Already Exist or Are Trademarked What You Want to Avoid: Don’t go ahead with a name that is extremely similar to an existing one or that is trademarked, because a) that is confusing for your customers and you risk losing traffic, and b) you may, someday, be served with a legal notice that may create problems. What to Do Instead: However, there is a caveat here. If the name is already trademark-protected, that’s a bit of a dead-end. There can’t be another Burger King, for example. If, however, the domain name you want is just taken by someone else, there are ways around that and you are still able to buy a domain name that is already owned. 6. Choose a .com TLD, but Purchase All Available Extensions What You Want to Avoid: If you only acquire the domain name you want and no other similar ones, you run the risk of having someone else purchase other variations of your domain. They will get the traffic that should have been directed towards your page. What to Do Instead: The most popular domains are .com ones, and they are the most widely used, so it’s the ideal premium domain to acquire. But your work doesn’t stop here. Once you’ve bought that, you also want to purchase every other available variation of your domain name. For example, let’s say your domain name is www.carsforsale.com. You should try to buy www.carsforsale.net, www.carsforsale.org, www.carsforsale.biz, etc. That way, no one else can take these domains and possibly steal traffic that was meant to go your way. Once you have these domains, you can make sure the traffic redirects to your main .com domain. Check out our guide to TLDs (top level domains). The Bottom Line When Deciding How to Choose a Domain Name Choosing a domain name can be a delicate process. Pick the wrong one, and your business may suffer. Pick the right one, and it can catapult you into quick notoriety, or at least it can help make branding easier. The most important things to remember when choosing what domain to acquire is that it should be something easy to spell and remember, non-trademarked, and that ideally includes a keyword. If you manage to find the perfect one, purchase every variation to make sure that you can take advantage of 100% of the traffic going to these domains. Buying premium domain names for a business can be pretty complex, which is why many people to turn an expert domain broker for help. Brokers know all the ins and outs of securing a great name, and are adept at negotiating the best price for the buyer. Check out our guide to the best domian brokers of 2025 for more details. About the author Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact us at: [email protected]

Man stares at a large whiteboard. He is wearing a purple tee shirt.

How Much Do Domain Names Cost? Everything You Need To Know

Ready to start a business? Then get set to enter the world of domain name buying. In this post, NameExperts Director Joe Uddeme covers all the pricing information a newcomer to domain names needs to know. When it’s time to start your business online, securing a domain name is the first step. Regardless of whether or not your business is established, you can’t create a website without a domain name. If you’re like most business owners, you’re probably wondering how much do domain names cost? You might also have questions about how much time you should spend looking for the right URL or even how to buy a domain name. We’ve got the inside scoop on what you need to know. Your domain name essentially functions as your website’s address, so you want to make sure you have one that is simple and relevant. You’ll also want to make sure it’s easy to remember so that people can easily find you and your business online. With all of that in mind, it’s easy to see why some people are willing to break the bank to get the domain name they want. If your domain name is just right, it can greatly increase website traffic. Discover everything you need to know about domain names and how much they cost right here. Key takeaways A beginner’s guide to domain names Pricing details for domain name buyers How a domain broker can secure a better price and streamline the process Pricing for Domain Names – the Inside Guide Ready to delve into domain names and what they cost? Let’s start with the basics: What Is A Domain Name You don’t want to shell out a ton of money on a domain name without first understanding what you’re paying for. We mentioned it earlier, but a domain name is the web address you type into a browser to bring up your specific website. It typically will start with https or www and will end with something common like .com. You’ll recognize some of the higher profile (read: high traffic volume) domain names like www.google.com or www.irs.com. Why Do You Need To Purchase One If you want to have a website, then registering your domain is absolutely necessary. There are three main reasons why you might need to buy a domain. 1. You’re building a website. You’ll most likely use a domain name that ties in with your business name or utilizes keywords that are related to your company. This is a non-negotiable part of the business world – you need a domain name. 2. Another reason you might register a domain name is when you’re considering starting a business or website. If you have a great idea for a business or a website, then you might want to jump on registering the domain you want. Stake your claim before anyone else comes along and takes it before you’re ready to execute. Check out our guide to finding a great brand name for your business. 3. The third reason that people start to wonder how much domain names cost and start registering domain names is when they are investing. Domain name investing was really popular at the start of the internet age, when popular keywords were still available. Nowadays, a lot of domain names are already taken (read: what to do if the domain you want is taken), but domain investing can still be a great way to earn money. If you’re working with a broker who is managing your domain portfolio, you can find domains that have the potential for significant value and buy them now so that you can sell them for a profit later. How Much Do Domain Names Cost In general, you can purchase a domain name for $2-$20 a year, depending on discounts available and who you’re purchasing it from. Newer domain extensions, the part at the end of your address, like .app or .info might cost more, as they are newer on the market. We can break down how much do domain names cost based on a couple of factors. Like we just said, the domain extension can increase the price – for example, using .com might be more expensive than .shop. Where you purchase your domain name is another factor. A reputable registrar might be less expensive than an aftermarket service or private seller. Additionally, if you choose to register for multiple years and elect to include domain privacy can also increase or decrease the price of your domain name. You’ll find that the most expensive domain names will be the ones you’ll find on auction houses, through private sellers, or aftermarket services. Unfortunately, there are no hard or definitive prices for domain names, regardless of the avenue you choose to purchase from. The domain name industry varies just like real estate. Sometimes it’s a seller’s market, sometimes it’s a buyer’s market, as our guide to domain name valuation illustrates. Scarcity, though, is what drives domain name prices to eye-watering levels. Add in desirabilty, and you have a recipe for domain name costs that can shoot through the roof. The most expensive domain name ever sold – cars.com – went for just a little short of a billion dollars. Make sure you consult a domain broker if you’re looking to buy from a private seller, or are looking to purchase a domain that is already owned. Brokers are experienced and can handle all of the ins and outs of the acquisition and negotiation process so that you get the domain you deserve at a fair price. Why You Should Consider Hiring A Broker As mentioned above, hiring an experienced domain broker might be the best idea to make sure you get the domain you want. However, for a readily-available name, such as parkmylimo.com, there’s no need – it’s yours from any of the registration companies for just a few dollars. If you can be flexible when the domain you want isn’t available, that’s another great way to snap up a bargain, too. Sometimes, though, you can’t proceed without a certain domain name. Even the mighty Tesla struggled to do what they wanted with the brand because they didn’t own tesla.com. They eventually bought it – after many years of negotiations and a price tag thought to be in the many millions. A broker with experience will know the market inside out. He or she will have a thick contact book, and their years of experience provide leverage when negotiating the best price for you. If going it alone, look out for hidden fees, discount scams, and even hidden costs in your written agreements. This is where having a domain broker on your side comes in handy. They know the lingo, they’ve negotiated before, and they aren’t emotionally invested, which means they just want to get you the best deal. Let a broker help you navigate this industry, and help you determine what might be too good to be true. Sometimes when a great domain seems really cheap, it might be because there are hidden fees when registering. A domain broker can help you choose a reputable registrar and find the right price. About the author Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact us at: [email protected]

Why Work with Name Experts

Name Experts offers personalized domain brokerage services, assisting clients in buying or selling premium domain names with expert appraisal, negotiation, and complete transaction management while ensuring confidentiality.

The Best Places to Buy and Sell Domain Names

Domain Buying Guides

Got a domain name in your sights? Looking to sell one? Here are 5 ‘safe pairs of hands’ when looking to buy or sell non-premium domain names.

1. Sedo

Sedo Search Sample:

2. NamePros

How much is it worth?

3. Flippa

Easy to use:

4. Namecheap

Popular Domain names

Auctions

5. Atom.com (formerly Brand Bucket)

Business Identity

FAQ About Buying and Selling Domain Names

About the author

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What is a Premium Domain Name & Why You Should Buy One

How to Choose a Domain Name

How Much Do Domain Names Cost? Everything You Need To Know

Why Work with Name Experts

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