written by
Joe Uddeme
How to Buy a Domain Name
Negotiating a Domain Price
How to Choose a Domain Name
How to Value a Domain Name
What is a Premium Domain Name & Why You Should Buy One
Domain Names for Startups
How to Buy a Domain Name Owned by Someone Else
How to Buy a .com Domain Name
Things to Watch Out for When Buying a Domain
Domain Name Investing
Buy & Selling Domains
Best Domains to Buy
Working with an experienced domain name buyer can be one of the quickest and least stressful ways to secure the domain you need for your business. In this article, we’ll weigh up some of your best options.
Before diving into our list, it’s essential to understand what domain buy services are.
Domain name acquisition specialists (AKA domain buy services) are people (brokers) who act on your behalf to secure a domain name you wish to purchase. As well as being expert domain name negotiators, they are usually highly skilled at tracking down names that do not appear to be for sale.
They have the expertise and experience to negotiate with domain owners – and can provide clear guidance on pricing, ensuring you don’t pay over the odds when purchasing a domain name.
Our list contains many of the best-known domain buy services in the marketplace today and highlights some of their key points.
Domain name buying services play a crucial role in bridging the gap between buyers and sellers. They are experts in the domain marketplace and usually bring long-established relationships and networks to the table.
These networks can prove invaluable, especially when dealing with highly sought-after domains (also known as premium domain names). Moreover, buy-side brokers can often access exclusive listings that are not publicly available, giving you an edge when acquiring premium domains.
One of the main advantages of using a domain broker is the negotiation skills they bring to the table. Domain buying experts are well worth having on your side if they are seasoned professionals or industry veterans who understand the nuances of domain value and market trends.
They can communicate with domain owners to negotiate a fair price, often securing a deal that would be challenging – if not impossible – for someone without this expertise. This negotiation process shouldn’t be overlooked, especially when dealing with domains that have sentimental value or are held for speculative purposes.
After all, domain names don’t have a ‘true’ value that is fixed: the prices they achieve reflect what somebody is prepared to pay at any given point in time.
The domain acquisition process can be complex. It usually involves legal checks, valuation assessments, and secure payment transactions. Domain name buy services simplify this process by handling everything on your behalf.
They ensure that all legal and financial aspects are managed correctly, which reduces the risk of potential pitfalls.
Note: this process is often much more complex and drawn out than people sometimes realize. However, with skill and experience, seasoned domain buy service professionals will make each purchase as streamlined as possible.
This widely respected buy-side specialist is run by industry veteran Joe Uddeme, who has completed transactions worth almost $200 million. The company’s clients include billionaire investor and sports brand owner Mark Cuban, HBO Max, the Hope Channel, and Monday.com.
Joe is famous for keeping his cards close to his chest. Or more specifically – your cards. When negotiating the purchase of a domain name for a client, Joe’s poker face has helped him seal the deal on a multitude of transactions at prices that would otherwise have been incredibly difficult to achieve.
Unlike many large organizations with multiple staff, Name Experts keep things lean. This means that Joe and his small support team take care of everything from start to finish, and the barriers that sometimes exist between large companies and their clients are simply not present when dealing with this US-based boutique domain buy service.
The skill of a top domain buying expert lies in his or her ability to track down the owner of a name that a client finds desirable. While this can be straightforward, more commonly, it requires detective work and a vast black book of contacts. This is an area in which Name Experts excels.
Name Experts should not be your top choice if you are trying to secure a low-value name worth several thousand dollars or less. Joe’s voluminous contacts book and the hands-on service he provides mean his door is wide open to buyers of premium domain names who want to ensure they secure them at the best possible price.
GoDaddy is well-known in the domain industry. They offer a comprehensive service that includes:
GoDaddy assigns each client a dedicated agent who manages all aspects of your domain acquisition. This personalized approach ensures that your goals are understood and prioritized. The agent acts as your rep, negotiating on your behalf and keeping you informed throughout.
GoDaddy’s pricing structure is transparent, with a one-time engagement fee and a commission based on the domain’s purchase price. This allows you to budget effectively without worrying about surprises. It also ensures you get value for your investment, making it cost-effective in many cases.
GoDaddy is global and can negotiate with domain owners worldwide. This reach can be beneficial if you’re looking to acquire a domain that is held in a different country or region – though most well-established domain buy services offer the same kind of reach.
Sedo is another major player in the domain-buying industry. Known for its extensive marketplace, Sedo offers:
Sedo boasts a large inventory of premium domains. This increases your chances of finding a domain that aligns well with your brand. Their platform is user-friendly, allowing you to browse and shortlist domains that meet your criteria with ease.
Sedo’s large team of buyers is comprised of professionals with years of experience in domain transactions. Their expertise helps them navigate complex deals and provide valuable insights into domain valuation.
If a direct purchase isn’t feasible, Sedo can facilitate domain auctions, giving you the opportunity to bid for your desired domain. Auctions can be an alternative way to acquire highly sought-after domains, as they allow for competitive bidding. Sedo manages the entire auction process, ensuring transparency and fairness for all parties involved.
Namecheap’s service is designed for those looking for a simple and straightforward process. They provide:
Namecheap offers a fixed pricing model with no hidden fees, making the cost of buying a domain name predictable and straightforward. This clarity in pricing helps you manage your budget effectively, and you’ll know exactly what to expect when engaging their services.
Namecheap’s support extends beyond just the acquisition and includes insights into domain strategy and how this fits into your broader business objectives. The company’s guidance helps ensure your domain enhances your brand’s online presence.
Ensuring a secure purchase process is a priority for Namecheap. They use advanced security measures to protect your transactions and personal information, while a reliable transaction process ensures that the acquisition is completed smoothly.
DomainAgents has a slightly different approach to domain acquisition. Their services include:
DomainAgents offers a proprietary platform that allows you to make offers on domains and negotiate directly with owners. This provides an efficient way to communicate your interest and negotiate terms.
To ensure secure transactions between buyers and sellers, DomainAgents offers an escrow service that holds funds until the domain transfer is complete. This service protects both parties and adds an extra layer of security to the acquisition process.
DomainAgents operates on a success-based fee model. This approach ensures your investment is tied to tangible results, aligning the broker’s incentives with your goals. It also reduces upfront costs.
Choosing the right domain buy service can feel pretty overwhelming if you’ve never done it before. Here are some factors to consider:
Check online reviews and testimonials for the domain broker you’re thinking of working with. Positive feedback and a strong reputation often indicate reliable service and successful transactions. Take the time to research the broker’s history to ensure you’re partnering with a solid, trustworthy service.
Different brokerage services have varying fee structures, so make sure you’re clear on how they charge for their services. Some brokers charge a flat fee, while others take a commission on the purchase price. Clarifying this upfront will help you avoid surprises.
Great customer support is vital when dealing with domain acquisitions. Ensure the buy service you’re interested in provides responsive and knowledgeable support to help you throughout the process.
Look for brokers with a proven track record of successful acquisitions. Experienced brokers have the skills and market knowledge to navigate complex negotiations effectively. You’re basically paying for their expertise and experience – which can be instrumental in purchasing a domain that matches your business goals.
If you’re trying to acquire a premium domain that’s already taken, domain buy experts can be invaluable. They have the negotiation skills and market knowledge to secure the domain at a competitive price, and they’ll ensure everything happens properly. However, if you’re purchasing a standard domain that’s readily available, you almost certainly won’t need them.
In cases where the desired domain is owned by someone else or is highly competitive, seasoned buyers really earn their keep. They can access off-market domains and engage in negotiations that might be beyond your capabilities.
You should always consider the potential return on investment. If an expert buyer can secure a domain that significantly enhances your brand’s visibility and credibility – at a price you would struggle to achieve on your own – the investment may be well worth it.
Analyze how the domain will impact your business and whether the fee justifies the potential benefits.
Acquiring the perfect domain name is an important step for any business looking to establish a strong online presence. With the right domain buy service, you can navigate the complex world of domain acquisition much easier than when going it alone.
Whether you choose NameExperts, Namecheap, or one of the other domain buy services on our list, each offers unique benefits and different levels of service. By considering factors like reputation, pricing, and support, you can find the best domain buy service to help you secure your ideal domain in 2025.
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]
Securing the perfect domain is crucial for setting your business apart—and that’s where domain name brokers come in. In this expert review, domain industry specialist Joe Uddeme highlights 10 of the best domain name brokerage services and explains their pros and cons.
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. 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 of $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 a 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 company 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 company’s 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 company’s 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 $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact us at: [email protected]
It’s impossible to overstate the power of a great domain name for a business. Get it right, and an endless flow of online traffic could be yours, as domain name expert Joe Uddeme explains. The Internet evolves and is shaped by countless businesses, people, non-profits and an array of other entities looking for eyeballs in an ever-changing world. Buying a premium domain name is crucial in today’s clutter. Brands work hard to engrain their product or service in the public psyche and establish market positioning and relevance. Your domain name is part of the deal. Savvy brands understand the importance of creating something catchy and memorable. They need to separate themselves from their competition in ways that remain top-of-mind for their targeted audience. In this post, we’ll look at some of the reasons why companies large and small spend so much time and money acquiring a valuable premium name. And why you should, too. Key takeaways Proof that top brands have instantly recognizable domain names How a great domain name helps leverage your position in any marketplace Questions to ask when searching for a valuable premium domain name What’s in a name? Let’s start by looking at the top ten brands, according to Wikipedia: Rnk Company Rev($B) FY Employees Mkt. Cap Location Founded 1 Amazon $232.9 2018 647,500 $802.3 Seattle 1994 [1][2] 2 Alphabet Inc. $136.8 2018 98,771 $791.01 Mountain View, CA 1998 [3][4] 3 JD.com $55.7 2017 137,975 $34.84 Beijing 1998 [5][6] 4 Facebook $55.01 2018 25,105 $486.39 Menlo Park, CA 2004 [7][8] 5 Alibaba $39.90 2018 66,421 $432.12 Hangzhou 1999 [9][10] 6 Tencent $36.39 2017 44,796 $434.66 Shenzhen 1998 [11][12] 7 Netflix $15.8 2018 5,400 $153.39 Los Gatos, CA 1997 [13][14] 8 Booking $12.7 2017 22,900 $92.94 Norwalk, CT 1996 [15] 9 Baidu $12.40 2016 45,887 $88.11 Beijing 2000 [16][17] 10 eBay $10.75 2018 14,000 $32.07 San Jose 1995 [18][19] Each of these companies went out and acquired their core premium domain name – no matter what the cost. They also understood the value of having .com as their global brand. Let’s dig a bit deeper into the strategy of one of the major power-houses listed above. Facebook.com also owns many other valuable pieces of digital, beach-front real estate. Take for example, FB.com which complements the existing digital strategy that was already in place. Facebook has parlayed their web presence by building another piece of digital real estate alongside their own majestic piece of real estate. Another example is Booking.com, with more than $12 billion in revenues. They do a phenomenal job of attracting users with constant ad-driven messaging. They have partnerships with more than 660,000 hotels and provide a valuable service to their clientele. Why Premium Domains? Let’s continue with the beach-front real estate analogy. For the past thirty years, brands have been swallowing up the short, brandable .com domains. These are the assets that provide the most upside, equity and long-term value to the brands. These assets can hold generic value, such as Booking.com, or be more brandable, such as ebay.com or Baidu – to name a few. Premium domain names have commercial appeal and are typically very memorable. Brands spend huge amounts of money attracting new users and creating brand credibility. Digital strategists – including speculators who buy and sell domains for profit – are competing for a smaller piece of the available premium domain name inventory. Having a great domain name is only half the battle. Success lies in how you develop the brand and create long-term equity for your company. For this reason, companies should always acquire the shortest variation for their brand (Tesla, for example, spent an undisclosed amount on tesla.com so they no longer had to be teslamotors.com). This doesn’t have to be the only strategy. Companies should outline a comprehensive domain name strategy that not only covers their brand but any additional reputation management/brand defense needed to protect their corporate brand positioning. Simply put, premium domain names come with the following instant upside: Brand-dominance and positioning Equity toward a long-term exit strategy Inability to build against – a defensive strategy against your competition Own the real estate before your competitors do! Most successful brands have identified the importance of the premium domain name. They have dedicated digital strategists or digital departments to handle the larger need for digital integration and social media components. Brands should spend wisely and methodically when securing a new brand or piece of beach-front digital real estate. Get it right the first time with help from a broker Domain name brokerage services like NameExperts help businesses with their domain strategy and are in high demand. Whether or not they work with us, we always advise companies to use the following checklist to make sure they are not leaving money on the table: Conduct Research—who owns the asset and for how long have they had it? Is it being used? Are there active trademarks? What’s the history of the link profile? Variations and Alternatives—brands need to nail it. To do this, sometimes, they need to think outside the box. Find viable alternative assets that define your image and brand. Negotiation is key—do you negotiate for a living? We do. We remove the emotional attachment and red tape to manage both buyers’ and sellers’ expectations. Be Flexible—sometimes you have to give a little to get a little. Don’t be afraid to be flexible and offer ways to benefit the other party in your transaction. Be Honest—honesty and integrity go a long way. Be true to your word and don’t go back on what you say. This is critical for deals to succeed. Ask Questions—hold your broker or expert accountable and ask appropriate questions. Some domain transactions move quickly. A clear line of communication is necessary to save valuable money and time. Due Diligence—dig for more information and market comparisons: it’s all firepower necessary to make the case. Timing—don’t hunt for a CBD-themed/Marijuana-type name when there is mass decriminalization and legalization occurring. The market is just too hot, and pricing will be inflated. Instead, names should be selected “ahead-of-the-curve”. Don’t fall at the first hurdle When buying a premium domain name, it’s important to ask the right questions – it can save the buyer tons of money in the long-run. A common issue relates to trademarks tied to a name/brand. Many companies secure a domain name for commercial use but never take the time to search the trademark database. This quick search can save clients thousands of dollars. Premium domain names make total sense for any emerging brand looking to scale their brand – and shortening the global domain name is still the foundation for successful growth. The top companies around the world continue to focus on the universally popular .com for brand growth. This validates the need for a superb, premium domain name for your company and brand. Get it right the first time and save money in the long run – while adding credibility and equity value while you’re doing it. 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]
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.
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