Your Expert Guide On How To Buy and Sell Domain Names

written by

JoeUddeme

JoeUddeme

Your Expert Guide On How To Buy and Sell Domain Names

Domain Buying Guides

New to the industry and need to know how to buy and sell domain names? You’re most likely looking for the best places you can buy domains from, where to sell your domains, how to transfer names to your buyer, how much you can sell your names for, and more. If you’re looking for a great domain name for your business, would benefit from professional help in negotiating and buying a website domain, or even just need to know the value of your domain, then let us help. At Name Experts, we help corporations and individuals around the world buy and sell domain name assets. We’ll help you navigate the waters and even help you choose the best domain name for your business.

Read on as we give you the entire guide to help you buy and sell domain names.

How To Buy and Sell Domain Names The Right Way

Buying a domain name isn’t always easy. It can be a real pain to finally decide on the perfect one only to find that it’s already taken. Here we go over the process so that you can buy and sell domain names the right way.

Buying Domain Names

Buying the right domain name for your brand can be a pretty big undertaking. New GTLD’s like .online or .law are part of more than 1500 alternative top level domains that can sometimes confuse your customers. How can you know what the right choice is to help your business grow? Or maybe you’re buying domains to turn around and sell them. Whatever you need a new domain name for, having a broker on your side to help you with how to buy and sell domain names and get the domain purchase over the finish line.

Especially when it comes to the negotiation process, you’ll want to have an experienced broker who knows what your purpose is for the domain name so that they can plan the proper strategy. We also encourage you to use an accredited, third-party escrow provider. We use Escrow.com as the preferred method for domain purchase transactions because it identifies all the parties involved to ensure proper transfer and a smooth transaction experience. The broker you choose should be able to work with the escrow provider and help you complete the entire domain purchase process.

Escrow Process to Buy a Domain Name

Here are the general steps outlined below:

  • Buyer and Seller agree to terms
  • Buyer selects a payment method
  • Escrow secures buyer’s payment
  • Escrow will prompt the seller to transfer
  • The transfer will occur either by account transfer or authorization code
  • Seller confirms shipment of merchandise
  • Buyer confirms receipt of a domain name in the account
  • Buyer marks the transaction complete
  • Domain Purchase and choosing the right broker

Your domain broker should be open to communicating with you throughout this entire process and make sure the timeline is being met as well as handling your expectations. At Name Experts, we will make sure that we will get you the domain you want or find an appropriate alternative if the one you want truly isn’t available.

Most reputable brokers will charge a fee for any successful acquisition and should be upfront with you about that fee. They’ll also help you with successfully transferring domains so that everything is out of your hands when all is said and done.

Selling Domain Names

Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned domain investor with dozens of assets or someone who just has one domain name to sell, it’s always a good idea to hire a professional who knows what they are doing. Domain experts make it their mission to maximize your sales potential and work on your behalf. This means letting you know if you’re sitting on a goldmine when it comes to domains or buying assets that are only worth a few pennies – they’ll help you figure out the value of your domain.

The first step of the selling process is to establish the right expectation for your domains. Sellers should identify their needs and realistically price their assets in a way that will make people want to buy them. We’ll help you identify your goals and get to the bottom of why you’re really selling.

Typically there are different types of pricing models that we use to sell your domain name, but it all depends on intent. They include retail sellers, market seller, and liquidation seller. At Name Experts, we have experience negotiating and marketing your name assets successfully. We have the knowledge to help you nail down a strategy to make sure the right people are seeing your domain names. If you’re in the market to sell, we will help you with all of our services.

Value your Domain Name

You domain name, and really anyone’s domain name, is only worth as much as a buyer is willing to pay. There are different factors to consider though. For example, single word .com assets sell for a higher price than longer names. At Name Experts, we will evaluate your assets and take comps of other names that recently sold in the market. We’ll make sure you have a realistic expectation of what your domain is worth.

Marketing

Especially if you’re new in this industry, you’ll want someone experienced putting your name in front of the right people. We use a combination of email, phone, and press releases to cover a global exposure. This also includes reaching out to our industry-wide relationships to help you find the perfect buyer.

Negotiation

Don’t leave money on the table. Let Name Experts negotiate on your behalf and help you maximize your profit.

Transfer Service

This part of the process makes sure that the buyer lives up to his end of the deal. We handle all transfers through Escrow.com, a licensed and audited escrow service ideal for domain names.  We’ll make sure that your domain name ends up at the right registrar.

Let Name Experts Help You

At the end of the day, you need someone you can trust to help you navigate these waters. A professional broker can make all the difference. They will outline both the buying and selling process for you and make sure both sides understand the goal of the transaction. They’ll also help you take the guesswork out of the process as well as represent your interests. As experienced brokers with an industry-wide reputation, let us help you with all the phases of how to buy and sell domain names.

When you work with an experienced professional like us, you’ll see that they will also have all the relevant contracts and paperwork to help you secure the name that you want or sell it for a fair price. We’ll make sure that every step of the way is completely transparent and we always have your best interest in mind. We don’t want to compromise your identity or your confidentiality, and we work hard to earn the trust of our clients with consistent performance and open communication.When you’re ready to get started or just want more information on the buying or selling process, reach out to us today! We’d love to prove to you why we’re the experts and answer all of your questions.

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Domain Name Investing : Invest in Premium Domain Names

We’ll here’s a question for every company to tackle. Especially small businesses and startups need to consider if it is worth investing a quarter of the funding on a premium domain name rather than. The response to that question is seldom a simple one, as it is dependent upon the kind of business it’s likely to be, together with a number of other aspects. A domain name is critical because you can not run a web site without it. It will be the title of your site and email and will play a crucial role in your marketing strategy once you’ve purchased it. In this guide, we’re going to look at all that is to know about premium domain names and help you decide whether you should buy one for your business. You may have already dropped your jaw when you encounter a domain name that costs $10,000+, while some cost only $10. But that is how this company rolls out and even though that’s a huge load of cash to spend on just a few characters, it might prove to be among the best investments you made for your industry. Why a Domain Name Is Considered Premium? The process of buying domain names involves a few disappointing encounters. When you think of an especially excellent title, only to search for it and discover it was shot or to find that its cost is far up in the skies. Yet these domains do nothing special. They’re just familiar and dull, with no rocket science involved with coming up with them and that is the purpose. A more comprehensive domain name will help your site gain more traction much faster, which will prove to be one of your greatest investments if you have chosen wisely. This is the reason why a domain becomes a premium one. The Precise Definition of a Domain Name The cost of a domain name will give away that it’s a premium one. Usually, a regular premium domain name is a domain name that is already owned by a registry or a person. Its cost is exponentially higher than a typical domain and can cost from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands. This is because of the perceived value which it might have for a company within a particular industry. This is only because somebody believes it and he/she is known right in the event that you have ended up searching for that particular domain name. A domain name is considered premium due to its duration, brand-ability, and keywords. All these are highly valuable for a business that wishes to branch out on the internet. Not every premium domain price is set by a person. On occasion, the registry (such as .info or.design) sets the cost for this. But that won’t change considerably when it comes to your buying procedure. The Potential Problems With Not So Comprehensive Domains There are a few issues a company might run into if they don’t choose the best domain name they can. Here are the main difficulties: It Might Get the Client Confused. If a company or an individual selects the incorrect domain extension, they may get a good deal of misdirected customers. Some might believe the support is down or doesn’t even exist, only because they have seen Domain.com rather than the actual Domain.co. Trust and Branding. Oftentimes, having a .com domain is the best way to show that a company is serious and trustworthy. A good deal of experts say to always go with .com, but there are lots of other options too, including .org, .co and so on. The Potential to Grow. Numerous businesses end up thriving after purchasing a premium domain name for around $500,000, particularly if it matches with their institution’s name. These problems do not appear for many companies and a domain can certainly succeed if it isn’t a. com one. What a Premium Domain Name Will Do to Help Your Website The fantastic thing about premium domain names is the fact that they are almost household names and you do not have to make additional investments in making them accordingly. Which is the reason: You’ll have to spend less money on internet PPC advertisements and you are going to become a whole lot more organic visitors on your website as soon as you’ve launched it. Better SEO and site rank, that will profit you more traffic. Individuals are already searching for your website and will be glad to find it. There are more trust and authority involved using a premium domain name, which will make reliable companies link to your site. Thus further fostering your SEO. A short, catchy name functions really well on social media and people will remember it a lot simpler. Even though URL shorteners will merely turn your domain name into a meaningless collection of characters. The domain will provide prospective clients a strong sign on what they will find on your website, so you don’t have to invest money and time into describing it to them. Simply speaking, it is much simpler to make a premium domain popular and you are going to have to devote a good deal less money on advertising it. The answer to this question depends on your intent with the domain name. If you’re doing business in a market where word of mouth is essential than premium domains are definitely something to take into account. But small business owners and startups shouldn’t start with a premium domain name. A business can definitely be effective with a less than ideal domain name if it is catchy enough. If the domain name you’re considering matches your branding, then that is all that you will need. It can work well even if it doesn’t match your business’s name. Even if you can not get the. Com extension, it is possible to go with. Co or many others. But when you’ve hit it big, you may want to appear around and receive a premium domain name, because there’s a higher possibility it will have a large payoff within the next few years.
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Domain Names and Covid-19

Over the past few weeks, there have been many readers asking about the effects of Domai Names and Covid-19 on domain names. Should we hold our names, or sell them now? How has the impact of the global pandemic affected domain name investors and owners of valuable digital assets?  Will we be heading for a deeper depression, and how would all of that translate into the current value of your domain name portfolio. In the short term, if you can sit on your names, you would probably be better off in the long run. The market uncertainty has thrown domain name values for a loop. Financial market volatility has a direct correlation with domain name investment values. As a result, now is not the time to sell your domain name to the end-user. Its also not the time to expect top dollar values on your domain name inventory. The market is different and is reactive to today’s landscape. Folks are still trying to figure things out—and most importantly—stay healthy. We are faced with a new way of life now with remote workplaces, and limited exposure to the people we care most about. When the dust settles, domain name portfolios will evolve and some additional GTLD’s will continue to go by the wayside. Domain name starts will continue to suffer (a start is defined as a new potential domain name acquisition or valuation). Brands push Pause Just three weeks ago, domain starts were up. The market was robust and many startups, and emerging brands had major growth. 2020 was off to a great start and then boom. In a matter of weeks, things have dried up. Most acquisitions that were on the target board have been placed on hold, with buyers deciding to wait for the dust to settle from the outbreak. Things are rough and will continue to deteriorate. Growth has turned into retraction with global markets reacting to their municipalities ability to control the spread. Simply put: things have frozen. People aren’t spending and have decided to stand pat. Hundreds of thousands of employees are losing, or have already lost their jobs around the World. Companies are scrambling for a plan to deal with the circumstances. What should we do? As with any alternative or digital investment, it’s wise to have a long-term plan. Domain names, are very similar to real estate and will ultimately retain value and upside. More specifically, .com digital real estate will continue to hold value. Additional TLDS will continue to fade out—at a fast clip than over the past two years. Only sell if you need the capital—understand that the market is different so selling now, will probably not deliver top dollar for your asset. Hold if you Can—now, more than ever, you should hold your inventory. You might be in it for a while at this point. Can you afford to wait for the proper rebound? Don’t panic—there is always liquidity in domain names Diversify your portfolio—now is the time to clean out the junk and trim the fat so-to-speak We always encourage you to like our articles and share with your network. Keep a look out for additional pieces related to the current climate for domain names as an investment tool and provide your feedback if there are topics you would like for us to cover. Learn more by visiting our website. NameExperts.com
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Top 10 Best Domain Brokers of 2025 (Expert Review)

Picture this scenario: You’re launching a new business or website, and when you Google to see if your preferred domain name is available, you see it’s taken. Don’t panic. This is a common scenario, and the reason domain brokers exist.   And while the most expensive domain ever purchased was Cars.com for an incredible $872 million, the vast majority of domain purchases are reasonable and worth every penny.  It’s worth noting that domain brokers don’t only help domain buyers, they are equally helpful in helping sellers get the best price possible for the sale of their domain.  But not all domain brokers are created equal. So in this blog, we’ll explore the best domain brokers of 2025 so that you can have industry leaders on your side when negotiating a deal. Ready to jump the gun? Here’s the short list of the best domain brokers of 2025: Name Experts Sedo GoDaddy Name Arena Domain Holdings Grit Brokerage SawBrokerage Media Options Name Ninja Brannans And if you’re still unsure whether or not you need a domain expert, we’ll give you the low down on why working with one is your best bet for acquiring that domain name you desire, and at the best price possible. What is a domain broker?  A domain broker is an expert when it comes to negotiating and completing domain transactions. Domain brokers work with both domain buyers and sellers, helping them to secure the best deal possible.  Domain brokers offer services ranging from stealth acquisition to high-volume transactions, ensuring a broad range of options depending on your domain needs. Why should I use a domain broker? You should use a domain broker for the same reason you use a real estate agent when buying or selling your house—because deferring to the experts is how you get the best deal possible. Domain brokers have both the knowledge and connections needed to successfully secure the transaction. Going at it alone could mean leaving money on the table, or worse—losing out on the deal entirely. The 10 best domain brokers of 2025: Now that you understand the value of a domain broker, let’s get to the good stuff. Here is a list of the 10 best domain brokers of 2025, expertly reviewed by founder and domain broker Joe Uddeme: 1. Name Experts Name Experts is a boutique domain name broker firm that specializes in high-end domain acquisitions and sales. Their domain broker service values and negotiates a fair market value for your domain name.  They focus on confidentiality and work one-on-one with clients to achieve the best outcomes. As an independent domain broker, Name Experts offers a personalized approach to every deal offering a clear understanding and navigation of the domain acquisition process. Best domain broker for personalized service and expertise in the premium domain space. Name Experts Pros & Cons Pros:  Expert in premium domain acquisition: Name Experts specializes in high-value, brandable domains and can help you successfully and confidentially complete larger domain transactions while securing the best price possible. Personalized, 1:1 boutique service: Founder and domain expert Joe Uddeme offers a personalized, hands on approach to domain brokerage—working directly with clients to get the deals done. No upfront fees: Unlike some brokers, Name Experts does not charge any upfront fees. They work on a commission basis, meaning they only get paid when a deal is successfully closed, making it a risk-free option for sellers and buying domains. Cons:  Not meant for mass-market transactions: Name Experts focuses on high-end, brandable domains so isn’t the right choice for small or mass-market transactions. 2. Sedo Sedo is one of the largest domain marketplaces in the world. It offers a comprehensive suite of services— including domain sales, auctions, parking, and brokerage.  Best domain broker for mid-range to high-value domain brokerage.  Sedo Pros & Cons Pros:  Global Marketplace Auction options Diverse services  Cons:  Limited personalization Slower sales in competitive markets High fees for smaller transactions 3. NameArena Name Arena is a domain broker focused on domain name brokerage acquisitions, specializing in privacy and anonymity. They work with high-profile clients and large companies. Best domain broker for high-end, privacy-focused domain transactions. Name Arena Pros & Cons Pros:  Domain expertise Fast, ultra-premium transactions Confidential negotiations  Cons:  Limited reach Unsuitable for smaller transactions 4. GoDaddy Domain Broker Service Go Daddy is the largest domain registrar in the world and also offers domain brokerage services. Their service allows users to buy or sell domains with the help of experienced brokers. Best domain broker for mid-range, affordable transactions. GoDaddy Pros & Cons Pros:  Massive user base Affordable fees Extensive platform with auctions Cons:  No free broker service Lesser focus on niche and high-value sales 5. Domain Holdings Domain Holdings is primarily focused on your dream domain. Their services are known for securing some of the highest domain sales in the industry with a more personalized approach. Best domain broker for high-value domain sellers seeking expert brokerage. Domain Holdings Pros & Cons Pros:  Trusted and knowledgeable Personalized service Strong domain sales reputation Cons:  Limited market support Higher premium service fees 6. Grit Brokerage  Grit Brokerage, founded by domain name broker Brian Harbin, specializes in buying and selling the perfect domain name. They offer personalized service and boast a strong track record in high-value transactions. Best domain broker for clients seeking expert advice on selling high-end domains. Grit Brokerage Pros & Cons Pros:  Expertise in all top-level-domains High success rate with valuable domains Insightful newsletter Cons:  Limited reach Not suitable for smaller transactions 7. Media Options Media Options is a leading domain brokerage firm that helps with both domain name sales and acquisitions. Known for its premium service and privacy-focused approach, Media Options handles high-profile deals globally. Best domain broker for premium domain name buyers and sellers looking for confidentiality. Media Options Pros & Cons Pros:  Premium domain expertise Global reach Insightful newsletter Cons:  Focused mainly on high-end Limited options for budget-conscious 8. Brannans Brannans specializes in both domain sales and acquisitions, focusing on premium and brandable domain names. They offer extensive expertise in helping companies secure high-value domains. Best domain broker for companies and Individuals looking for brand strategy expertise alongside a domain broker service. Brannans Pros & Cons Pros:  Premium domain focus Brand strategy experts Strong industry connections Cons:  Not suited for low-budget clients Smaller reach and marketplace than some competitors 9. Name Ninja Name Ninja, led by expert broker Bill Sweetman, focuses on buying and premium domain names. They’ve handled some of the highest-value domain sales in recent years. Best domain broker for high-profile domain buyers. Name Ninja Pros & Cons Pros:  Premium buy-side expertise Personalized service Proven success in top-dollar deals Cons:  Buyer-only focused Not suitable for lower-value purchases 10. Saw.com Saw.com provides domain brokerage services for both buyers and sellers, with a focus on delivering personalized service. They handle everything from domain acquisition to brand protection. Best for businesses looking for premium domains with hands-on service. Saw.com Pros & Cons Pros:  Personalized service Domain expertise Competitive pricing Cons:  Smaller platform Not suitable for smaller transactions   Two Honorable Domain Broker Mentions: While they didn’t quite make it into the top 10, here are two additional domain brokers who have made a lot of headway over the past couple of years and deserved an honorable mention: VPN.com: Great outbound broker for valuable digital real estate. DNPost.com: Blogger and newsletter related to domain offerings. Domain Broker FAQ Section Hopefully the above information has given you a pretty good understanding of domain brokerage, but we don’t settle for good. We want you to have all the insight necessary to make the right choice when it comes to your unique domain broker needs. With that in mind, here is ‘best domain broker practices’ aka FAQ section to cover any additional questions you may have. 1. How do domain brokers charge? Most domain brokers charge a commission, typically between 10-20% of the sale price. Some may also charge flat fees for certain services, depending on the complexity and value of the transaction. 2. How do I choose the right domain broker for me? Your decision depends on your budget, the type of domain (premium or general), and the level of service you need. High-value transactions benefit from boutique brokers like Name Experts, while larger, affordable platforms like GoDaddy are better for general transactions and smaller term deals. 3. Can I negotiate domain broker fees? Yes, in some cases, especially for high-value transactions, you can negotiate brokerage fees. It’s important to discuss fees upfront before entering into an agreement with a broker. Complete broker transparency is crucial to not leaving money on the table. 4. Do domain brokers offer privacy services? Yes, many brokers offer privacy and anonymity for domain transactions. NameExperts.com and Domain Holdings Group specialize in keeping domain buyers’ and sellers’ identities confidential. 5. What should I expect from a domain broker? Domain brokers help you navigate domain acquisitions and sales by offering expertise in pricing, negotiations, marketing, and legal agreements. They should also facilitate secure payments and transfers. The Best Domain Broker For You? That Depends. Not all domain brokers are created equal, and which one is best for you depends on your unique business needs— from buying or selling a premium domain  or looking for niche expertise. But if you’re ready to move forward, click on the below banner and let Joe show you why Name Experts is one of the best domain brokers in the game.

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.

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