In a press release distributed this morning, Namecheap unveiled its domain name marketplace platform for users to buy and sell domain names. In addition, Namecheap will also auction its expiry stream of domain names instead of sending expired domain name to GoDaddy Auctions. The marketplace quietly launched a few weeks ago, and there are now over 300,000 active listings.
From what I can tell, it looks like Namecheap customers can list their Namecheap-registered domain names for sale with a buy it now price or send them to auction. In addition, there’s a section called “Closeout Auctions,” and those appear to be expired domain names that are registered at Namecheap.
I reached out to Namecheap, and I learned a few additional details about the marketplace. Domain registrants do not have to list their domain names exclusively with Namecheap to be listed in its Market. By way of example, a seller can list a domain name for sale on the Namecheap Market and also have it listed for sale on Sedo and GoDaddy.
Domain names need to be registered at Namecheap in order to be listed for sale on the marketplace. While Namecheap is part of the Afternic Fast Transfer network, domain names listed for sale via Afternic are shown through Namecheap’s domain search functionality but not directly in the Namecheap Market. This means Afternic sellers whose domain names are typically shown to Namecheap customers will need to list directly with the Namecheap Market to have them shown there as well.
At the present time, Namecheap is not offering buy it now landing pages for customers to use in conjunction with their marketplace listings. I am told that functionality may be added in the future.
Namecheap charges a flat commission rate of 10% for domain names sold via buy it now listings. You will want to connect with Namecheap directly to discuss payout options and timing of payments.
With Namecheap’s position as “the world’s second-largest domain registrar,” domain investors might consider adding their sales listings to the Namecheap Market for added exposure.
Here’s the press release that was distributed this morning:
Namecheap Unveils Its New Market for Buying High-Value Domain Names Listed for Sale or Auction
The all-new dedicated platform allows professionals to seamlessly find and purchase domains via “Buy It Now” listings or in-house auctions
PHOENIX, Nov. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Namecheap, the world’s second-largest domain registrar and one of the fastest-growing companies in the space, today announced the launch of its all-new domain market. Developed by the technology team at Namecheap, the platform will allow professionals to quickly search, find, and purchase high-value domain names via in-house auctions or ‘Buy it now” listings.
The Namecheap Market is designed for entrepreneurs looking for the perfect domain name for a startup or new project or domain investors striving to expand their portfolio. The new marketplace is the ideal destination for discovering untapped, unique, clever, brandable, and memorable domain names.
Quietly launched in beta a few weeks ago, the Namecheap Market is now available to everyone and currently features more than 300,000 domain auctions, as well as millions of ‘Buy It Now’ listings.
“When I started Namecheap way back in 2000, I truly believed that domain names were the digital real estate of the future, and I wanted to make the process of finding and buying them accessible and simple for everyone,” said Richard Kirkendall, Namecheap CEO. “Now more than two decades later, many domain names have indeed become valuable digital assets, and we are once again making the process of buying and selling those assets a seamless and easy process with the new Namecheap Market.”
With more than 20 years of top-notch customer service and 14 million domains currently under management, Namecheap continues to increase its market share within the growing domain industry. For more information about the Namecheap Market, or to peruse the hundreds of thousands of auctions and millions “Buy It Now” listings, visit https://www.namecheap.com/market/.
About Namecheap
Namecheap® is an ICANN-accredited domain registrar and technology company founded in 2000 by CEO Richard Kirkendall. Celebrating two decades of providing unparalleled levels of service, security, and support, Namecheap has been steadfast in customer satisfaction. With over 14 million domains under management, Namecheap.com® is among the top domain registrars and web hosting providers in the world. To learn more about Namecheap, visit namecheap.com.
buy now
make offer
auction
lease to own
These are the market features in almost every registrar.
No need to point to GD/afternic/sedo anymore- they charge so much fees, what a rip off
I like Sav….easy clean dashboard and low fees.
The instructions are provided in this article https://www.namecheap.com/support/knowledgebase/article.aspx/359/15/how-do-i-list-a-domain-for-sale/
but where the instructions for submitting domains for auction?
I can only see the Asking Price ($) for your domain but not for BIN or auction features….
great news – but are the payouts timely, as in after buyer has paid for and secured the domain, the seller receives payment rather than 7-10 day delays at one other marketplace?
“Domain names need to be registered at Namecheap in order to be listed for sale on the marketplace.”
Not a smart move.
As a domain name buyer who doesn’t have names at Namecheap, it would seem to be a good way to verify ownership and guarantee delivery for buyers.
If that the case, then every registrar should have their own marketplace. We then can have a better stats on who is doing well and who is buying from.
Great idea!!
Not having MORE and BETTER auction platforms has been hurting us all for years. I first advocated for this years ago. Having auction capability built into the registrar is the way to go, as long as the terms and fees are okay. There is great potential for that to be win-win. Why there hasn’t been more of this is perplexing.
namecheap is the best domain provider compnay in the world