How To Sell a Domain Name

I am often asked “how do you sell a domain name?” or “can you sell my domain name?” and I want to share some advice on how to sell a domain name. If you own a domain name or a portfolio of domain names and you would like to sell them, there are several ways to sell a domain name. Of course, this list doesn’t include selling a domain name when someone inquires about buying a domain name because all that is required of that is a negotiation.

Listed below are 5 ways to sell a domain name and some advice about each method. I personally recommend using an escrow service (Escrow.com for example) when selling a domain name, even if a domain broker is involved.

Use the Services of a Domain Broker
Domain brokers are the individuals and companies that facilitate the sale of a domain from the seller to the buyer. It is important that the buyer compare different brokers to get an understanding of the services that are available from each. Some brokers will use an email list to solicit the sale of a domain name and others will spend time personally reaching out to prospective end user buyers. Most domain brokers do not charge a fee up front; instead, they charge a commission if they make the sale. Using a domain broker can save the domain owner the time it takes to find a buyer and can also make them more money than they could make by selling it on their own. You should be able to rely on a domain broker to help you fairly price your domain name.

List the Domain for Sale on Sites Like Sedo or Afternic
Having a domain name listed for sale on an aftermarket website like Sedo, Afternic, or Aftermarket.com  is wise because it allows domain buyers to see what inventory is for sale in specific categories or with specific keywords. A domain aftermarket site may also provide domain parking services, and more often than not, there is a “for sale” message across the top of the landing page with a link to its for sale listing. Domain aftermarket services recommend putting a buy it now price on domain names for a quicker transaction.

Contact Businesses to See if they Are Interested in the Domain Name
Some businesses may be interested if the domain is an exact match for a search term that they use to advertise or if they use a lower quality domain name. The domain may allow them to get more traffic and thus help them to make money. Reach out to these potential buyers by finding the right contact person at each company on their website.

Place a “For Sale” Message on the Domain and Negotiating with Those Interested  
Buyers who are interested in a domain may visit it to see what is on it. The domain seller can use a page to indicate that it is for sale and to provide information such as a sales pitch and contact information. This method has the benefit of being relatively easy while still providing prospective buyers with a means to get in touch with the seller.

Sell the Domain Name at Auction
The seller has the option of using auction sites that specialize in the selling of domain names (such as NameJet or GoDaddy), or they can use a general auction site like eBay. Domains may sell for way above market value in an auction, but they may also sell for considerably less. The seller should be prepared for the uncertainty that comes with auctions, although some auction houses allow owners to list domain names with a reserve price. Domain sellers should note that some auction sites (including eBay) will charge an up-front fee along with a commission if the domain sells.

Elliot Silver
Elliot Silver
About The Author: Elliot Silver is an Internet entrepreneur and publisher of DomainInvesting.com. Elliot is also the founder and President of Top Notch Domains, LLC, a company that has closed eight figures in deals. Please read the DomainInvesting.com Terms of Use page for additional information about the publisher, website comment policy, disclosures, and conflicts of interest. Reach out to Elliot: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn

5 COMMENTS

  1. I’m new to the concept of selling domains, but it looks like it could be a potentially profitable business. My one question – what do you do when someone actually buys your domain? How do you transfer the name into their possesion?

    • You can either do a push to their account at the registrar where the domain name is registered, or you can send them the EPP authorization code to enable them to transfer it out to a different registrar.

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