How to Buy a Domain Name Someone Else Owns (2025)

Quick Answer

Table of Contents

Before You Start: Is This Domain Worth Pursuing?

Before investing time and money in acquiring someone else's domain, evaluate whether it's truly the best option for your business.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Is this domain essential or just nice-to-have?

Some domains are business-critical:

• Your exact brand name (.com)
• A domain a competitor might exploit
• A domain causing customer confusion

Others are merely convenient:

• Generic keyword domains for SEO
• Alternative TLD versions (.net, .org)
• Slight variations of your brand

Can you achieve the same goal with an alternative?

Consider:

• Adding a word: "GetBrandName.com" or "BrandNameHQ.com"
• Using a different TLD: .co, .io, or country-specific extensions
• Rebranding to an available domain

What's your budget ceiling?

Be honest about what you can afford:

• Parked/unused domains: $500-$10,000 typical
• Generic keyword domains: $2,500-$50,000+
• Premium one-word .coms: $50,000-$1,000,000+
• Exact brand match for funded startup: Often worth 5-10% of funding round

What's your timeline?

Domain acquisitions can take:

• 2-4 weeks for motivated sellers
• 2-6 months for reluctant sellers
• 6-12+ months for large corporations
• Forever if owner truly won't sell

When to Walk Away Before Starting

Domain isn't worth the likely cost:

If comparable domains sell for $50,000 and your budget is $5,000, don't waste time.

Owner is a large corporation:

Companies like Google, Microsoft, or Apple rarely sell domains. Their legal and brand protection teams will typically decline regardless of offer.

Domain has trademark issues:

If the domain contains someone else's trademark, you may face legal problems even if you acquire it. Research trademark conflicts before pursuing.

Multiple previous acquisition attempts:

If others have tried and failed publicly, the owner has demonstrated unwillingness to sell.

Research Before Contacting

Check domain history:

Use the Wayback Machine (archive.org) to see how the domain has been used:

• Parked/unused for years = potentially easier acquisition
• Active business = owner likely attached to domain
• Past legal disputes = potential complications

Research comparable sales:

Check NameBio.com for similar domain sales:

• Same keyword category
• Same length and extension
• Recent timeframe (within 2 years)

This gives you realistic price expectations before negotiating.

Verify the domain isn't for sale already:

Check:

• Domain's parking page (may show "For Sale")
• Domain marketplaces (Sedo, Afternic, Dan.com successor platforms)
• The website itself (contact page or "Domain for Sale" notice)

If already listed, you have an immediate path forward.

Finding the Domain Owner

The first challenge is identifying who actually owns the domain you want to acquire.

Method 1: WHOIS/RDAP Lookup

What it provides:

WHOIS (and its modern successor RDAP) is the domain registration database containing owner contact information.

How to check:

Use DomainDetails.com to perform a comprehensive WHOIS/RDAP lookup. Enter the domain name to see:

• Registrant name and organization
• Contact email address
• Administrative and technical contacts
• Registrar information
• Registration and expiration dates

The privacy challenge:

Since GDPR (2018), many registrations show privacy-protected information:

• "Redacted for Privacy" or "Data Protected"
• Privacy proxy service instead of real owner
• Generic registrar contact info

Working around privacy protection:

If WHOIS shows privacy protection, try:

• The registrar's contact form (many forward to owners)
• The domain's contact page if it has a website
• LinkedIn research for the organization
• Social media profiles linked to the domain

Method 2: Website Contact Information

Check the domain's website:

If the domain has an active site, look for:

• Contact page with email or form
• "About" page with team information
• Footer links to social media
• Privacy policy with legal contact
• Press inquiries email

Look for business information:

• Company name listed on site
• Physical address (can search for owner)
• Phone number
• LinkedIn company page

Method 3: Registrar Contact Form

Using registrar forwarding:

Most registrars offer contact forwarding for privacy-protected domains:

1. Look up the domain's registrar (shown in WHOIS)
2. Visit the registrar's website
3. Find their WHOIS lookup tool
4. Look for "Contact domain owner" or similar option
5. Submit your message through their form

Common registrar contact options:

• GoDaddy: "Contact Domain Owner" button in WHOIS results
• Namecheap: Contact form available for some domains
• Cloudflare: Abuse reporting (not ideal but can work)
• Google Domains: (Now Squarespace) Contact owner option

Method 4: LinkedIn and Social Research

For business domains:

1. Search LinkedIn for the company name
2. Find decision-makers (CEO, founder, marketing director)
3. Send professional InMail about domain interest
4. Be respectful and business-focused

For personal domains:

1. Search the domain name on social media
2. Look for matching usernames on Twitter, Instagram, etc.
3. Check if they link to the domain in their profiles
4. Send direct message expressing interest

Method 5: Professional Research Tools

Domain investor tools:

• DomainTools: Historical WHOIS data, even if currently private
• WhoisXML API: Bulk WHOIS lookups and historical data
• DomainIQ: Research domain ownership patterns

People search tools:

• LinkedIn Sales Navigator: Advanced people search
• Hunter.io: Find business email addresses
• Clearbit Connect: Company and contact research

When to use professional tools:

Worth the investment for:

• High-value acquisitions ($25,000+)
• Strategic business domains
• When standard methods fail

Method 6: Domain Broker Research

Brokers have specialized access:

Professional domain brokers have:

• Paid research tools unavailable to individuals
• Industry contacts and relationships
• Experience finding difficult owners
• Time to dedicate to research

Consider hiring a broker if:

• You've tried standard methods without success
• The domain is worth $10,000+ to you
• Your time is more valuable than broker fees

Making First Contact

Your initial outreach sets the tone for the entire negotiation. A poorly crafted message can kill a deal before it starts.

Principles for Effective Outreach

Be professional and respectful:

The domain owner doesn't owe you anything. Approach with respect, not entitlement.

Keep it brief:

Long emails get ignored. One or two short paragraphs maximum.

Don't reveal desperation:

Saying "We NEED this domain for our launch next month!" signals you'll pay whatever they ask.

Don't reveal your budget immediately:

"We can pay up to $50,000" removes all negotiating leverage.

Express genuine interest without pressure:

You want them curious enough to respond, not defensive about being "sold to."

Email Template: First Contact

Subject Line Options:

• "[Domain.com] - Question about the domain"
• "Interest in [domain.com]"
• "Quick question about your domain"

Body:

Hi,

I came across [domain.com] and wanted to reach out to see if you'd ever
consider selling it.

I'm [Your Name] and I'm exploring options for [brief, vague description
of use - e.g., "a new project" or "a business venture"].

If you're open to discussing, I'd be happy to hear your thoughts on
whether a sale might work.

Thanks for your time,
[Your Name]
[Your Email]
[Optional: Phone Number]

What this template does:

• States clear purpose
• Doesn't pressure
• Doesn't reveal budget or timeline
• Invites dialogue without demanding
• Provides contact info for response

Email Template: For Parked Domains

When domain shows a parking page:

Hi,

I noticed [domain.com] is currently parked. I'm interested in potentially
acquiring the domain for a project I'm working on.

Would you be open to discussing a sale? If so, what would you be looking
for?

Thanks,
[Your Name]

Why this works:

• Acknowledges domain isn't actively used (subtle encouragement to sell)
• Asks what they want (lets them anchor, but you're prepared)
• Brief and non-threatening

Email Template: For Active Websites

When domain has an operating website:

Hi [Name if known],

I really like what you've done with [domain.com]. I know the domain is
currently in use, so this may be a long shot, but I wanted to ask if
you've ever considered selling the domain name itself.

I have a legitimate business interest and would be happy to discuss
if you're at all open to it.

Either way, best of luck with the site.

[Your Name]

Why this works:

• Compliments their work (builds rapport)
• Acknowledges it's a long shot (reduces defensive reaction)
• Shows respect for their business
• Leaves door open gracefully

What NOT to Do

Don't send generic mass emails:

"I want to buy domain.com. What's your price?"

This screams "I send this to 100 domains a day" and gets ignored.

Don't be aggressive:

"I notice you're not using this domain. You should sell it to someone who will."

This creates hostility, not cooperation.

Don't threaten legal action:

"This domain contains our trademark and you should transfer it immediately."

Unless you actually have trademark rights AND the domain is cybersquatting, this backfires badly.

Don't lowball immediately:

"I'll give you $100 for it."

Even if the domain is worth $100, this insults the owner and kills the conversation.

Don't reveal your company name if you're well-funded:

If you email from @google.com or mention you're backed by Sequoia, expect 10x pricing.

Follow-Up Strategy

First follow-up: 7-10 days later

Hi,

I wanted to follow up on my email from last week about [domain.com].

I understand you may be busy, but I'm genuinely interested in discussing
the domain if you're open to it.

Please let me know either way when you have a moment.

Thanks,
[Your Name]

Second follow-up: 14-21 days later

Hi,

I'll keep this brief - just following up one more time about [domain.com].

If selling isn't something you're interested in, no problem at all.
Just let me know and I won't bother you again.

Thanks,
[Your Name]

After three attempts without response:

• Wait 3-6 months and try again
• Try a different contact method (LinkedIn, registrar form)
• Consider hiring a broker
• Move on to alternative domains

Pricing Strategies: What Should You Pay?

Domain pricing is more art than science, but understanding market dynamics helps you negotiate effectively.

Factors That Affect Domain Value

Domain length:

• 1-3 letter domains: Premium pricing ($100,000+)
• 4-5 letter domains: Strong value ($10,000-$100,000)
• 6-8 characters: Standard pricing
• 9+ characters: Lower value unless highly brandable

Extension value:

• .com: Highest value (often 5-10x other extensions)
• .co, .io: Strong secondary options (tech/startup market)
• .net, .org: Lower value unless established brand
• Country codes: Vary by market (.de, .uk have local value)

Keyword value:

• Generic dictionary words: Premium pricing
• Specific industry terms: Value depends on industry
• Made-up/brandable: Lower value unless already established

Development status:

• Parked/unused: Lower price expectations
• Developed website: Owner invested, higher price
• Generating revenue: Priced based on earnings

Owner motivation:

• Professional investor: Market-rate pricing, quick deals
• Accidental owner: Unpredictable, often low or high
• Corporate owner: Usually won't sell at any price

Price Benchmarks by Category

Parked generic domains (unused):

• Common words: $5,000-$50,000
• Less common words: $1,000-$10,000
• Long-tail phrases: $500-$5,000

Premium one-word .coms:

• English dictionary words: $50,000-$500,000+
• Industry-specific terms: $25,000-$250,000
• Less common words: $10,000-$100,000

Brandable domains:

• Short, pronounceable made-up words: $5,000-$50,000
• Longer brandable terms: $1,000-$15,000
• Available alternatives often exist

Exact-match brand domains:

• If someone registered your trademark: $5,000-$50,000+ (or UDRP if cybersquatting)
• Generic term you want for brand: Market rate

Researching Comparable Sales

NameBio.com:

• Search for similar keywords
• Filter by extension and date range
• Look for 5-10 comparable sales
• Note the range, not just average

Example research:

Looking to buy "GreenTech.com":

• Search "green" on NameBio → See GreenLife.com sold for $23,000
• Search "tech" → See TechHub.com sold for $150,000
• Search "greentech" → See related sales
• Comparable range: $15,000-$75,000

DN Journal (DNJournal.com):

• Weekly reported sales
• Good for premium domain benchmarks
• Industry commentary on pricing trends

The "Make Me Move" Premium

What it means:

Domain owners often want 3-10x market value if they weren't planning to sell. This "make me move" premium is normal—they're giving up future optionality.

How to handle it:

• Accept that "fair market value" may not be enough
• Budget for premium if domain is important
• Use negotiation tactics to reduce premium
• Walk away if premium is unreasonable

Example:

A domain might sell for $10,000 between two professional investors. But if the owner wasn't selling and you approach them, expect $20,000-$40,000 to "make them move."

Setting Your Maximum Price

Calculate business value:

• What revenue will this domain help generate?
• What's the cost of the alternative domain + rebranding?
• What's the competitive cost if a competitor gets it?

Formula approach:

Maximum Price = (Annual Revenue Impact × 2-3 years) + (Alternative Domain Cost)

Example:

• Domain will help capture $100,000 additional revenue over 3 years
• Alternative domain + rebranding would cost $15,000
• Maximum price: $100,000 + $15,000 = $115,000 ceiling

Emotional sanity check:

Before committing, ask: "If this domain cost $X and my business failed, would I regret spending this much?"

Negotiation Tactics That Work

Successful domain negotiation requires patience, strategy, and psychological awareness.

The Opening Move

Let them name a price first (if possible):

Asking "What are you looking for?" puts the anchor in their hands, but gives you information:

• If they're reasonable, negotiate from there
• If they're unrealistic, you know to walk away or counter-anchor

If you must make first offer:

Start at 30-50% of your maximum price:

• Maximum budget: $50,000
• First offer: $15,000-$25,000
• Leaves room to negotiate up

Never reveal your ceiling:

Even if your budget is $100,000, never say that. The conversation ends at your ceiling.

Responding to High Asking Prices

When they ask $100,000 and you expected $20,000:

Don't:

• Laugh or mock their price
• Get angry or frustrated
• Immediately walk away

Do:

• Thank them for responding
• Express interest in finding middle ground
• Ask questions to understand their valuation

Response template:

Thanks for getting back to me. That's higher than I expected based on
what I've seen similar domains sell for.

Can you help me understand how you arrived at that price? I'm genuinely
interested if we can find a number that works for both of us.

This approach:

• Doesn't insult them
• Opens dialogue
• Shows you're serious
• Invites them to justify (and potentially lower)

Counter-Offer Strategies

The "Comparable Sales" approach:

I've been researching comparable domain sales, and similar domains have
sold in the $15,000-$25,000 range recently. I could offer $18,000 based
on that market data.

Would that work for you?

The "Budget Limit" approach:

I appreciate your position, but I have a budget constraint on my end.
The maximum I can allocate for this domain is $25,000.

If that's within range of what might work for you, let me know and we
can move forward. If not, I completely understand.

The "Creative Structure" approach:

I can't quite reach your asking price upfront, but what if we structured
this differently? I could do $15,000 now plus $10,000 in six months, or
alternatively $20,000 now with a small percentage of any revenue the
domain generates in year one.

Would either of those interest you?

Handling Difficult Sellers

The "not for sale" response:

I completely understand. Just in case your situation ever changes,
would you mind if I checked back in a few months? No pressure at all.

Then wait 6-12 months and try again. Circumstances change.

The "ridiculous price" response:

If they want $500,000 for a domain worth $10,000:

I appreciate you getting back to me. That's outside of what I can work
with, but I'll keep your contact info in case I'm ever able to approach
that range in the future.

Best of luck with the domain.

Don't burn bridges—they might change their mind later.

The "endless negotiation" response:

If they keep countering and negotiating in circles:

I think we're pretty far apart. My absolute best and final offer is
$X. That's genuinely the highest I can go.

If that works, great—let's move to escrow. If not, I completely
understand and wish you the best.

Then stop negotiating. Either they accept or they don't.

Timing Considerations

Best times to approach:

• After domain has been parked a long time (owner may have forgotten it)
• When domain is about to expire (check WHOIS)
• During tax season (owner may want quick cash)
• During economic uncertainty (motivation to liquidate)

Worst times to approach:

• Right after owner acquired domain (still emotionally invested)
• When domain is generating traffic/revenue (no reason to sell)
• During busy business seasons for the owner
• Holiday periods (slow responses)

Using Domain Brokers

Sometimes professional help is worth the cost.

When Brokers Are Worth It

High-value targets ($10,000+):

Broker's 15% commission on a $50,000 deal ($7,500) is worth it if their negotiation saves you $10,000+ or succeeds where you would have failed.

Unresponsive owners:

Brokers have tools, relationships, and persistence that individuals lack. They often get responses where direct outreach failed.

Anonymity requirements:

If revealing your identity would inflate the price (you're a known company or funded startup), brokers provide cover.

Complex negotiations:

Corporate owners, multiple stakeholders, or difficult situations benefit from professional navigation.

When your time is more valuable:

A domain acquisition can take 20-40 hours of your time. If your time is worth $200/hour, broker fees may be cheaper than DIY.

Types of Domain Brokers

Buy-side brokers (represent you as buyer):

• MediaOptions: $2,500-$5,000 flat fee per acquisition attempt
• VPN.com Brokerage: Custom pricing for premium acquisitions
• BuyDomains: Commission-based acquisition services

Full-service brokers:

• Sedo Broker Service: 15-20% commission
• DomainAgents: 15% commission
• NameExperts: 15-20% depending on deal size

Broker Fee Structures

Success-only commission (most common):

• 10-20% of purchase price
• You pay nothing if acquisition fails
• Aligns broker incentive with your success

Flat fee (acquisition specialists):

• $2,500-$10,000 per domain
• Paid regardless of outcome
• You keep all savings from negotiation

Hybrid (retainer + success fee):

• $2,000-$5,000 retainer upfront
• Plus 5-10% on success
• Ensures broker commitment

How Broker Acquisition Works

Step 1: Consultation

• Discuss target domain and budget
• Broker assesses feasibility
• Agree on fee structure

Step 2: Research

• Broker identifies decision-maker
• Researches owner background
• Develops outreach strategy

Step 3: Outreach

• Broker contacts owner professionally
• Maintains your anonymity
• Gauges interest and price

Step 4: Negotiation

• Back-and-forth on price and terms
• Broker keeps you updated
• Works toward agreement

Step 5: Transaction

• Broker coordinates escrow
• Manages transfer process
• Completes deal

Timeline: 4-12 weeks typical

Choosing the Right Broker

Questions to ask:

• How many acquisitions have you completed?
• What's your success rate?
• How do you research owners?
• What's your fee structure?
• Can you provide references?

Red flags:

• Guarantees of success (no one can guarantee)
• Upfront fees for sell-side representation
• Vague about experience or track record
• Pressure to sign immediately

For more details, see our complete guide to Domain Broker Services.

Completing the Transaction Safely

Once you've agreed on a price, secure the transaction properly.

Always Use Escrow

Why escrow is essential:

• Protects buyer: Payment held until domain transferred
• Protects seller: Guaranteed payment once transfer verified
• Neutral third party: No trust required between strangers

Never skip escrow for transactions over $500.

Escrow.com: The Standard

Why Escrow.com:

• Industry-standard for domain transactions
• Licensed and bonded in all 50 U.S. states
• Bank-level security (256-bit encryption)
• Processes millions in transactions annually

Current fees (May 2024 fee structure):

• Under $5,000: 3.25% of transaction
• $5,000-$25,000: Tiered rates down to 0.26%
• Over $25,000: Tiered rates down to 0.89%
• $50 minimum fee for smaller transactions

Example:

• $5,000 domain purchase: $162.50 escrow fee (3.25%)
• $25,000 domain purchase: ~$600 escrow fee (tiered)

Typical timeline: 3-7 business days

The Transfer Process

Step 1: Escrow agreement

• Both parties create Escrow.com accounts
• Review and accept transaction terms
• Specify domain, price, and who pays fees

Step 2: Buyer payment

• Buyer pays escrow via wire, credit card, or PayPal
• Escrow verifies payment cleared
• Seller receives notification to transfer

Step 3: Domain transfer

• Seller unlocks domain at their registrar
• Seller provides authorization code
• Buyer initiates transfer to their registrar
• Transfer completes (instant for same registrar, 5-7 days for different)

Step 4: Verification

• Buyer confirms domain in their account
• Escrow verifies via WHOIS lookup
• Buyer accepts or raises issues

Step 5: Payment release

• Escrow releases funds to seller
• Transaction complete
• Both parties receive confirmation

Alternative Escrow Services

Dan.com/Afternic integrated escrow:

• Built into marketplace transactions
• Fees included in commission
• Convenient for marketplace purchases

Sedo escrow:

• Integrated with Sedo marketplace
• Included in transaction fee
• Good for Sedo listings

Attorney escrow:

• For very high-value transactions ($100,000+)
• Higher cost but legal oversight
• Recommended for complex deals

For complete details, see our Domain Escrow Services Guide.

Post-Purchase Steps

Immediately after transfer:

1. Verify WHOIS shows your information - Confirm ownership change
2. Enable domain lock - Prevent unauthorized transfers
3. Enable auto-renewal - Prevent accidental expiration
4. Update nameservers - Point to your hosting/DNS
5. Set up 2FA on registrar account - Security essential

Within first week:

1. Redirect to your site (if applicable)
2. Set up email forwarding (capture any existing traffic)
3. Monitor for issues (old links, SEO impact)
4. Consider registry lock for high-value domains

What If the Owner Doesn't Respond?

Non-response is common. Here's how to handle it strategically.

Understanding Why Owners Don't Respond

Legitimate reasons:

• Missed your email (spam filter, wrong inbox)
• Busy/traveling and haven't seen it
• Overwhelmed with similar requests
• Privacy-protected contact isn't monitored

Decision-related reasons:

• Not interested in selling
• Considering but taking time
• Waiting for better offers
• Using silence as negotiation tactic

Progressive Outreach Strategy

Week 1: Initial contact

• Professional email expressing interest
• Clear subject line mentioning domain

Week 2-3: First follow-up

• Brief reminder of previous email
• Restate interest
• Ask for yes or no response

Week 4-5: Second follow-up

• Final attempt notice
• "Will leave you alone after this"
• Alternative contact method if possible

Week 6-8: Alternative channels

• Try registrar contact form
• LinkedIn message (if found)
• Twitter/social media (brief, professional)

Month 3: Broker involvement

• Consider hiring acquisition broker
• Fresh approach, professional persistence
• Different contact methods and research

Month 6-12: Retry cycle

• Wait several months
• Circumstances may have changed
• New approach or different angle

Domain Monitoring for Future Opportunity

Set up domain monitoring:

Use DomainDetails Pro to monitor:

• Expiration date changes
• WHOIS information changes
• Nameserver changes
• Status code changes

Why monitoring matters:

• Domain approaching expiration = potential abandonment
• WHOIS changes = possible ownership transfer
• Nameserver changes = might be preparing to sell
• Status changes = could indicate activity

Expiration opportunity:

If owner lets domain expire, you may be able to:

• Backorder through drop-catching services
• Register immediately when it drops
• Acquire at auction for potentially less than negotiated price

When to Move On

Strong signals to stop pursuing:

• Clear "no" response (respect it)
• Price demands 10x+ your maximum
• Corporate owner with no negotiation flexibility
• Domain tied to active, successful business
• Multiple outreach attempts over 12+ months with zero response

Moving on is often the right choice:

• Saves time for productive pursuits
• Alternative domains can work well
• Reduces frustration and opportunity cost
• You can always revisit in future

Alternative Strategies When Acquisition Fails

When you can't get your ideal domain, here are proven alternatives.

Domain Variations That Work

Add a word:

• Original: tech.com (not available)
• Alternatives: gettech.com, techHQ.com, trytech.com, techapp.com

Use different TLD:

• Original: brand.com (not available)
• Alternatives: brand.co, brand.io, brand.app

Use country code:

• If operating in specific country
• brand.uk, brand.de, brand.ca

Plural or singular:

• Original: widget.com
• Alternative: widgets.com (or vice versa)

Finding Available Alternatives

Domain name generators:

• Namelix.com: AI-powered suggestions
• LeanDomainSearch.com: Finds available combinations
• Panabee.com: Creative alternatives

Expired domain hunting:

• ExpiredDomains.net: Search expired domains
• SnapNames: Backorder dropping domains
• DropCatch: Compete for expiring domains

Aftermarket search:

• DomainDetails Aftermarket Search: Find domains for sale
• Sedo: Marketplace listings
• Afternic: GoDaddy marketplace
• Atom.com: Premium domain marketplace

Building Brand Around Different Domain

Success stories without ideal .com:

• Slack: slack.com (acquired later, started with slack.io)
• Dropbox: getdropbox.com (then acquired dropbox.com)
• Instagram: instagr.am (then instagram.com)

Making alternatives work:

• Consistent branding across all channels
• Heavy marketing investment
• Eventually acquire ideal domain if it becomes available
• Use alternative as your brand until then

Long-Term Acquisition Strategy

Monitor and wait:

• Set up monitoring for ideal domain
• Domains change hands over time
• Owners' circumstances change
• Be first in line when opportunity arises

Build leverage:

• Build successful business on alternative domain
• Eventually have resources for premium acquisition
• Demonstrated success makes negotiation easier
• "We're already successful, this is about optimization"

Red Flags and Scams to Avoid

Domain transactions attract fraudsters. Protect yourself.

Common Scams

Fake escrow sites:

Scammers create sites that look like Escrow.com but steal payments.

How to avoid:

• Only use Escrow.com (https://www.escrow.com)
• Type URL directly, don't click links from emails
• Verify site certificate and URL exactly
• Never pay to unfamiliar escrow services

Impersonation scams:

Someone pretends to own a domain they don't own, takes payment, disappears.

How to avoid:

• Verify WHOIS ownership before paying
• Use registrar push/transfer (requires owner access)
• Only pay through legitimate escrow
• Be suspicious of too-good-to-be-true prices

Hijacked domain sales:

Owner's domain was stolen, thief tries to sell to you. Original owner files UDRP, you lose domain and money.

How to avoid:

• Research domain history
• Check for recent WHOIS changes (could indicate theft)
• Be wary of rushed sales
• Use title search services for expensive domains

Price manipulation:

Seller creates fake "other buyer" interest to drive up price.

How to avoid:

• Stick to your maximum price
• Walk away from bidding wars without verification
• Don't let urgency override judgment
• Verify competing interest if possible

Warning Signs

Seller insists on unusual payment:

• Bitcoin/crypto only
• Wire to foreign bank
• Payment to individual, not escrow
• Cashier's check before transfer

Seller won't use escrow:

• "I've sold many domains this way"
• "Escrow takes too long"
• "You can trust me, look at my reputation"
• "Send half now, half after"

Domain has suspicious history:

• Very recent WHOIS change
• Previously involved in spam/malware
• Trademark issues you discover later
• Previous UDRP cases

Deal seems too good:

• Premium domain at fraction of value
• Seller eager to close immediately
• "Must sell today" urgency
• Price well below comparables

Due Diligence Checklist

Before paying, verify:

• WHOIS shows seller as registrant (or authorized)
• Domain has no pending legal issues (UDRP, TDRP)
• No trademark conflicts that affect your use
• Using real Escrow.com (not lookalike)
• Domain history shows no recent suspicious activity
• You've confirmed seller identity through registrar

Best Practices

Before Acquisition

• Research comparable sales to set realistic budget
• Verify domain ownership through WHOIS/RDAP
• Check domain history for issues
• Determine your maximum price and stick to it
• Have alternative domains identified

During Negotiation

• Be professional and patient
• Don't reveal budget ceiling or timeline pressure
• Let seller name price first when possible
• Use comparable sales data in negotiations
• Know when to walk away

During Transaction

• Always use legitimate escrow (Escrow.com)
• Never send payment directly to seller
• Verify domain transfer before releasing funds
• Document all communications
• Keep transaction records for tax purposes

After Acquisition

• Immediately secure domain (lock, 2FA, auto-renew)
• Update WHOIS with accurate information
• Set up monitoring for security alerts
• Redirect/develop domain promptly
• Consider registry lock for high-value domains

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it typically cost to buy a domain someone owns?

Prices vary enormously based on domain quality, owner motivation, and use case. Parked generic domains typically sell for $500-$10,000. Quality keyword .coms range from $5,000-$50,000. Premium one-word .coms can sell for $50,000-$500,000+. Plan to pay 3-10x more than "fair market value" when approaching someone who wasn't planning to sell, as they need incentive to part with the domain.

How long does it take to buy a domain from someone?

Timeline varies by seller responsiveness and complexity. Quick deals with motivated sellers: 2-4 weeks. Average negotiations: 1-3 months. Reluctant sellers or corporations: 6-12+ months. Some domains simply aren't available at any reasonable price or timeline. Set realistic expectations and have alternatives ready.

Should I reveal my company name when trying to buy a domain?

Generally no, especially if your company is well-known or well-funded. Revealing that you're a funded startup or Fortune 500 company typically inflates asking prices significantly. Use a personal email address, vague descriptions ("a business venture"), or hire a broker to maintain anonymity. Only reveal identity when necessary for closing the transaction.

What if the domain owner is asking way too much?

First, verify their price is actually unreasonable by researching comparable sales. If it is, politely counter with data: "Similar domains have sold for $X-$Y. I could offer $Z based on those comparables." If they won't negotiate to reasonable range, walk away professionally but leave door open: "That's outside what I can work with, but please keep my contact info if your situation changes." Some sellers come back months later at lower prices.

Is it legal to buy a domain that contains someone else's trademark?

Legal but risky. Owning a domain with someone's trademark doesn't automatically mean you're infringing—you need to use it in a way that confuses consumers or trades on their brand. However, trademark owners can file UDRP complaints or lawsuits if they believe you're infringing. Before buying such a domain, consult a trademark attorney and consider whether the potential legal hassle is worth it.

Can I just wait for the domain to expire and register it?

Theoretically yes, but rarely works in practice. Valuable domains rarely expire accidentally—owners set auto-renew or domains get caught by drop-catching services. Even if a domain expires, it goes through redemption period (~30 days) where owner can recover it, then auction at major registrars before becoming generally available. You can use backorder services (SnapNames, DropCatch) to compete for expiring domains, but success isn't guaranteed.

What's the difference between escrow and direct payment?

Escrow uses a trusted third party to hold payment until the domain transfer completes, protecting both buyer and seller. Direct payment means sending money directly to seller before receiving the domain—if they don't transfer, you have no recourse. Always use escrow for transactions over $500. The 3-4% fee is insignificant insurance against losing your entire payment to fraud.

Do I need a lawyer to buy a domain?

Not for straightforward purchases. Standard domain transactions with proper escrow don't require legal involvement. However, consider legal consultation for: very high-value acquisitions ($100,000+), domains with potential trademark issues, complex deal structures (payment plans, licensing), or corporate acquisitions with formal asset purchase requirements.

What if I need the domain urgently for a product launch?

Urgency significantly weakens your negotiating position. If possible, adjust your timeline rather than revealing desperation. If you must buy quickly, be prepared to pay premium pricing—owners who sense urgency will maximize price. Consider launching with an alternative domain and acquiring the ideal domain later with less time pressure.

How do I know if a domain broker is legitimate?

Research their track record: years in business, completed transactions, industry reputation. Check references and reviews on NamePros, DNForum, and other domain industry forums. Legitimate brokers work on commission or flat fee—be wary of brokers asking significant upfront fees before making any attempts. Major reputable brokers include Sedo, MediaOptions, DomainAgents, and NameExperts.

Key Takeaways

• Research before contacting: Understand comparable sales pricing, verify domain ownership, and set your maximum budget before reaching out to any owner.

• Professional outreach matters: Brief, respectful first contact without revealing budget or desperation sets the tone for successful negotiation.

• Expect to pay a premium: Domains acquired from non-selling owners typically cost 3-10x more than active marketplace listings due to "make me move" pricing.

• Patience is crucial: Domain acquisitions commonly take 1-3 months; rushing signals desperation and increases costs.

• Always use escrow: Escrow.com protects both parties—never pay directly to a domain seller for transactions over $500.

• Brokers add value for high-stakes deals: For domains worth $10,000+, unresponsive owners, or anonymity needs, broker fees (10-20%) are often worthwhile.

• Non-response isn't always "no": Follow up 2-3 times over several weeks before moving to alternative strategies or broker involvement.

• Have alternatives ready: Identify backup domain options so you can walk away from unreasonable negotiations without desperation.

• Watch for scams: Verify ownership, use legitimate escrow, and be suspicious of too-good-to-be-true deals or unusual payment requests.

• Secure immediately after purchase: Enable domain lock, auto-renewal, and 2FA on your registrar account as soon as transfer completes.

Next Steps

If You're Ready to Start Acquisition:

This week:

1. Research the domain's WHOIS information using DomainDetails
2. Check comparable sales on NameBio.com
3. Set your maximum budget (and stick to it)
4. Draft your first outreach email using the templates above
5. Identify 2-3 alternative domains in case acquisition fails

Send your first email:

• Use professional email address (not @gmail.com if possible)
• Keep it brief and respectful
• Don't reveal budget or urgency
• Follow up in 7-10 days if no response

If You Need Professional Help:

Consider a broker if:

• Domain is worth $10,000+ to you
• Owner hasn't responded to multiple attempts
• You need to remain anonymous
• Your time is more valuable than broker fees

Recommended brokers:

• MediaOptions ($2,500-$5,000 flat fee)
• Sedo Broker Service (15% commission)
• DomainAgents (15% commission)

Continue Learning:

• Domain Broker Services Guide - Complete guide to working with professional brokers
• Domain Escrow Services Guide - Protect your transaction
• Domain Sales Negotiation Tactics - Advanced negotiation strategies
• How to Transfer a Domain - Technical transfer process

Monitor Your Target Domain:

Set up monitoring with DomainDetails Pro to track:

• Expiration date approaching
• WHOIS ownership changes
• Nameserver changes indicating potential sale
• Status code changes

If the domain becomes available or changes hands, you'll be first to know.

Research Sources

This article was researched using current information from authoritative sources:

• Escrow.com Fee Calculator and Pricing - Current fee schedules verified May 2024
• NameBio.com Domain Sales Database - Comparable sales research
• DNJournal Weekly Sales Reports - Industry pricing benchmarks
• ICANN WHOIS/RDAP Policy Documentation
• Sedo Domain Marketplace Research
• MediaOptions Acquisition Case Studies
• Domain industry forums (NamePros, DNForum) - Community negotiation experiences
• Professional domain broker interviews and published guides

Last updated: December 2025