Buying Domains on the Aftermarket: A Complete Guide
Want a domain that's already taken? Here's how to buy domains on the aftermarket, negotiate prices, and avoid getting scammed.
The perfect domain is taken. But 'taken' doesn't mean 'unavailable'. Many domains are owned by investors or unused by companies. Here's how to acquire them.
Understanding the Domain Aftermarket
The aftermarket is where previously registered domains are bought and sold. It's a legitimate market worth billions annually, with domains selling from $100 to millions.
Where to Find Domains for Sale
Marketplaces
- Sedo — Largest marketplace, millions of listings
- Afternic — GoDaddy's premium marketplace
- Dan.com — Modern, founder-friendly platform
- Squadhelp — Curated brandable names
- BrandBucket — Premium brandable domains
Expired Domain Auctions
- GoDaddy Auctions — Expiring and aftermarket domains
- NameJet — Backorder and auction platform
- DropCatch — Catching expiring domains
- Dynadot — Expired domain auctions
How to Approach a Domain Owner
If a domain isn't listed for sale, you can still make an offer. Use WHOIS to find owner contact info, or use the registrar's contact form.
Don't reveal you're a funded startup or big company. This inflates the asking price. Approach as an individual or small business.
Negotiation Strategies
- Start with a reasonable offer (not insultingly low)
- Ask for their price first if possible
- Be patient — negotiations can take weeks
- Have a walk-away number in mind
- Consider offering payment plans for expensive domains
Using a Domain Broker
For high-value domains, consider a broker. They negotiate on your behalf and keep your identity private. Expect to pay 10-15% commission.
Safe Transaction Process
- Always use escrow (Escrow.com is standard)
- Never wire money directly to sellers
- Verify domain ownership before paying
- Use a registrar with good transfer support
- Get the transfer started before releasing funds from escrow
Red Flags to Watch For
- Seller wants payment outside escrow
- Price seems too good to be true
- Seller is rushing the transaction
- Domain has trademark issues
- Domain has a spammy backlink history
Always check the domain's history before buying. A domain with spam history or Google penalties can hurt your SEO.
What Domains Are Worth
Pricing varies wildly. Factors that increase value:
- Short length (4-6 characters = premium)
- Dictionary words
- High search volume keywords
- Clean history with quality backlinks
- .com extension
- Brandable and memorable
Find available domains without the aftermarket markup.
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