Frequently Asked Questions

The bottom line: they have the domain and you want it. A domain is only worth what a buyer will pay, and that’s you. If your offer is reasonably close to the asking price they should accept.

Ask the seller for a price range rather than a specific price. Find out the lowest price the seller will accept. If the domain has got little or no traffic you could ask for an appraisal. Dealers (or domainers) will buy on traffic and that’s how most appraisals are done. An undeveloped domain will be worth less. The appraisal may well be below the seller’s asking price. He may think the appraisal does not reflect the full value given the name. Ask the seller the reason for selling. Make sure the domain has no third party interests or is in dispute. Again, ask the seller. And always remember: “let the buyer beware”. You’re not buying a TV that you can take back to the shop with consumer protection and product guarantees. That said, most people are honest.

If you offer a ridiculously low price the seller will think you are time wasting. You do need to show you are genuinely interested. Being polite costs nothing and may earn you a discount. You could even ask if they would licence the domain to you.

The Seller may suggest an escrow service. They will charge you, but you won’t have sleepless nights. When buying a valuable domain, always use a reputable escrow service. Using an Escrow service means the purchaser’s money is held by a trusted broker until the transaction is concluded. They will be licensed or you may wish to use a lawyer.

If you are not using an escrow service the seller probably has an invoice/agreement. If the seller does not have an agreement you will need one. Put what you have agreed in writing and get the seller’s confirmation. Make sure as much as possible is covered. That will be your contract.

Date of Agreement (or invoice)
The Domain Name
Current Registrant/Seller/Transferor Name, Address, e-mail
The Purchaser/New Registrant/Transferee, Name, Address, e-mail
Price. The amount of Payment and Dates (Any Time Limits)
Payment Method or Escrow Agent/Financial Intermediary/Lawyer
Determine who pays the incidental costs. Escrow agent, transfer to a new Registrar
Payment terms; ie, 50% on agreement; 50% when transfer completed
Proposed date of transfer; ie, is it the same as the agreement date
A date when the transfer is to be completed by; ie, within 14 days
New Admin, Billing contact with e-mail
Renewal date for the domain
Process to Transfer to a new registrar
Confirmation that the transfer is in within the terms of the Registry and the Registrar. ie, for European Domains ending in eu that you are based one of the EU countries
Buyers should make sure that they agree with the Registrars terms and conditions. You are signing up to them. (Yes I know – most people don’t bother to read them all)
Make sure you have all legal rights to the registration. All rights to the domain pass on transfer to the transferee
No legal or domain disputes; ie, trademarks or third party interest over domain
The Transferee is responsible for all future renewals
Any other special terms and conditions; ie, separate account set up with password

A nameserver is a server which controls the DNS (The Domain Name System) for a domain. It allows you to decide which hosting company controls your web space and email. Through our Registrar we can change the nameserver to point to the hosting company you are using.