What Is a Domain Broker Service?
How Does It Work? Is It Worth It For Your Business?
We Answer All Your Questions Right Here…
Domain trading can be complex – but we make it simple. Check out our FAQs to learn more about our services and how we can help your business become an authority in your field. For other inquiries, our team has the knowledge and expertise to lend a hand. Contact us and we’ll get back to you before you can say ‘.com’.
Saw.com Company Brokerage Services
Domain names are the digital real estate of a company. They define brands, increase credibility, improve SEO and improve your business in so many more ways. A domain has the power to bring an individual or business to a new level of success by improving their brand online. Domain brokers are the people who help clients who want to acquire or sell these domain names. By understanding what domain brokers do, it will be easier for you to reach out to one in the future. Read more to learn about domain brokers and how they can help you reach your business goals.
What Is a Domain Broker?
The online world can be a confusing place. With millions upon millions of registered domain names it can feel impossible to find one that fits you and your brand, at the price you want. This is where a domain broker comes in. Domain brokers are essentially real estate agents, but on the Internet. Instead of selling houses, they are selling domain names. Domain names are a virtual street address, how your potential customers or clients find you and visit you on the internet. So, similar to a real estate agent, a domain broker is an expert in the online world of domain names. They are the experts in the industry, and the best people to consult when acquiring a domain.
Domain brokers work for you and with you, the client, to help you achieve your goals. They will listen to your goals and domain name needs and apply their expertise of the industry. There are two types of domain brokers; seller brokers and buyer brokers. A seller broker is a broker that represents you when you want to sell a domain. A buyer broker is a broker that represents you when you want to buy a domain. However, most domain brokers will represent you with either buying or selling.
What does a domain broker service do?
A domain broker service is when a domain brokerage (like Saw.com!) helps you secure your perfect domain for the best price. Your chosen domain name broker will typically identify the current domain owner, contact them about a sale and negotiate favorable terms for your business. They may also help with domain sales and appraisals.
Why should you use a Domain Broker?
Using a domain broker to sell a domain or buy a domain makes it easier for you. You can sit back and relax as domain brokers do the heavy lifting. They will walk you through the process, utilize their network and make your business goals achievable.
Domain brokers add many advantages to the buying and selling process:
- Domain Brokers protect your privacy: When you use a domain broker while looking to buy a domain specifically, your identity remains anonymous. Your domain broker represents you throughout the process, and talks to the seller without ever revealing your identity. Why would you want to remain anonymous? Well, if you are a larger successful company, a seller might raise their price on the domain. Additionally, a company might not want their domain name search going public, as it could reveal some of their future business plans.
- Domain Brokers have a strong network: A domain broker who has been in the industry for a while has many connections among other brokers and companies. Additionally, brokers always have a network of buyers looking to buy different domain names. If your broker has a strong network, they will know who owns the domain you want and how to reach them.
- Domain Brokers can give advice: As experts in the industry, your broker can guide you through the process and answer any questions you have. Brokers can give advice on the pricing of the domain you are buying or selling, ensuring you do not overpay as a buyer or get under paid as a seller. Brokers can also give you advice on a backup plan in case the domain you want is not available. Additionally, they can suggest other domains if they believe yours is not good for SEO.
- Domain Brokers have negotiation experience: Buying or selling a domain name is challenging, but negotiating the sale of a domain name can be even harder if you are doing it alone. Additionally, you could let your emotions get the best of you. As the internet real estate agents, domain brokers are very good at negotiating. They can be in between the buyer and seller, mediating any tension and informing both parties about the domain’s valuation. Furthermore, you know you will be getting a fair deal if an experienced broker is handling the negotiations.
What are all the services Saw.com provides?
Saw.com provides domain acquisition services, domain sales services, domain appraisals and domain portfolio management services. Set up a time to discuss your domain needs here.
How do I sell my domain(s)?
We want to be your go-to place to help you sell domains. Listing your domains with Saw.com is easy. Set up a time to discuss your domain sales needs here.
I have a lot of domain experience – I don’t need advice. I just need to be put in touch with buyers. How hands-on is your sales approach?
At Saw.com, we treat each client as an individual with their own needs and expectations. We will listen to you and provide you the service you expect.
How do I buy a domain?
We want to be your go-to place to help you buy domains. Set up a time to discuss your domain acquisitions needs here.
How do I trust Saw.com with my domain acquisition needs?
The Saw.com team has been carefully put together by some of the most trusted and respected leaders in the domain field.
How do I find out if a domain name is available for sale?
Our team is made up of experts in domain acquisitions. We have helped some of the most widely recognized global brands acquire highly sought-after domains and other associated digital assets. We can help you by:
- determining if the domain you desire for your business is available;
- providing a successful acquisition strategy; and
- providing a timeline to acquire the domain.
What should I expect to spend on a premium domain?
Each domain’s overall value is unique. At Saw.com, we have the expertise to provide an accurate valuation of the domain asset you need to help build your company’s brand.
What is my domain worth?
Each domain has its own unique characteristics that make it potentially valuable. Please get in touch with our team to schedule a consultation to discuss having an expert appraisal or visit our automated domain appraisal tool by clicking here.
How much does a domain appraisal cost?
We offer a thorough written professional appraisal for our client’s domains. Each domain is meticulously appraised by one of our experts. The price for appraisals varies on a case-by-case basis, depending on how many domains you need appraised and the appraisal’s level of detail. The handwritten service starts at $499.00 USD. Please get in touch here to discuss your appraisal needs. We also offer a complimentary automated appraisal that is based on 216 datapoints ranging from past sales, domain length, extension, word popularity, and the relative value of the keyword. Give our automated appraisal tool a try. Please note: Automated appraisals are based on several factors such as domain length, extension, and word popularity and thus reflect the relative value of the domain name based on those fixed factors. However, because each domain name is unique, automated appraisals may not reflect the market value of the domain name as assessed by our professionals.
What if the automated domain appraisal differs from the valuation a Saw.com Domain Broker says it is worth or is different from a written appraisal I have received from Saw.com?
Automated appraisals are based on several factors such as domain length, extension, and word popularity and thus reflect the relative value of the domain name based on those fixed factors. However, because each domain name is unique, automated appraisals may not reflect the market value of the domain name as assessed by our professionals. In so many words, as good as our appraisal tool is, nothing is as good at giving you an accurate assessment of the domain you own or want to purchase as one of our professionals can.
Can Saw.com team help me sell more than one domain at a time?
Of course. Each domain seller’s portfolio is unique; no two are the same. Our team will evaluate your portfolio and work with you to sell one or all of your domains.
What if I don’t know what domain I want to buy?
Our team will work with you to help you define your goals and determine the best options for you with regards to domain acquisition. We look to target domains that will help you build and own your brand online.
Are you a registrar?
Saw.com is not a domain registrar. However, we partner with several registrars we can recommend that can assist with your domain registrations. Please contact us at sales@saw.com.
Where are you located?
We are based in the Orlando Florida, Metropolitan area and have team members located globally.
How is my data protected?
We take your privacy very seriously and will do everything we can to protect your personal data. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for more information.
I’m interested in working for Saw.com. How can I get more information?
Great! Visit our jobs page to browse our openings.
I do not see the answer to the question I have, can you help?
Of course. Please contact us here.
Domain Buying Service Terms & Conditions
Our Services
We will use our best efforts and expertise to advise you of the appropriate price, negotiating strategy, timing, or method(s) to acquire the assets. By engaging Our Services, you authorize us to conduct such communications and negotiations on your behalf as we determine to be appropriate to obtain the domain name on such terms as may be acceptable to you. We may agree to provide additional task(s) in the course of performance of Our Services, subject to our mutual written agreement and any additional terms stated therein.
In the event that your selected domain name is one for which we already represent the owner or in which we have any interest, we will inform you of those facts.
Your Duties
In the event you are a party to a pre-existing brokerage or purchase agreement in relation to the selected domain name(s), you will be responsible for payment of any commission, fee or penalty arising from such pre-existing brokerage or purchase agreement.
You are solely responsible for determining your right to purchase or use any domain name proposed to be acquired under these terms of service. You will not use our service to carry out any unlawful scheme or purpose. In the event you have engaged Our Services as an agent or broker on behalf of a principal party, you will disclose that fact to us, and you agree that you have authority to bind your principal to these terms.
Sales Terms
You will have the right to approve any final agreement to purchase the domain name on such terms as we have negotiated with the seller. You will be obligated to pay the full cost of any purchase, in the amount you have authorized to be agreed, negotiated or conducted by us on your behalf, unless the terms of such acquisition specify otherwise in a signed writing. Such costs may include the purchase price, any applicable taxes, payment processing charges, or escrow fees.
You will pay us a commission of the greater of 15% of the purchase price or 250 dollars upon closing of a Domain Name purchase subject to this Agreement, and which we may require to be paid to us in the course of performance of such purchase, including direct payment from any escrow agent engaged for the purchase. In the case of social media handles, the minimum commission shall be 1000 dollars. Commission terms for other assets will be established upon mutual agreement.
Term
These terms and conditions will apply upon the date of your Initial Payment, and shall continue for an initial period of 120 days or until you have possession and control of the domain name, whichever occurs first. These terms shall extend into a holdover period beyond the initial period which shall continue under the terms hereof as long as you desire to continue to use our services. You may discontinue using our services at the conclusion of the initial period or at any time during the holdover period by notifying us that you no longer desire our services.
Your obligation to pay our commission shall last for six months from the date of our last communication made on your behalf to purchase the domain name(s), whether during the initial period or the holdover period, and shall apply to any purchase of the domain name(s) by you, on your behalf or by your principal.
Further Agreement
Your further written agreement may be required to purchase the domain name, depending on the price, term, or other conditions negotiated with the seller for such purchase. We will assume no liability for breach of performance or warranty of such further written agreement by you or by the seller unless stated otherwise in a signed writing.
Privacy Policy
We use third-party internet service providers, such as hosting and email service providers, to communicate with you. Certain information, such as your internet protocol address, and your email address if you provide one, are of course necessary to communicate with you and to provide access to this website. We also use third-party customer relation management services in which we store the contact information you provide to us, and which warrant to us that the data we store with them is not shared by them. If you are engaging our services to negotiate the purchase or sale of domain names we must know who is authorizing us to do that and what it is you are seeking to sell or to buy as your agent. We cannot be your agent if we do not know who you are to a reasonable level of confidence. We may also seek to confirm the information you provide to us, so that we can mitigate the risk of fraud.
We will keep a record of contacts and leads utilized in the course of the services, negotiations conducted with such parties, and your negotiation instructions. We will also need to be able to contact you with updates about these negotiations. If you are no longer interested in having us contact you about your inquiry, our communications to you include an “opt out” link to discontinue any further communications from us.
We will share Personal Data with companies, organizations or individuals outside of our company when we have your express consent to do so, such as to conclude a transaction pursuant to a sales contract to which you intend to be a party.
We will also retain or share Personal Data with other companies, organizations or individuals if we have a good-faith belief that access, use, preservation or disclosure of the information is reasonably necessary to: meet any applicable law, regulation, legal process or enforceable governmental request; enforce applicable Terms of Service, including investigation of potential violations; detect, prevent, or otherwise address fraud, security or technical issues; protect against harm to the rights, property or safety of us, our users or the public as required or permitted by law. If we cancel your services for abuse of our services or for any abusive or unlawful activity, we will retain such information as may be necessary to prevent or block your use of our services in the future.
Our Privacy terms do not apply to information which is fraudulent. Accordingly, when you provide us with Personal Data, you warrant that your information is correct and that you are whom you claim to be.
Disputes
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Florida, and the County of Hillsborough, which shall be the exclusive jurisdiction and venue for the resolution of any dispute arising under these terms.
Refund Policy
Initial Payment – Refund Policy
We charge an initial payment to review your requested domain name, research its availability, and to consult with you on what we believe may be an appropriate budget for purchasing the domain name. In some instances, we may find that the domain name is not realistically available, or is not an appropriate name for us to attempt to purchase. In such an event, we reserve the right to decline to provide Our Services in our sole discretion and for any reason or no reason. In the event Saw.com declines to provide Our Services, we will refund your initial payment. We may also discuss acquisition of any alternative domain name(s), social media handles or other assets which may be suggested by us or by you. In the event that you elect to use Our Services to acquire such alternative domain name(s), these terms and conditions shall continue to apply to acquisition of such alternative domain name(s).
If a user has purchased our services in error they are entitled to said refund within seven days of purchasing said service. Please contact your Broker and request a refund.
General – Website and Domain Names
What is the difference between a website and a domain name?
A website is a collection of webpages on the Internet that contain content. A domain name is essentially the virtual address or location of a website. An easy way to think of the relationship is to think of a domain name like a piece of real estate property and to think of a website like a business that operates on the property. Just like in real estate, a domain can lie vacant just like a property. Or it can be occupied by a website. And just as a business needs a physical property in order to operate, a website needs a domain name in order to operate. A domain name can exist without a website, but a website cannot exist without a domain name.What domain strategy is best for business?
As mentioned in many questions before one can register a domain name for as little as 10 to 20 dollars per year. When it comes to the most common extensions the best domain names are taken. Hand registering a domain for your product or company name strategically does not make sense. Why is that? This domain is your online identity, it is your brand, and it is what you are relying on to bring you new and repeat customers. Since most of the most premium and memorable domains are already taken you will be forced to register a very long domain or one with hyphens. Both options are easily misspelled or forgettable. A bare minimum of 2,000 USD should be spent on your domain if you are serious about your business. Please call us today for a free consultation. We will give you some choices that make sense for your businesses fast! Contact us here!!Domain Name Ownership
What are the most expensive domain names?
Many domain sales are not reported publicly, so we can’t say with 100% the highest sales ever made. However, most agree with a handful of the highest sales ever reported, and they’re in the tens of millions. For example, Voice.com sold in 2019 for $30 million, while our Co-founder sold Sex.com for 13,000,000 USD. Do you have a multi-million-dollar domain in your back pocket? Find out today with our domain appraisal service. With decades of experience brokering multimillion-dollar domains, we provide accurate and complete domain price estimates for a single domain or your whole portfolio.
What is domain buy service?
Domain buy service is also known as domain broker service or domain acquisition service. If you want to buy a domain name but it is already registered, one of our Sales Consultants can work to acquire the domain for you at a reasonable price. Our team does all the heavy lifting and dirty work to find the owner and negotiate a great deal on your behalf. Set up a time to discuss your domain acquisition needs here.
What is domain squatting?
Domain squatting is when someone buys a domain name to prevent a legitimate business from registering it and profit from reselling it. For example, a domain squatter might search local business license records, find one that hasn’t yet registered their business name as a domain, and snatch up the name for cheap. Then, they’ll contact that business to sell them the name. Usually businesses are willing to pay the price instead of going to court or changing their name. In most states and countries, domain squatting is illegal. It all comes down to intent. If the purchase was made in “bad faith,” then it’s considered domain squatting. The problem is that is can be very difficult to prove bad faith. Let us be clear, a domain owner that registered or purchased the domain name your company happens to want years before your company was founded is not a squatter. To protect yourself from domain squatters, make sure to register your domain as soon as possible, register similar names with multiple extensions, and register a trademark for your name.
We might also suggest you register common typos of your domain name and forward them to that domain. This is actually another service we offer which is called Brand Protection. Please click here to speak to a Sales Consultant about our Brand Protection services.
Domain Name Cost and Registration
Where is the best place to buy a domain name?
This is an obvious answer! Saw.com is the best place to purchase any domain. Why is that? We have a considerable amount of experience, knowledge and relationships coupled with the most cutting edge technology available today.
How much is a domain name?
Domain prices vary depending on many factors similar to real-estate. The most valuable ones are already registered. The most inexpensive domains available are those that are unregistered. A .COM, .NET, .ORG will cost anywhere from ten to twenty dollars per year to register. There are many other extensions which can cost thousands of dollars to register each year. At a maximum, domains have sold for as much as millions of dollars. Keep in mind that, no matter how expensive a domain is upfront, you will have to pay yearly registration fees to keep it registered. For more information on the factors that determine a domain’s price, click here.
How do I know how much a domain should cost?
There are many factors that determine a domain’s price. However, the domain industry is constantly changing and it’s quite difficult to accurately appraise a domain without the knowledge and expertise gained from decades of experience in the industry. That is where we can help. To learn about our professional appraisal services, click here or to get a complimentary automated appraisal click here.
Does it matter where I purchase my domain?
Registrars each offer the same basic service – administering domain registration between ICANN and its customers. However, each registrar offers unique service features such as added security, Whois privacy, custom email, customer support, reminder emails, etc.
Which domain extension is best?
Because business needs differ, it’s impossible to say which domain extension is “best”. It depends on what is best for your specific business needs. With that said, if your goal is to reach as many customers as you can, you can’t go wrong with .com, the most popular top-level domain (TLD). For more information about the different domain extensions, click here.
Do .orgs have to be non-profit?
No. .Org domain names are not legally required to be non-profit. This is a common misconception, as anyone can register a .org domain. However, most .orgs are owned by nonprofits, non-governmental organizations, or schools.
Other FAQs - Payment, Escrow & More
How do I pay for the domain name if there is an agreement?
There are many options to pay for domain names, but the safest and most secure way is using a licensed escrow service like Escrow.com or Escrow. Domains. Escrow.com has completed over a billion dollars in transactions and is owned by the same publicly traded company as Freelancer. They are recommended to buyers of cars on eBay Motors as well. Escrow.com will require proper identification and a matching utility bill to set up an account as an individual or articles of incorporation, along with other supporting documentation to create an account as a business.Escrow.Domains their signup process is a lot less rigorous. They are based in Washington, DC, and owned by an industry lawyer that has been in the domain industry for close to twenty years.Both services work very similarly and protect you, the buyer, every step of the way. First, the terms of the agreement are loaded into their systems. Next, the terms are agreed by all parties. Once they are approved, the buyer makes payment. Once payment is received, the seller is notified to transfer the domain to the buyer. When the buyer advises all parties that they have received the domain, then either of these escrow companies will release the funds to the seller. If the seller does not transfer the domain name for any reason, you will be refunded your initial payment.You can sign up for an account and read the terms by clicking here for Escrow.com.You can sign for an account and read the terms by clicking here for Escrow.domainsWe are not affiliated with either of these companies and are explaining the process from our point of view. Ultimately it is up to you to decide which service is a better fit for you.
What if the domain I want is outside of my budget or not available?
Unfortunately, this happens relatively often in the domain acquisition business. That is why we permit you, our customer, the ability to add five more additional domains for our Domain Brokers to look into.
Once you have completed your acquisition, do not forget to ask your Domain Broker about acquiring the matching social handles as well!
Why should I trust Saw.com with my domain acquisition needs?
The Saw.com team has been carefully put together by some of the most trusted and respected leaders in the domain field.
How do I find out if a domain name is available for sale?
Our team is made up of experts in domain acquisitions. We have helped some of the most widely recognized global brands acquire highly sought-after domains and other associated digital assets. We help you by:
- determining if the domain you desire for your business is available;
- providing a successful acquisition strategy; and
- providing a timeline to acquire the domain.
What should I expect to spend on a premium domain?
Each domain’s overall value is unique. At Saw.com, we have the expertise to provide an accurate valuation of the domain asset you need to help build your company’s brand.
I have a Facebook page for my business – why do I need a domain?
Facebook and other social media sites are great for direct communication with your customers. However, to effectively brand your business and show your customers you’re professional and legitimate, you’ll need a domain.Think about when you look up new restaurants to try. For example, if you find a restaurant that only has a Facebook page, it can be challenging to access their menu or find out how to make reservations, and you might choose a different restaurant.
What if I don’t know what domain I want to buy?
Our team will work with you to help you define your goals and determine the best options for you about domain acquisition. We look to target domains that will help you build and own your brand online. That is why we allow you to add up to five additional domains to your initial request at no extra charge.
What domain strategy is best for business?
As mentioned in many questions, one can register a domain name for as little as 10 to 20 dollars per year. When it comes to the most common extensions, the best domain names are taken. Hand registering a domain for your product or company name strategically does not make sense. Why is that? This domain is your online identity, it is your brand, and it is what you are relying on to bring you new and repeat customers. Since most premium and memorable domains are already taken you will be forced to register a very long domain or one with hyphens. Both options are easily misspelled or forgettable. A bare minimum of 2,000 USD should be spent on your domain if you are serious about your business. Please call us today for a free consultation. We will give you some choices that make sense for your businesses fast! Contact us here!!
Can I own a domain with a website builder like Wix or WordPress?
Yes. Most website builders like Wix or WordPress offer domain purchasing and hosting services. They can provide an “all-in-one” service where you can purchase a domain, build a website, and host the website all using one platform.
Do I need domain privacy?
Most domain registrars (GoDaddy, Network Solutions, etc.) offer domain privacy service or ‘whois protection’ as an add-on to hosting service. Typically for a monthly fee of as much as $10, or per year the service replaces the user’s personal information used to register the domain in the Whois database with anonymized information. For example, it replaces your name and email with the information of the hosting service done through a proxy server. Domain privacy protects against your personal information being used for fraudulent purposes, ranging from phishing attacks, cyberstalking to identity theft. Personal data is a hugely valuable commodity, a commodity we should not allow in the wrong hands. Domain privacy is a small price to pay (some privacy services are even free) for peace of mind. The poor man’s version of privacy is to put a free email address for nothing but your whois information and keep in mind that your registrar is really the only entity you need to respond to there no matter what people say unless it is a legal matter
When you buy a domain, is it yours forever?
No. When you “buy” a domain you are essentially paying a domain registry for the rights to register and use the domain for one year. However, some domain extensions can be registered for up to ten years without renewing each year.
Can someone steal your domain name?
Yes. This is known as domain hijacking. Domain names can be stolen just like any other form of property. Domain thieves steal domain names by gaining access to the account used to manage the domain registration. Usually, this is done by hacking into the email address of record for the domain (remember, you can hide your email address of record by using a Whois privacy service). Once they have access to your account, they can transfer the registration of the domain without your consent.
Can I buy a domain and just let it sit there?
Yes. You can buy and register a domain name without creating a website or hosting it. There are a handful of reasons someone might register a domain without building a website. For example, a startup might register multiple potential domain names if they’re still in the planning phase and haven’t settled on a name. They might have many options and want to “reserve” all of their choices. Then, once a name is decided, they could sell the domains they had been holding onto.
Who sets domain name registration prices?
Think of domain sales as two distinct categories. The first is the domain registration fee that needs to be paid once a year for every domain. This price varies by extension and registrar but is generally between $10 – $20. Much of the price that registrars charge goes directly to the registry that manages the domain name. For example, Verisign currently charges $7.85 per .com domain name per year. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) set limits on how much domain registries can charge for each domain name. The second is the price you pay for a domain that is already registered. For example, if you search for a domain and it is already registered or unavailable, you will need to make an offer to the owner of the domain. This price is not controlled by anyone – it is dictated by supply and demand. People pay high prices for things that they perceive to be valuable. That is how we end up with multimillion-dollar domain sales. For more information on the relationship between registries and registrars, click here.
Should I hire an attorney to help with this process?
Using an attorney to review the terms of an agreement and or a trademark prior to purchasing a domain is not uncommon. If you would like to use an attorney to consult with you regarding the purchase of a domain name, then we highly suggest you use a lawyer that specializes in this specific field and they are also made aware of specific deadlines that you may be up against due to the terms of the negotiation. If you would like to use an attorney but are not sure who to hire, please ask your Domain Broker. There are quite a few we know from our years in the business.
What are the steps in the domain acquisition process?
Before we contact the owner and get into a negotiation, we want you to have a budget in mind. During our initial consultation, we will go over the basics of domain appraisals and the quality you can expect, given your budget. When evaluating the cost of any capital asset ; we will need to develop a working estimate for the maximum you are able to pay for your acquisition. To help establish a budget, have a look at www.Estibot.com . It is a free automated domain appraisal tool that is great for quick estimations. A word of caution, though – appraisals from Estibot are typically on the low end from between fifty and seventy percent. This is because Estibot factors in many sales wholesale auctions which are not retail end user sales prices.Nevertheless, it’s essential to know the most critical metrics that weigh into a domain’s valuation:
- Length – Three and four-letter domains are typically the most expensive especially in the .com extension.
- Memorability and Spelling – Domains that are memorable and easily spelled are generally worth more as they are more brandable.
- Domain registration age – Generally, the longer a domain has been registered, the more valuable it becomes.
- Industry – Domains with popular-industry keywords are more valuable as they tend to rank higher on search engines.
- Universality – A domain name that could be applied to many businesses in many places.
- Similar domains – Look at names in the same industry with other similar metrics, and see how much they have sold.
Once you have appraised your domain and have come up with your budget, you’ll be ready to move to Step 2. Most .com domain names can be a big-ticket item. On the lower end, it will cost thousands of dollars. On the higher end, domains can sell for tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars. Like real estate, the best of the best can sell for millions or tens of millions of dollars. Unfortunately, some current domain owners will ask prices that are not within reason or fair market value for many reasons. Some could be their opinion of value, lack of motivation to sell or they have plans for it themselves and have already invested a significant amount of time and energy into the domain.
Once we have a targeted domain, we like to visit the web domain name. If there is a functioning business on the web domain and their brand relies on it, the valuation will increase significantly. This is because we will need to factor in the fair market value of the domain and the time, energy, money, and resources the company will have to use to switch to something new. Just because there is a website on the domain does not mean there is a vibrant business that owns it. Many companies are just clinging on or are not even functioning. For instance, if it is an e-commerce related site, try to purchase a product or look at the blog to see if there has been a post lately.
The first step is to perform a domain ownership search, which provides some information about the domain, including:
- Registration Date
- Who registered the domain name
- When the domain name expires
- Its registrar
Just keep in mind that this information is not what it used to be. Many registrars offer free or low-cost services to block ownership information for their clients. In other circumstances, privacy laws have required registrars to prevent such information from being shared publicly. If this is the case, we will need to do some deeper dives into our research.
Depending on what is found after performing the WHOIS search, we will determine the best method of finding and contacting the owner. Some owners do not want to be found, and it takes an exceptional level of effort to locate them to get their attention. This could be in the form of a firm cash offer, a handwritten letter, or even a road trip to their home or office!
Negotiate
When contact is made and the response is received, it is time to negotiate. This involves not just the purchase price but all other terms of the sale. For example, how will the buyer pay? Who covers the fees to use a neutral third party that facilitates the transaction? How long will the transfer from the seller to the buyer take? There are many terms beyond purchase price that go into domain name transactions. We do not and will not miss any of them! Multiple companies specialize in providing escrow services for domain purchase transactions. Using a licensed and insured escrow company is one of the best insurance policies one could opt for. Please visit “How do I pay for the domain name if there is an agreement?” question for a more detailed answer.
More Questions? Call us at +1 (781) 281-9475
Saw.com Can Help With Multiple Domain Services
Experience
Transactions
Sales
Commitment