You found the owner and agreed a price. The negotiation is the hard part, but the closing is where buyers lose money. Here is how to buy a domain from a private owner safely.
1. Put the terms in writing
Before any money moves, confirm in writing: the exact domain, the price and currency, who pays escrow fees, the transfer method, and the deadline. For larger deals, use a short domain purchase agreement that also covers any related assets, such as a matching social handle or trademark, and a warranty that the seller has the right to sell.
2. Use a licensed escrow service
Never wire money directly to a stranger for a domain. Use a licensed escrow service such as Escrow.com:
- Buyer and seller agree the terms in the escrow platform.
- The buyer funds escrow.
- Escrow confirms the funds and tells the seller to transfer.
- The seller moves the domain to the buyer.
- The buyer confirms it's in their account and escrow releases payment.
Escrow fees are small next to the risk they remove. Agree up front who pays them.
3. Choose the transfer method
- Push (same registrar): if you both use the same registrar, the seller "pushes" the domain to your account. Usually fast.
- Transfer (different registrar): the seller unlocks the domain and gives you an authorization (EPP) code. You start a transfer at your registrar. This can take up to about a week.
Note that a domain recently registered or transferred can be locked against another registrar transfer for a period. A push within the same registrar, or a registrant change, can be a workaround.
4. Check before you release funds
- The domain shows in your registrar account, under your control
- The registrant contact details are yours
- You can change the nameservers
- The domain isn't set to expire soon
Only then approve the release in escrow.
5. What if the domain is listed on a marketplace?
If the name is listed on GoDaddy or another marketplace, try the owner directly first. The seller avoids the platform commission, and that saving can come off your price. If a name can only be bought through the marketplace, its checkout is a safe way to pay.
Common mistakes
- Paying by wire, crypto or gift card outside escrow
- Revealing your company name and launch plans before a price is agreed
- Forgetting to confirm registrant details after transfer
- Letting a seller rush you with a "another buyer is interested" deadline
Want someone to handle it?
TastyName handles owner research, negotiation, escrow and transfer for buyers, under our name. Free consultation, no upfront cost, 15% on close with a $1,500 minimum.