How to Buy a Domain Name From Someone Else

Getting the domain name that you want is not like buying a car. Each unique domain name and extension is only created once. Then that name cannot be registered again; it can only be transferred to a new owner. Good domain names, including brand names, have been claimed a long time ago. Luckily, domain name resellers own some of these, and to get one that is already owned, you must buy it from the current owner.

Instructions

1. Check the domain name's URL to find out if the site is active. Many resellers and domain "flippers" park their domain names with services that pay them for using the site as advertising space. If you don't find any evidence that the site is actually in use, it's a good possibility that the site is parked.

2. Visit Network Solutions to explore the domain name's availability. Type the domain's name and its extension into the "Whois" lookup box. You will get an instant report about the domain's availability. If it is not available, you have the option of making an offer to buy the domain through a domain broker. There is a fee to connect you and the broker (see Resources below).

3. Review the public information displayed on the Network Solutions site to find the domain owner, registrar and the registration's expiration date. You can use this information to contact the domain's owner directly, if desired.

4. Check the domain auction at sites like Go Daddy. Domain resellers who amass a portfolio of good domain names use these sites to auction off names that they no longer need. The auctions are often more profitable to the owner than a direct sale, since interested buyers will compete for valuable domain names (see Resources below).

5. Develop a strategy for pouncing on the domain name when it expires. Since inactive domain names are usually parked, you may have a chance of getting the domain name at a domain sales service like Sedo (see Resources below). If the owner does not renew the domain name during the grace period after the expiration date, it may be put up for sale. Request notification of any impending sale for the domain that you want.

Tips & Warnings

• There is a limited number of possible domain names due to the international domain registration regulations.

• The majority of domain names in the Unites States end with dot com, dot net, dot biz, dot info or dot org. The less frequently used extensions are less memorable, thus less popular.

• Extensions that designate countries outside the United States are only available under certain specific rules.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Find domain owners
• Buy domains at auction
• Domain name sale marketplace