How to Buy Domain Names From Other People

There are many services on the Internet that let you search for and purchase domain names--but sometimes the domain name you want has already been registered by someone else. Luckily, there are search services that allow you to find out who owns a domain name. From there, you can contact the owner to see if he or she is willing to sell the domain.

Instructions

1. Visit the domain name to see how it's being used. If you're taken to an established website, your chances of buying the domain are low. If you see an abandoned page or a placeholder page full of advertising, the domain name's owner might be more willing to sell.

2. See if the owner's contact information is available on the site; if it is, proceed to Step 3. If not, perform a Whois search on the domain to find out information about its owner. Some Whois search engines include Whois.net, Network Solutions and domaintools.com

3. Contact the domain name's owner via email and ask if the domain name is for sale--do not make an offer. If the owner is interested in selling the domain, he or she will likely set a price. If you make an offer, you might end up spending more than you have to.

4. Agree on terms with the buyer if the domain name is for sale and get something in writing as quickly as possible. Send your money through an escrow service to protect yourself against fraud.

References

• Four Hour Work Week: "How to Buy Domain Names Like a Pro"
• All Business: "How to Buy a Domain Name Owned by Someone Else"

Resources

• Whois.net
• Network Solutions WHOIS Search
• Domaintools.com