How to sell domain names on eBay

Bidders force up the price as they compete against each other for auctioned items.

One of the best ways to sell domain names online is using eBay auctions. There are two main types of auction formats that domain sellers use to sell domains. One is to list the domain in an auction format, and the other is the "buy now" option. The auction format is popular because auctions typically force up the price of the domain as bidders compete against each other for the item.

Instructions

1. Log-in to eBay and go to the Sell page. Or hover the cursor over the Sell link and select the "Sell an Item" option. The click on the button that says "List Your Item." The next screen will say "Find a Matching Category." Enter the keywords that describe the item. When selling domain names just type domain name in the box and click "Search." Under Specialty Services click on the box for Web & Computer Services > Domain Names, then click Continue at the bottom.

2. Chose a title that best describes the domain name. For example, if the domain name has multiple keywords, space them apart. If it is a single word, put a space between the domain name and extension. This will help users find the domain name through search by having ".com" listed as a keyword. Explain what makes the domain special. Describe how the domain can be used, as website, product or service.

3. Specify the type of domain, the extension, and where the domain is registered. Add a picture or image to attract potential buyers. For example a fishing domain name would benefit from having a picture of big fish as the item picture.

4. Describe the domain name in the description section. Tell buyers why the domain is valuable. Give proof if available such as appraisals, traffic statistics or potential market value. Highlight the keywords and give buyers an idea of how the domain could be used. Even if want the domain for another purpose, offering an idea can spark interest in potential domain buyers. In this section also let the buyer know when the domain will expire, and what the preferred payment method is.

5. Make the auction stand out by adding a subtitle for a small additional fee. The subtitle should be an extended description to grab the attention of viewers. Many domain sellers use the subtitle to show what the domain name is appraised at or how much traffic the domain is currently getting. Adding a theme to the auction can also make the listing look more professional. If there is a theme related to the domain name, use it, but a theme is not really necessary.

6. Pick a starting price that will attract bidders. If the item has a "Buy it Now" price, make sure to not overshoot the true value of the domain name or the auction will likely never sell. The lower the starting price or "Buy it Now" price, the lower the fees that eBay charges. Use the "7-days duration" feature, and click "private listing" to allow buyers to be anonymous to other users on eBay. Then click "Continue" at the bottom of the page. The next page will be a preview and list the total listing cost. When satisfied, click "List Your Item" and the domain name will be listed on eBay auctions.

Tips & Warnings

• A few hours after listing the domain name, you should be able to search for it on eBay to see what buyers see. If you want to edit the auction, you can do so as long as the auction has no bids and has longer than 12 hours remaining.

• Do not bid on your auction with another account or have friends or family bid on the item. This is an illegal bidding procedure that eBay monitors, and it will suspend or delete your account and anyone who participates in this type of collusion bidding.

References

• eBay Domain Auctions

Resources

• eBay Sellers | List your item