You’ve spent a lot of time coming up with the perfect name for your online presence or business. But when you try to register the domain, you discover that someone has already taken your desired domain name. Unfortunately, this is more often the rule than the exception.
In this case, you have two options: either come up with a new, available domain name or you try to buy the domain from its current owner.
One important note: Unlike buying a car, purchasing a domain doesn’t make you the “owner” in a legal sense. Instead, you acquire the right to use the domain for a certain period. If you don’t renew this right before it expires, the domain becomes available again and can be registered by someone else.
Here’s how you can still get your hands on a domain that’s already registered:
What Are Your Options for Buying a Registered Domain?
Buying the Domain Directly from the Owner
The most affordable and often fastest way to buy a registered domain is to contact the owner directly. Here’s how you can try to get in touch:
- Use a Whois lookup to find out who owns the domain. You may not see personal contact details. However, you can usually find an anonymous email address or a contact form to get in touch.
- If the domain has an active website, check for an email address listed in the imprint, footer, or contact page.
- If it’s a brand domain (rather than a generic keyword), you might try emailing info@ or contact@the-domain. But keep in mind: the more well-known the site or brand, the less likely they are to sell the domain. If the domain is relatively unknown or inactive, it’s definitely worth trying your luck.
Buying a Domain via a Marketplace
Just like with second-hand goods, there are dedicated marketplaces for buying and selling domains.
If the domain owner is interested in selling, they may have already listed the domain on one of these platforms. In Germany, the most well-known marketplace is Sedo. Other popular international options include dan.com and Flippa.
Some domain registrars also operate their own marketplaces, where users can list registered domains for sale. It is worth checking where your desired domain is registered. If it is for sale on that platform, buying through the registrar’s marketplace is usually easy, fast, and safe.
One advantage of buying your domain through a marketplace is the added security. You have a much better chance of getting the domain through this method than buying it privately. The platform operators review and secure the transaction.
A common drawback, however, is the price. Due to commissions, the cost of a domain on a marketplace is often higher than registering an available domain directly through a registrar.
Buying a Domain Through an Escrow Agent
Once you contact the domain owner and confirm they want to sell, it’s a good idea to involve an escrow agent. Even if it raises the cost a bit because of the service fees, it is worth it.
You first transfer the agreed purchase price for your desired domain to the escrow agent. At the same time, the seller transfers control of the domain to the agent. Once the payment and the domain are received, the agent finishes the transaction. They will transfer the domain to you and release the funds to the seller.
But keep in mind that using an escrow service always involves a sales commission. This can either be a fixed fee agreed upon in advance or a percentage based on the sale price.
Where to find an escrow service:
When using an escrow agent for a domain transaction, you have several options. On the one hand, all of the domain marketplaces mentioned above offer their own escrow services. But there are also independent escrow providers. One of the most well-known is escrow.com.
As you can see, there are various ways to buy a domain securely and successfully. If you’re dealing with experienced sellers who have handled domain sales before, they will usually suggest a trusted platform where you can complete the transaction.
How much does a registered domain cost?
There is no simple answer to that question. The price of a domain depends on several factors: how much interest there is in the domain, current market conditions, the domain extension, and the domain name itself.
Some domains sell for just a few euros, while others go for millions. That’s why it’s important to define a realistic budget in advance. Once that’s clear, you can assess whether the domain price falls within your range. As a general rule, the more generic the domain name, the higher the price tends to be.
What Types of Domain Sales Exist?
Fixed-Price Domain Sales
In most cases, sellers offer their domains at a fixed price. This means the sale price of the domain is clearly set and non-negotiable.
Domain Auctions
Some marketplaces allow sellers to offer their domains through auctions to potential buyers. The process works just like any other auction: interested buyers place bids on the domain they want, and once the auction ends, the highest bidder receives the domain.
Submitting an Offer
Most already registered domains don’t have a fixed price—whether they’re listed on a marketplace or being sold privately. In such cases, you can submit an offer for the domain you want. If the seller is interested, you can then enter into negotiations.
How to Pay for Your Domain
Once you and the seller have agreed on a purchase price, it’s time to make the payment. The available payment methods depend on the platform you’re using. In most cases, you can pay using standard options like credit or debit card, PayPal, bank transfer, and many other methods. In addition to one-time payments, many platforms also offer alternative payment options.
One-Time Payment
The most common method is a one-time payment. In this case, the seller receives the full purchase price immediately after the domain sale is completed. Many sellers prefer this option, as the funds are credited without delay.
Installment Payment
Recently, many marketplace platforms have introduced the option to pay for domains in installments. After the sale price is accepted, you pay off the agreed amount over a set period.
During the installment period, you already manage the domain yourself. This means you are also responsible for renewing it annually. Once we receive the final payment, you will get the Authorization Code needed to transfer the domain to your chosen registrar.
If you stop making payments, the seller regains full control of the domain.
Conclusion: How to Buy a Domain That’s Already Taken
Just because your desired domain is taken doesn’t mean you’re out of options. There are several ways to still get your perfect domain. You can negotiate directly with the current owner, use established domain marketplaces, or work with an escrow service.
When it comes to payment, you also have multiple options. A one-time payment is straightforward and preferred by many sellers. However, more and more marketplaces now offer flexible installment plans, ideal if the purchase price is higher.
If you’d rather seek an alternative domain name, our domain check tool will help you find the right domain for your needs.
Still have questions or something isn’t clear? Just email us at blog@inwx.de – we’ll be happy to help!
