How to Buy a Used Domain 

Whether launching a business, improving SEO, or simply wanting a more substantial online presence, buying or getting a used domain name can give you a head start. It comes with established authority, existing backlinks, and brand recognition. However, aside from purchasing, a solid understanding of the essential steps involved is required. 

In this article, we’ll guide you through how to handle each of these steps, ensuring you’re ready to buy a used domain for your business. 

Steps for buying a taken domain name 

If the domain you are aiming for is already taken, you can go through these steps and finalize a sale with the current owner. 

1. Find out who owns the domain / get contact info 

Reaching out to the domain owner is one of the most effective ways to secure a domain. Use the contact info from the WHOIS search or the website’s contact form to express your interest. 

The WHOIS lookup tool provides detailed information about the domain’s status, the domain name owner, and the registrar. If the domain is already owned, you’ll find contact details or information on how to reach out to the owner. 

If the details are private, check domain marketplaces where the domain owner might list it for sale. This direct approach often speeds up the process and gives you the chance to negotiate a deal quickly. 

2. Research the domain value 

Look up the current prices and recent sales of similar domain names to get an idea of the market value. Knowing the going rates for comparable domains gives you a solid foundation and helps you avoid overpaying.  

Sites like NameBio or DNJournal can provide you with data on past domain sales. Domain appraisal tools like Estibot can also help you estimate the value of the domain. This will give you a solid starting point for negotiations. 

When making an offer, start lower than your maximum budget and expect some negotiation. Be prepared to provide reasoning behind your offer, such as the domain’s current use or estimated value. Domain owners may counter with a higher price, so keep room for negotiation. 

Use a domain broker 

If the negotiation process is too complex or the domain name owner is unresponsive, consider using a domain broker. Brokers can handle the negotiation on your behalf and may have access to private listings or industry contacts that can facilitate the purchase more efficiently. 

Try domain backorder services or auctions 

If the domain name owner isn’t ready to sell immediately, you can place a backorder on the domain. This will notify you if the domain expires and becomes available for registration. 

Domains that expire are often put up for auction. Services like Sedo allow you to bid on expiring domains, but make sure to set a firm budget and be ready to compete with other buyers. 

3. Review domain history 

Always investigate the domain’s history to avoid potential issues. Here are the things you need to do:  

• Check ownership details with a WHOIS record. Start using a WHOIS search to confirm ownership details and the domain’s registration history. This ensures the legitimate owner is selling the domain and helps spot any unusual activity. 
• Review previous website content. Check how the domain has been used over the years by viewing snapshots of prior content. This helps you identify if the domain was tied to spam, illegal content, or harmful activities. 
• Review technical background. Look into the domain’s DNS changes, age, and IP addresses. This information helps you gauge its reliability and make a smart buying decision. 

Thoroughly reviewing a domain’s history can help identify potential red flags like spam associations or past misuse that could harm your brand. These steps ensure you’re making a well-informed decision and safeguard your business’s reputation. 

4. Check for trademarks 

It is an essential step to verify that the domain name you want isn’t already trademarked to avoid legal complications. Trademark infringement happens when you use a name, logo, or symbol without permission.  

Using a trademarked domain without approval can lead to lawsuits, forced name changes, fines, and a damaged reputation. So, it’s wise to ensure your domain is legally available.  

To check for trademarks, start with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database. It’s simple to use and helps you spot potential conflicts with U.S. trademarks. For global businesses, also look at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). These sites aid in identifying international conflicts. If you find a trademark, it’s smart to talk to a lawyer about the risks. This ensures your investment is safe and your brand stays strong. 

5. Examine existing content/SEO 

Understand a domain’s SEO profile to assess its value and business impact. Strong SEO can bring better rankings, steady traffic, and online authority. Weak SEO can hinder progress and require cleanup. Evaluate the following to ensure the domain aligns with your goals. 

• Backlink quality. Backlinks are a major factor in SEO success. Use tools like Moz, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to review the domain’s backlink profile. Good backlinks from trusted sites boost a domain’s authority. Bad ones can harm it and lead to penalties. 
• Traffic history. Analyze the domain’s traffic patterns to determine whether it has a consistent and relevant audience. Tools like Google Analytics or SimilarWeb can help you. They reveal past performances and see if the domain attracted organic traffic or if its reach has declined. 
• Relevance to your brand. A domain’s history should align with your business goals. For instance, a domain linked to unrelated content might confuse users. It would also require more effort to rebrand. However, a domain that matches your audience and industry is more valuable.  

A thorough analysis of these factors can identify domains with a competitive edge. This will ensure your investment supports your goals and saves time in building your online presence. 

6. Contact the owner 

Once you’ve gathered all relevant information, reach out to the domain owner. Your email should be professional, concise, and persuasive. Clearly state your interest and invite a discussion about the domain’s availability. 

Here’s a sample email you can use when reaching out to a domain owner: 

“Dear [Domain Owner’s Name], 

Hi, my name is _______, and I’m the founder of [business name here]. We specialize in [your industry here] industry, and I’m reaching out regarding your domain ‘[desired domain here].’ 

I am very interested in acquiring the domain as it aligns perfectly with our brand. We believe it would be an ideal fit for our company’s online presence. 

Would you be open to discussing the possibility of selling the domain? If so, could you share what price you have in mind for it? 

I am looking forward to doing business with you.” 

7. Negotiate 

Negotiating the price of a domain can be challenging, but it’s a critical step in the process. Start with a reasonable offer based on your research, leaving room for counteroffers. Use facts like the domain’s value, age, or SEO benefits to explain your offer and show the seller you’ve done your homework. 

While this step may take time, it’s important to stay professional and patient. A successful negotiation ensures you get the domain at a fair price and sets the foundation for a smooth purchase. Remember, this step is worth the effort to secure an asset for your business. 

8. Finalize sale 

To begin finalizing the purchase, both parties should decide on payment terms. The seller might want the total amount upfront, or they might agree to an installment plan. Make sure both of you agree on and understand the payment terms to avoid unnecessary confusion.  

You can use an escrow service like Escrow.com for a safe transaction. You’ll deposit the payment into the escrow account, and the service provider holds the funds until the seller completes the domain transfer. Once the transfer is confirmed, the escrow service releases the payment to the seller. 

9. Transfer the ownership 

The final step is transferring the domain ownership to ensure you have full control of the domain. Follow these steps to finalize the transfer. 

• Update contact information. Ensure your admin contact details, such as email, phone number, and address, are accurate. These details will be used for approvals and updates during the transfer process. 
• Unlock the domain. Access your current registrar’s settings to unlock the domain. This option is typically found under security or domain management. 
• Disable privacy. Temporarily turn off WHOIS privacy protection to allow the new registrar to verify the ownership details. 
• Clear payments and holds. Check for any unpaid fees or legal holds on the domain and resolve them to avoid delays. 
• Request the EPP code. Obtain the authorization (EPP) code from your registrar. This unique code is required to verify and authorize the transfer. 
• Create an account with the new registrar. If you don’t already have one, set up an account with the registrar where the domain will be transferred. 
• Enter the authorization code. Provide the EPP code in the transfer form at the new registrar to initiate the transfer process. 
• Confirm the transfer. Watch for emails from both registrars, approve the transfer requests, and track the progress to ensure everything moves forward. 
• Wait for completion. Allow 5-7 business days for the transfer to be finalized and monitor the progress via your new registrar’s dashboard. 
• Pay fees and renew the domain. Pay any applicable transfer fees and renew the domain for an additional year to complete the process and secure ownership. 

5 strategies to check domain availability 

To determine if your website is taken, you’ll have to look it up using a domain availability tool.  

Check domain marketplaces 

Check domain name sales on marketplaces. Sedo, a partner of Domain.com, connects you directly with many domain owners, letting you purchase pre-owned domains easily. Since many of these domains aren’t in active use, you can quickly secure a name without waiting for it to expire. 

Use premium domain search tools 

Using premium domain search tools like Domain.com is smart for finding unique, brandable premium domains. These tools show short, catchy names that regular searches often miss. They also highlight premium domain names that have strong branding potential and appeal. 

These domains are perfect domains for businesses wanting to stand out. Regular searches only show unregistered domains, while premium tools reveal the best options. 

Domain backordering 

If a domain you want is taken, a domain backorder service can allow you to claim a domain the moment it’s available. This service is perfect for those waiting for a domain that might expire. This strategy gives you an advantage over others waiting to grab the domain manually. 

Check alternative domain extensions. 

If your desired domain name isn’t available with the .com extension, look at alternatives like .net, .biz, or industry-specific TLDs like .tech or .store. These options give you flexibility while securing a domain that fits your brand. 

Things to consider before buying a used domain name 

Before buying a used domain name Buying a used domain requires due diligence to avoid risks that could harm your brand or online presence. Here are three critical steps to ensure your domain is clean, reliable, and ready for use. 

1. Check for security threats and blacklisting 

A domain linked to malware or flagged as unsafe can damage your reputation and impact your ability to operate online. Run security checks using a tool like SiteLock Security to identify malware or phishing history.  

Ensure the domain isn’t blacklisted by browsers or email providers, as this can prevent you from effectively using the domain. Don’t take chances—start with a domain that’s clean and secure. 

2. Verify penalties and search engine blacklisting 

A domain penalized by Google can drag down your rankings or even prevent your site from appearing in search results.  

Use Google Search Console to check for any penalties or violations. Search “site.com” in Google to confirm it’s indexed. If it’s flagged or de-indexed, walk away—it’s not worth the hassle or potential harm to your SEO efforts. 

3. Review past ownership and usage

A domain penalized by Google can drag down your rankings or even prevent your site from appearing in search results.  
The domain’s past can tell you a lot. Use the Wayback Machine to see what the domain was used for. Was it hosting spam? Illegal content? If so, it’s a red flag. Check the WHOIS records to understand its ownership history—frequent transfers might suggest instability or misuse. Choose a domain that aligns with your business and won’t create unnecessary challenges. 

Secure your domain today! 

When buying a used domain, it’s essential to thoroughly research the domain’s availability, history, and SEO health. Whether negotiating directly with the domain’s owner or purchasing through a marketplace, ensure you use secure payment methods and transfer processes. Taking the proper steps now will save you from issues later. 

Ready to purchase your perfect domain? Get started with Domain.com. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)