How to sell a domain name

Step 1: appraise against real comps

Start with NameBio sales data for similar names in the same TLD — same length, same word class, same category. Adjust for the current state of demand in your category (AI names are up; crypto names are down). Treat algorithmic appraisals as a sanity check, not a target. For premium names, get a broker read before you list.

Step 2: pick the right channel

Three options. Marketplace listing (Sedo, Afternic, Dan) is passive — good for mid-tier names that catch in-market searches. Outbound is you or a broker emailing the most likely buyer directly — best for premium names where the right buyer would never browse a marketplace. Auction works for names with clear competing demand.

Step 3: set price strategy

For names under $25,000, a posted buy-now price closes faster. For premium names, 'make an offer' typically captures more value because anchor numbers chill negotiation. Always know your reservation (walk-away) price before any conversation. Decide whether you will accept payment plans — most brokers can structure 6–24 month terms.

Step 4: run outbound (or have a broker do it)

Identify the 5–15 companies most likely to want the name. Reach the right person (founder, CMO, head of brand — not info@). Lead with a short, specific message: who you are, the asset, why it matters to them, an opening number anchored to comps. Anonymous outreach via a broker usually gets a meaningfully higher reply rate.

Step 5: negotiate to a closeable number

Most serious deals settle in two to four rounds. Counter with specific reasoning (comp X sold for Y, our reservation is Z). Resist the urge to drop fast. If the buyer ghosts, follow up once at 5–7 days; pressuring beyond that signals weakness. Brokers earn their fee here — emotional distance keeps numbers up.

Step 6: close through escrow

Use escrow.com or a broker's integrated escrow. Buyer wires; funds clear; you transfer via intra-registrar push (preferred for high-value) or EPP auth code; escrow verifies; funds release. Disable transfer lock and privacy before pushing. Total cycle is typically 3–10 business days. Never release the domain before funds clear escrow.

Selling a premium .ai or .com?

Laser AI brokers premium AI and .com domains for funded startups on both sides of the table. If you own a name we can place into our existing buyer pipeline, list it with us. We handle outbound, negotiation, escrow, and transfer end-to-end. Standard commission, no upfront fee on names we accept.

Frequently asked questions

What is a domain actually worth?

Value is set by comparable sales of similar names in the same TLD, current buyer demand in the category, and what one motivated buyer will pay. NameBio publishes historical sales. Appraisal tools (Estibot, GoDaddy) produce wide-error estimates that are useful as a sanity check, not a price. For premium names, a specialist broker with current pipeline data gives the tightest range.

Should I list on a marketplace or do outbound?

Listing on Sedo, Afternic, or Dan is passive — it catches buyers who are already searching, but most premium buyers never search a marketplace. Outbound (you or a broker reaching the most likely buyer directly) typically clears premium names faster and at higher prices, because it puts the name in front of a specific budget holder rather than waiting for them to surface.

What commission do brokers and marketplaces charge?

Marketplaces charge 10–20% on closed sales. Brokers typically charge 15–20%, sometimes with a small upfront retainer for premium outbound work. Escrow.com fees are paid by the buyer by default and run 0.89–3.25% depending on transaction size. Net to seller varies, but 80–85% of headline price is a reasonable planning number.

Should I name a price upfront or 'make an offer'?

For names priced under roughly $25,000, posting a buy-now price closes faster and reduces tire-kickers. For premium names ($50,000+), 'make an offer' or no listed price typically captures more value, because most serious buyers anchor low when they see a number. The trade-off is slower close cycles and more negotiation.

How does escrow work for a domain sale?

Buyer wires funds to escrow (escrow.com is the de facto standard; brokers often have integrated escrow). Once funds clear, the seller pushes the domain to the buyer's registrar account or releases the auth code for transfer. Escrow confirms the transfer with the buyer, then releases funds to the seller. The whole cycle typically takes 3–10 business days.

How do I transfer a domain to the buyer?

Two options. Intra-registrar push (same registrar account) is fastest — usually instant — and is preferred for high-value names because there is no cross-registrar window. Inter-registrar transfer uses the EPP auth code and takes 5–7 days, during which the name should not be touched. Always disable transfer lock and privacy before initiating.

Do I owe taxes on a domain sale?

In most jurisdictions, yes. In the US, a domain sold by an individual is typically taxed as a capital gain (short- or long-term depending on holding period). A domain held in a business is ordinary income or a sale of intangible property. Consult an accountant before closing a high-value sale — structure can shift the tax bill meaningfully.