Selling your first domain? Avoid these common mistakes
Selling a domain for the first time can feel unfamiliar. Most of the problems new sellers run into are easy to avoid once you know about them.
1. Pricing based on hope
It's natural to think a name you like is worth a lot. Buyers don't pay for potential, though; they pay for what the name is worth to them. Prices far above what similar names sell for usually mean no sale at all.
Instead: look at what comparable names have sold for, consider who the realistic buyers are, and accept offers so you can hear what people will actually pay.
2. Letting the domain expire mid-sale
A domain that expires while it's for sale can't be transferred, and if it lapses completely, you lose it.
Instead: keep auto-renew on for every domain you're selling, and renew any that expire soon before you list them.
3. Not checking that the domain can be transferred
Many registrars block transfers for a while after a domain is registered or last transferred, often 60 days. Selling a domain that can't be transferred yet leads to delays and unhappy buyers.
Instead: ask your registrar whether the domain can be transferred out now, before you list it. Also make sure you can access the email address on the domain's account.
4. Losing access to your own account
If your registrar account's login email is on the domain you're selling, you could lose access to the account once the domain changes hands.
Instead: change your registrar account email to an address on a different domain before you sell.
5. Accepting payment outside a safe channel
Some buyers ask to pay directly, by bank transfer or another method, to "save fees." Some of these are honest, but this is also how sellers get scammed, for example with payments that are reversed after the domain is transferred.
Instead: only accept payment through escrow or a marketplace that holds the funds before you transfer. Don't send the transfer code until the payment is secured.
6. Ignoring or arguing with offers
Low offers can be irritating, but a buyer who makes one is interested. Ignoring them, or responding rudely, ends conversations that might have led somewhere.
Instead: counter politely with a number you'd accept. If you're receiving too many very low offers, set a minimum offer.
7. A listing with no description
A bare name and price gives buyers little reason to pick your domain over another.
Instead: write two to five sentences explaining what kinds of businesses the name would suit and why it's a strong name. Be honest and specific.
8. Making claims you can't back up
Claims about traffic, search rankings or value that you can't support damage trust and can lead to disputes after the sale.
Instead: only state what you can prove, and leave out the rest.
9. Slow responses
Interest cools quickly. A buyer who waits days for a reply may buy something else.
Instead: turn on email notifications and reply promptly, even if it's just to say you'll get back to them.
10. Slow transfers after the sale
Once the buyer has paid, delays in sending the transfer code make buyers nervous.
Instead: unlock the domain and get the transfer code as soon as the sale is confirmed. Keep the buyer informed if anything holds it up.
11. Not making it obvious the domain is for sale
Someone who types your domain into a browser and sees an error page won't know it's available.
Instead: forward the domain to a for-sale page with the price and a way to buy or make an offer.
Make it easy on yourself
Our marketplace is set up to avoid most of these mistakes: listings are free, ownership is verified, buyers pay into escrow before you transfer, and every domain gets a for-sale page you can forward to. When you're ready, list your domain for free.