As with any real estate deals, sometimes the house, apartment or plot of land that you want is already sold. In many cases, it is never again offered for resale either.
When it comes to the internet, you have access to thousands of domain names and domain auction sites where they can be purchased. You are not limited to any geographical area.
The internet offers more flexibility, in terms of your purchases, than a physical real estate market allows.
However, they are alike too because you will often see an online business for sale.
Why Buy Domains in Marketplaces?
There are many reasons why people use marketplaces to procure or sell a domain name.
Some people have a knack for creating really catchy and trendy domain names. The type that is able to draw curious buyers and keep their interest. If this sounds like you, then you can create these domains, list them on sites like GoDaddy auction and earn an income.
The other reason people go to such a marketplace is to sell a website, which has content.
This is attractive to buyers because it cuts down on some of the work they themselves would have to do. Such sites can be auctioned for hundreds and even thousands of dollars.
Use Caution When Buying Expired Domains
There are many instances when you will come across expired domains. People sell these domains to make a profit. If this is of interest to you, then proceed with caution.
What is an Expired Domain
This type of domain is one where a user forgets to renew their domain registration. For some people, they might quit using the domain on purpose.
Typically, the domain registry gives the owner of a domain 30 days after it expires, to claim the name. If they do not, then other internet users or domain registrars are free to bid for it.
What Are The Benefits of Buying An Expired Domain
There are a number of ways that you can benefit from buying these domains.
Many websites build up authority over a period. If they have backlinks to highly visible and reputable sites that get tons of traffic, then you can benefit from a 301 redirect.
These opportunities are valuable for new businesses looking to make a profit.
Using this new traffic, it would require minimal effort to launch your website as an authority site. For instance, you could post out a few blog articles per month, and they would start to rank on the first pages of Google because of the 301 redirects from those old backlinks.
What To Do Before Buying an Expired Domain at Auction
In order to safeguard yourself from any future problems with your purchase, it is best to make some checks. Look for more information than simply what is presented to you by the seller.
View Spam Backlinks
Webmasters know the horror of being spammed, and one of the most frequent ways is through the bombardment of fraudulent backlinks.
You can verify this information about any domain on aHrefs.
Avoid purchasing on a domain auction site, if it has loads of anchor texts and backlinks in numerous languages.
Google and Google Adsense Ban
Domain auction websites do not require sellers to post all or even any of the background information on their offerings.
It is up to the buyer to do their due diligence. That is why it is important to visit IsBanned and check if the domain is banned by Google or Google Adsense. If it is, this page will not rank on Google pages.
If you still want the domain, then you can send an email to Google appealing for the ban to be lifted.
Look Up the Websites Archive
Another bit of information, which you should research is the website archive.
This will give you a snapshot of the website types, which were registered under this domain. You will clearly see how they looked at different periods.
Go to the Archive tool to complete this step.
Domain and Page Authority
Keep these two in mind as you proceed with your checks, DA, and PA. These stand for domain and page authority.
Visit Moz, and use their Link Explorer to find these details on any domain you plan to buy and sell at a domain auction.
Review Domains Like A House Purchase
Some domains can cost tens of thousands of dollars. With such a heavy investment required, you need to conduct a thorough background check. Consider it a non-negotiable requirement before you go into paying a closing cost.
Yes, just as you would for any piece of real estate property. As many homeowners know, serious damage can be hidden away in the walls, plumbing, electrical or heating systems. You do not want your auction experience to leave you with buyer’s remorse.
Remember, these marketplaces which we will present to you are some of the best. However, you can still have a bad experience, if you do not do your own research. A newbie is easy to fall prey to scams and fraudsters.
Top 5 Domain Auction Marketplaces
There are many online auction sites, where you can buy expired domains, and there are premium domains for sale as well. They offer domain appraisals and the website auction can be very competitive.
Some of the top domain auction marketplaces include:
- GoDaddy Domain Marketplace
- Namecheap Domain Marketplace
- Sedo Domain Marketplace
- Flippa Domain Marketplace
- NamePros Forum Domain Marketplace
Let’s examine these portals and learn about the pros and cons of each marketplace.
1. GoDaddy Domain Marketplace
This is easily the number one choice for domain auctions. Most people are more familiar with GoDaddy than with our other marketplaces. Listing and Selling a domain can cost you as little as $4.99, for membership.
Their commission rates are 10%, 15%, and 20%. This depends on your domain sale price. The sale price breakdown is as follows:
- $0 – $5,000, GoDaddy commission 20% ( $15 minimum)
- $5,001 – $25,000, GoDaddy commission $1,000 + 15% of amount over $5,000
- $25,000 + $4,000+, GoDaddy commission 10% of amount over $25,000
It will cost you over $19.98 to have your domain featured on the home page.
GoDaddy Auctions: Find, buy & sell domain names now!
2. Namecheap Domain Marketplace
This marketplace takes on a simplistic interface. One of the pros of this site is that you can easily navigate the screens and get information on any of the websites on auction. Sellers have no problems connecting with potential buyers. The business model allows buyers and shoppers to connect easily.
Therefore it allows for a less complicated process and quicker sales.
Sellers simply examine a list of domains for sale and choose “Add to Cart” if they are interested. It takes only a few more steps, and the domain is yours.
Namecheap only charges a 10% commission, to sellers, for the use of their auction site.
Additionally, they offer hosting, WordPress, apps, and security services as well. No wonder more than two million people regularly frequent their site and utilize their services.
Start your Domain Search now at NameCheap!
3. Sedo Marketplace
You can access a number of domain-related services on Sedo. The portal allows you to do domain parking, transfer service, and free registration.
Now listing your domain for auction is also free.
However, you are required to pay a commission when you do sell your domain. That rate will be determined by TLD you got and the type of listing.
Their homepage displays active auctions.
You can place immediate bids on popular domains.
4. Flippa Marketplace
Another popular domain-bidding portal is Flippa.
According to their website, this is “Where entrepreneurs come to buy & sell domains.” Also, they allow you to put up your domain and have them rated by members.
Whether you are selling a business or selling an asset, there is an affordable listing fee for you. Pricing starts at $25 and range to $200 for business.
Check out Flippa’s FREE online business valuation calculator below.
5. Namepros Forum for Domains
As the name suggests, their overall look and feel reflect a forum module. Namespro allows you to buy, sell, and discuss everything relating to domains.
In this setting, you can advertise your domain freely. There are no fees charged for advertising up to two websites. However, users looking to sell more than that need to subscribe to the Business account. This costs $0 a month or $99 every year.
A NamePros Supporter is only $5, each month.
This site is not as simplistic and user-friendly as Namecheap.
With all the different forums, visitors can get overwhelmed and distracted.
Pointers for Using Domain Marketplaces
There are a number of top-performing marketplaces for domain auction. However, these sites have a solid reputation in a global online market.
Their customer service is efficient. So the deals are relatively hassle-free.
If this is your first time using an auction site, don’t make expensive purchases at will. Read the auctions sites guidelines to see what checks and balances, which they might have in place to protect their buyers.
Select the Best Domain Auction Marketplaces For You
Purchasing a domain is a simple process.
It does not have to fill you with anxiety and dread, because you are worried about being scammed or making a bad investment. With domain auction sites, you are reassured, and many offer a money-back guarantee. Furthermore, they have strict guidelines in place to minimize any issues for both domain buyers and sellers.
You also get a second chance to obtain great domains to establish your online business.
Moreover, many of these domains are sold by people who have already populated these sites with content.
If this is the kind of service you need, then check out the top marketplaces listed above. There are thousands of domains, ready to be sold. Thus remember to follow the guidelines and visit the resources listed. They will help you to avoid making a poor purchase and losing money.
Enjoy a hassle-free experience today!
Do you have a preferred domain auction website?
Share with us in the comments below!
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