If you are not using Epik.com for escrow, you are wasting time and money!

[Rob Monster]

Special Program for NamePros members only: Process your escrow transaction via Epik.com using bank transfer or major crypto, with a domain name registered at Epik.com and we'll waive the escrow fee completely! No escrow fee. No cashout fee. No kidding.

NamePros members are switching to Epik.com for Domain Name Escrow. Here's why:

- Lowest Fees: NamePros members pay no minimum fees. For domains registered at Epik.com, escrow is FREE when your buyer pays via bank transfer or major crypto. Otherwise, escrow is as low as 1.5%!

- Fast closing: Escrow transactions with domains registered at Epik, paid with major crypto or bank deposit can typically be closed within hours. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

- Secure Transactions: Epik.com is the only full-service escrow agent that is also a full-service accredited registrar. Transfer in and out within minutes. If a transaction is cancelled, your domain is not in limbo-land!

- Flexible payment solutions: Pay or get paid via wire transfer, ACH, major crypto, credit card, PayPal, Transferwise or Western Union. We support all major currencies, domain swaps and scheduled payments.

There has never been a better time to move your domains to Epik.com and to choose our integrated solutions for domain marketplace and escrow services.

To get started on your escrow transaction, simply go here:

https://www.epik.com/services/escrow/

To discuss your portfolio or escrow transaction, contact us at [email protected], visit us Epik.com or phone us at +1.425-366-8810 or US toll-free at +1.888-894-9026.

This is a sponsored post.​

 

[equity78]

If it walks like a duck quacks like a duck it is...an escrow! and should be licensed regulated bonded all that.

This goes for UNDeveloped
https://dan.com/legal/terms-of-use
where the "Contractor" (UNDeveloped / DAN) is defined in their Terms of Service as the party that handles the transfer of the domain from the Provider (seller) to the Transferee (buyer) via Contractor's "escrow account"

and Epik "Escrow"

flat out mentions that it is an escrow too.

As far as the argument of "what could go wrong," I'd agree that the risk is small, but then so is the risk of your house burning down, so why bother with home insurance then is what the Monster appears to be saying here:

because Errors and Omissions and Directors and Officers insurance cover negligence only, and only negligence by Epik, not intentional acts of fraud by anyone, and might not cover the sorts of issues that might arise in an escrow, such as if a stolen domain were sold to a party, and then later retrieved via ICANN, leaving the buyer out the funds paid, unless Monster is saying that he'd step in and say "this is all our fault we should have screened the domain better" because absent such an admission, their insurance will not cover!

This is getting a little ridiculous here, either you're a licensed and bonded escrow, or you're grasping at straws at how you might cover a claim. I will agree that at least Epik is musing on how they might cover a claim, I can respect that, --- while UNDeveloped's game plan is to leave zero assets in their "escrow like" non-profit entity to avoid liability entirely - can't squeeze blood out of an UNDeveloped turnip is DAN's defense.

Fair points XY but to the point of stolen domain names, Escrow.com did not reimburse @BoothDomains Sedo does not protect you either, I have been talking about this for awhile and need to finish an article I have been working on but this whole industry is a joke, where every marketplace or escrow company, license bonded, etc... Says if you bought a name hypothetically for $30,000 and then down the road it's taken from you by ICANN, A court, Verisign and given back to the person who proved it was stolen, "SORRY we can't reimburse you, but please know we frown on this and again are really sorry" Take your sorry and shove it straight up your ass.

 

[equity78]

The only licensed escrow provider that is dedicated strictly to domain name transactions, that I am aware of, is Escrow.Domains.

Our domain marketplace builder CMS (see the link in my signature) offers them as an escrow option for buyers, along with Escrow.com.

Escrow.Domains is operated by a law firm which makes sense as lawyers are frequently hired for escrow services.

IMO, using the word "escrow" when not licensed for such opens up to potential legal liabilities. Maybe @jberryhill can clarify on this.

The type of transactions that Epik is advertising as "escrow" is not uncommon among registrars. But different language may be more appropriate. I can't see a registrar offering escrow on domain sales that are made exclusively on their own platform. Not by dictionary definition.

I wrote in another thread that maybe Rob and everyone else should stop using the word escrow. Look GoDaddy sells a ton of names through their premium listings and people just click the checkout, pay, get the name. No one is mentioning escrow or licenses or anything else.

 

[Rob Monster]

Fair points XY but to the point of stolen domain names, Escrow.com did not reimburse @BoothDomains Sedo does not protect you either, I have been talking about this for awhile and need to finish an article I have been working on but this whole industry is a joke, where every marketplace or escrow company, license bonded, etc... Says if you bought a name hypothetically for $30,000 and then down the road it's taken from you by ICANN, A court, Verisign and given back to the person who proved it was stolen, "SORRY we can't reimburse you, but please no we frown on this and again are really sorry" Take your sorry and shove it straight up your ass.

I believe this example reinforces the utility of being a specialist in the domain name asset class and of course being a registrar that secures the asset. Also, when it comes to researching the ownership history and making a timely risk assessment, it helps to know the industry.

This is also not just about saying "no" to a transaction, i.e. rejecting it. It is also about saying "yes", e.g. a transaction done late last week where the buyer used multiple credit-cards which looked dodgy but which we were able to verify.

I say this because there is a vast number of new domain sellers, especially from emerging markets, who are coming into this industry and who have reputations to develop. If we are already working with them as registrar, it becomes a whole lot easier to say YES.

In short: Faster, Cheaper, Better.

 

[equity78]

Trying to consolidate an accredited domain registrar and domain marketplace with the same escrow standards and regulations as automobile escrow is unfair at best.

I agree, we had a specially trained team that handled all the vehicle escrows. Collecting ownership documents and managing the transfer with the local department of motor vehicles is complicated. Like the escrow licensing requirements, each state has its own set of registration and tax requirements. Airplane escrow is another very specialized transaction, when I was there we never completed one as the experts are a handful of companies located in Oklahoma City.[/QUOTE]

Let me ask you Brandon in your opinion, is title insurance ever to become a reality for domain names?

 

[Arfy]

Without getting into the weeds of the terminology of whether this is escrow or a marketplace transaction, I welcome healthy competition! I've done a high value domaIn exchange via Epik in the past and got 1st class service.

I have also used Escrow.com for a few transactions which went pretty well but also 1 transaction where I was very unhappy with the transaction but that was mainly the buyer's fault for pulling out after he had already paid.

Either way no commission is great and as I have done a high value exchange at Epik once before, I personally have trust in the service.

 

[Brandon Abbey]

I agree, we had a specially trained team that handled all the vehicle escrows. Collecting ownership documents and managing the transfer with the local department of motor vehicles is complicated. Like the escrow licensing requirements, each state has its own set of registration and tax requirements. Airplane escrow is another very specialized transaction, when I was there we never completed one as the experts are a handful of companies located in Oklahoma City.

Let me ask you Brandon in your opinion, is title insurance ever to become a reality for domain names?[/QUOTE]

I don't think there is a business plan that makes sense for title insurance. The market isn't big enough for First American or FNF to jump in and for a start-up offering insurance products requires licensing that is more stringent than escrow requires. While still at escrow.com I was discussing a product with Bill Hartzer. It wasn't exactly insurance, but there was some financial protection that was going to be offered based on the level of due diligence Bill 's company did for you. I don't know what happened with that.

 

[Web Trader]

I am 100% in favor of Epik escrow services and my only regret is that I haven't had the pleasure of using it yet. I'm sure it must be a real treat for those who have.

 

[Rob Monster]

I am 100% in favor of Epik escrow services and my only regret is that I haven't had the pleasure of using it yet. I'm sure it must be a real treat for those who have.

Thanks @Web Trader.

From the torrent of private conversations, kudos and atta-boys, I have seen over the last few days, I do know with certainty that the tide is definitely turning. No amount of effort to create manufactured consensus around the licensing narrative is capable of putting the factual genie in the bottle. Epik is a better product.

What I have not seen a lot of yet is public disclosure of the personal experiences that industry observers have had that is driving this seismic shift in where they choose to clear transactions. At some point, I hope a few courageous folks besides CQD.com will share their relative experiences.

As for testimonials, you will find a bunch here:

https://www.epik.com/about/love/

Thanks in advance for giving us a try.

 

[Rob Monster]

In light of the amplified attention being given to this NamePros thread by a number of bloggers, I would like to make a clarifying comment about my statements earlier in this thread with regards to Freelancer/Escrow.com.

I have known for some months about the potentially fragile state of Escrow.com and their parent company, Freelancer. The information is all in the public record for anyone who bothered to look at their public filings, TrustPilot reviews or Glassdoor, etc.

For the record, I had no intention of bringing this topic to light. However, upon provocation by Escrow.com GM Jackson Elsegood, I considered the factual response to be an appropriate riposte.

Virtue signaling aside, I believe Escrow.com's ongoing push to try to get domain marketplaces regulated needs to be vigorously blocked. It is an entirely self-serving exercise. There is no such requirement whatsoever. It is nonsense.

Nevertheless, I do wish Freelancer/Escrow.com all the best. For folks who want to sell physical goods, they are a logical platform. However, when it comes to clearing domain name transactions, I am confident that Epik is the superior solution.

As for Epik's platform, all of our transactions are done on a concierge basis. We don't charge extra for this and we actually help get deals closed. To start a transaction, simply go here: https://www.epik.com/services/escrow/

Last but not least, for anyone going to Asheville, NC later this week to participate in Rick Schwartz's Asheville meetup, I hope to see you there and to get your feedback on where Epik can serve domainers more effectively!

 

[Larion]

Innovation and Blockchain-contracts will anyway kill off the current domain-marketplaces who are asking for huge commissions.

There will be no SEDO, there will be no Afternic, there will be no Escrow.com
I predict they all will be gone in a few years time.

I'm not using them currently, but it looks like DAN.com will come ahead, as they innovate with Blockchain and have low commissions.

 

[VaibhavA]

In light of the amplified attention being given to this NamePros thread by a number of bloggers, I would like to make a clarifying comment about my statements earlier in this thread with regards to Freelancer/Escrow.com.

I have known for some months about the potentially fragile state of Escrow.com and their parent company, Freelancer. The information is all in the public record for anyone who bothered to look at their public filings, TrustPilot reviews or Glassdoor, etc.

For the record, I had no intention of bringing this topic to light. However, upon provocation by Escrow.com GM Jackson Elsegood, I considered the factual response to be an appropriate riposte.

Virtue signaling aside, I believe Escrow.com's ongoing push to try to get domain marketplaces regulated needs to be vigorously blocked. It is an entirely self-serving exercise. There is no such requirement whatsoever. It is nonsense.

Nevertheless, I do wish Freelancer/Escrow.com all the best. For folks who want to sell physical goods, they are a logical platform. However, when it comes to clearing domain name transactions, I am confident that Epik is the superior solution.

As for Epik's platform, all of our transactions are done on a concierge basis. We don't charge extra for this and we actually help get deals closed. To start a transaction, simply go here: https://www.epik.com/services/escrow/

Last but not least, for anyone going to Asheville, NC later this week to participate in Rick Schwartz's Asheville meetup, I hope to see you there and to get your feedback on where Epik can serve domainers more effectively!

I just checked it. Your fees is 1.5%, thats gr8 but min 75$ is only good for transactions above 5000$.

For lower value transactions, if you can come up with something like min 10$ or 3% like escrow is providing, then you have a better chance of capturing 500$-5000$ segment.

 

[wwwweb]

I just checked it. Your fees is 1.5%, thats gr8 but min 75$ is only good for transactions above 5000$.

For lower value transactions, if you can come up with something like min 10$ or 3% like escrow is providing, then you have a better chance of capturing 500$-5000$ segment.

I wouldn’t let a $75 fee on a $1500-$5000 transaction deter me if I needed to use such a service. I would rather the service charge something so they are still in business to provide such services. You are basically telling them to work for nothing, given comparative rates it seems very reasonable.

 

[Kassey Lee]

It'll be more attractive if the starter Bronze web hosting plan can accommodate 3 to 5 domains instead of just one.

 

[Rob Monster]

It'll be more attractive if the starter Bronze web hosting plan can accommodate 3 to 5 domains instead of just one.

Off-topic, but you do make fair point -- we'll see if we can make that happen. It is a reasonable request since Silver Hosting and higher are unlimited domains.

For those not aware, Epik does provide hosting both at Epik.com and through the acquire VPS and Dedicated Server solutions of Sibyl Systems and DDoS Mitigation and CDN through BitMitigate.

The result here is that folks routinely sell domains and routinely use proceeds to fund not just domains but also hosting solutions. When end-users buy domains at Epik, they also instantly can get started with their domain.

 

[Rob Monster]

I wouldn’t let a $75 fee on a $1500-$5000 transaction deter me if I needed to use such a service. I would rather the service charge something so they are still in business to provide such services. You are basically telling them to work for nothing, given comparative rates it seems very reasonable.

For anyone who missed it, the $75 minimum is waived for NamePros members. Also, for domains that are already at Epik, and where the buyer is paying via wire transfer, we don't charge a fee at all. We also don't charge a fee for domain swaps. For example, A recent domain swap involving Cola.com. That domain swap was done without a fee. That is how Cola.com came to Epik.

 

[Larion]

For anyone who missed it, the $75 minimum is waived for NamePros members. Also, for domains that are already at Epik, and where the buyer is paying via wire transfer, we don't charge a fee at all. We also don't charge a fee for domain swaps. For example, A recent domain swap involving Cola.com. That domain swap was done without a fee. That is how Cola.com came to Epik.

this landing-page which is showing at Cola.com is very nice! Well done!

The "Make Offer" popup is saying: "Offer in USD".
Question: why not also include the currency EURO ?

 

[wwwweb]

this landing-page which is showing at Cola.com is very nice! Well done!

The "Make Offer" popup is saying: "Offer in USD".
Question: why not also include the currency EURO ?

Also western union, and crypto are
added payment options you don’t see everyday. Helps with many new sectors of the world who are now blocked from traditional payments. I was in escrow with a party from Ukraine, the transaction was cancelled, and that parties account was closed as I guess new sanctions block their payment options which is not anybody’s fault who is involved in the transaction, but these people are basically being forced to use crypto now, as they have few options.

 

[Rob Monster]

this landing-page which is showing at Cola.com is very nice! Well done!

The "Make Offer" popup is saying: "Offer in USD".
Question: why not also include the currency EURO ?

That parking lander is powered entirely by Epik.com.

As for currency, the system detects your country of origin and displays the appropriate currency based on your county of origin.

You can change your currency using the dropdown in the footer. However, since it does auto-detect, it should be rare to require it. See screen shot:

Also, during August, it will also display the lander in your language of preference. The language support is quite comprehensive.

 

[Rob Monster]

Also western union, and crypto are
added payment options you don’t see everyday. Helps with many new sectors of the world who are now blocked from traditional payments. I was in escrow with a party from Ukraine, the transaction was cancelled, and that parties account was closed as I guess new sanctions block their payment options which is not anybody’s fault who is involved in the transaction, but these people are basically being forced to use crypto now, as they have few options.

That is exactly what drove us to adopt such partnerships.

We also just recently added American Express which offers pretty vast geographic coverage for local bank deposits and may be working to challenge the links of TransferWise with a product branded in their own name. We'll see. We like them and have enjoyed working with them across their product line. They are old school but doing innovative things with competitive pricing.

 

[Rob Monster]

Off-topic, but you do make fair point -- we'll see if we can make that happen. It is a reasonable request since Silver Hosting and higher are unlimited domains.

For those not aware, Epik does provide hosting both at Epik.com and through the acquire VPS and Dedicated Server solutions of Sibyl Systems and DDoS Mitigation and CDN through BitMitigate.

The result here is that folks routinely sell domains and routinely use proceeds to fund not just domains but also hosting solutions. When end-users buy domains at Epik, they also instantly can get started with their domain.

The request about the hosting improvement for Bronze hosting is actually done. The hosting menu will be updated later today but the back-end is already updated.

More here:

https://www.epik.com/hosting/

For high performance VPS and dedicated servers go here:

https://sibyl.li/cart.php

The latest addition to the mix there

And for anyone looking for a no-nonsense alternative to Google Drive, you can have a look at what we deployed here:

https://armored.net/

Armored.net was an early fruit of the acquisition of Sibyl Systems. Armored.net's servers are located in a bunker facility In Norway with strict physical access, each hard drive used is encrypted with our own set of encryption keys, while the files inside each armored.net user's account is encrypted with each user's own encryption keys.

With the recent news of Capital One being hacked on a very large scale, it is worth considering the infrastructure of the company that is managing your personal data, including your financial information.

 

[Larion]

That parking lander is powered entirely by Epik.com.

As for currency, the system detects your country of origin and displays the appropriate currency based on your county of origin.

I am living in Europe, but I have my Firefox-browser set to english language.
Going to Cola.com , it shows the currency as USD by default.
When I change the currency towards EUR in the footer, it still does not change the currency to EUR in the "Make Offer"-popup-window. This is a small code-bug.

Generally speaking:
using "browser auto detect" for websites (browser-language / auto-detect) is not a good thing, although many web-designers use it. I would not recommend it.
I would have the default design in english-language, and let the user to manually change currency and languages.

 

[Rob Monster]

I am living in Europe, but I have my Firefox-browser set to english language.
Going to Cola.com , it shows the currency as USD by default.
When I change the currency towards EUR in the footer, it still does not change the currency to EUR in the "Make Offer"-popup-window. This is a small code-bug.

Generally speaking:
using "browser auto detect" for websites (browser-language / auto-detect) is not a good thing, although many web-designers use it. I would not recommend it.
I would have the default design in english-language, and let the user to manually change currency and languages.

See here:

https://laptopcomputers.com/

Try there instead.

 

[Larion]

See here:

 

[Rob Monster]

See here:


Show attachment 124943

Great catch there. I sent you a PM. If you tell me your Epik account ID we'll pay out a "Bug bounty". FYI, the multi-currency support was added earlier this month. Also, in August we add multiple languages plus, SEO features and ad-retargeting.

 

[Larion]

Great catch there. I sent you a PM. If you tell me your Epik account ID we'll pay out a "Bug bounty". FYI, the multi-currency support was added earlier this month. Also, in August we add multiple languages plus, SEO features and ad-retargeting.

many thanks!
I didn't know that you have a bug-bounty.

Maybe I should go and have a look around if I can find some more of those pesky bugs