Easy question: How do I buy a domain?

[kilimanjaro]

Hey NamePros experts -

There's a domain I'd like to own, but it's already owned by someone else (of course). I'd be grateful for any advice you might be able to offer. How do I contact the owner/make an offer in a secure, reputable, and low cost manner? Thanks for your help!

 

[shockie]

if they have a website up, try to get in touch with them through any contact info they have there. otherwise, do a whois lookup (whois.net, whois.sc) on the domain and try to get their contact info there. if you're looking to spend hundreds or more on the domain, you should look into an escrow service like escrow.com or through sedo. secure/reputable has it's price!

 

[AussieDomainer]

I would also recommend to try asking them for a price and get them to name a price as you at least know what you're working with first. You don't want to go in too high if you could get the name for less. It is always best to have the other party name a price first but is not always possible.

Once they name a price you can always counter offer with something you see as more reasonable if the price is too high for you.

I would also strongly suggest using whois.sc to do your check as it will tell you if it is listed for sale anywhere. This may make it easier in negotiations or allow you to purchase it if it is at a price that is suitable to your budget.