Safe transfers
How to buy or sell a domain name without losing the money or the domain. The short version: agree terms in writing, put the money in escrow, and move the domain only after escrow confirms the funds.
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The sale, step by step
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01
Agree in writing
Settle the price, what is included (just the domain, or also email, a website or social handles), and who pays escrow fees. Keep it in the inquiry thread or email so there is a record.
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02
Open an escrow
Either side can start it at a licensed escrow service such as Escrow.com. Check you are on the real site by typing the address yourself, not by following a link someone sent you.
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03
Buyer pays escrow
The buyer sends the money to escrow, never to the seller. Escrow confirms the funds have cleared before anyone moves the domain.
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04
Seller starts the transfer
Only once escrow says the money is secured, the seller unlocks the domain at their registrar and either pushes it to the buyer's account (same registrar) or sends the authorization code (different registrar).
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05
Buyer accepts and checks
The buyer confirms the domain is in their account, the registrant details are right, and the nameservers and DNS records are as agreed.
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06
Escrow pays the seller
When the buyer accepts, escrow releases the funds. The seller can mark the listing sold and remove the verification TXT record.
If you are buying
- › Look for the DNS-verified seller on the listing, and keep talking to that same person.
- › Ask whether the domain is locked from transfer, and until when.
- › Pay only through escrow, and only after you have confirmed the escrow site address yourself.
- › Do not give the seller access to your registrar account. They only need your account email or username for a push.
- › After the transfer: turn on two-factor authentication, enable the transfer lock, and check nameservers and DNS records.
- › Check the name for trademark conflicts before you pay if you plan to use it as a brand.
If you are selling
- › Do not unlock the domain or share the authorization code until escrow confirms the money has cleared.
- › Never log in to a buyer's account, and never let a buyer log in to yours.
- › Be wary of offers above your price, payments sent in parts, or a buyer who wants the code "to check it works".
- › Make sure the contact email on your registration is one you control, because the registrar sends transfer approvals there.
- › Once the sale completes, mark the listing sold and remove the verification TXT record.
Red flags on either side
Pressure to skip escrow
A "special deal" that expires today, or "escrow fees are a waste for a small sale."
A look-alike escrow site
An address that is one letter off, or a link in a message instead of a site you typed in.
Payment that can be reversed
Card, PayPal, gift cards or a check. The domain moves, then the money comes back out.
Code or login requested early
Anyone asking for the authorization code or your registrar password before escrow confirms funds.
Identity does not match
The person emailing you is not the DNS-verified owner shown on the listing, or the story keeps changing.
Brand-new or empty accounts
A very new account with a very large offer and no history. Use escrow anyway, and take your time.
Questions
Does Domain of Influence handle the payment or the transfer?
No. We are a listing venue. We never hold funds, take a commission, or move domains. Buyers and sellers deal directly, and we recommend a licensed escrow service for every sale.
What does "DNS-verified" on a listing mean?
The seller added a one-time TXT record to the domain's DNS that only the person controlling the domain could add. It shows they control the domain when they listed it. It does not guarantee they will complete a sale, so you should still use escrow.
How long does a domain transfer take?
A push between two accounts at the same registrar is usually minutes to a few hours. A transfer between registrars with an authorization code can take up to 5 days for most .com, .net and similar domains. Country-code domains such as .io or .co.uk follow their own rules and can be quicker or slower.
Why can't the seller transfer the domain right away?
Registrars lock a domain from transfer for 60 days after it is first registered, and often for 60 days after the registrant contact details change. Ask the seller about this before you pay. Escrow can wait until the lock ends.
What is an authorization code?
An authorization code (also called an EPP code or transfer key) is a one-time password from the current registrar that lets another registrar accept the domain. Sellers should share it only after escrow confirms the money is in.
Is it safe to pay by PayPal, a wire, or crypto instead of escrow?
Not for a first deal with a stranger. Card and PayPal payments can be reversed after the domain has moved. Wires and crypto cannot be recovered if the other side disappears. Escrow keeps the money in the middle until both sides are satisfied.
What should I do after I receive the domain?
Turn on two-factor authentication at your registrar, enable the transfer lock, check the nameservers and DNS records, confirm your contact details are on the registration, and set a renewal reminder.