How do I buy an
aftermarket domain?

Once you find the right domain, just click Buy and follow the prompts.

As a reminder, BrandSearch is a search engine for aftermarket domains—not a domain store. We help you search across all major domain marketplaces in one place, but the actual purchase takes place on the external marketplace that owns the listing.

When you’re ready to buy, clicking the Buy button will redirect you to that marketplace, where you can complete your purchase securely. Many of these platforms also offer payment plans, making it easier to spread out the cost of a domain over time—especially helpful for premium names.

Before proceeding, make sure the domain is truly the right fit for your brand. Most aftermarket domain purchases are final, so it’s wise to double-check that the name aligns with your business, passes the “radio test” and doesn’t carry any unwanted history.

Is buying an aftermarket
domain safe?

Buying an aftermarket domain is generally safe when done through a trusted marketplace.

BrandSearch works with the world’s most well-known and reputable domain marketplaces. We do not support listings from platforms that lack a strong track record or established industry presence.

While scams can happen anywhere online, they are rare when dealing with major marketplaces that have strict policies, secure payment systems, and dedicated support teams. All the domains listed on BrandSearch come from platforms we trust—so you can browse with confidence.

It’s a good idea to check a domain’s history to make sure it hasn’t been used for anything illicit. A quick Google search and a visit to archive.org (the Wayback Machine) can reveal if the domain was previously developed and what kind of content it hosted—helping you avoid potential reputational issues and buy with confidence.

How do I know if the
price is fair?

Prices aren't always reasonable—don't get ripped off.

Aftermarket domain pricing is highly subjective. While many domains are fairly priced, some are not. Whether a price is “fair” depends on the quality of the domain, the asking price, and how much you want it.

If you’ve found a domain you love and want a second opinion, consider getting a professional human appraisal from a trusted service like EstiBot.com.

EstiBot offers both automated and human appraisals, and is a well-known name in the domain industry. They're U.S.-based and specialize exclusively in domain valuation.

We strongly recommend getting a professional appraisal before making a major domain purchase. It’s a small step that can save you from overpaying.

What if the domain is
not priced?

Some domains are listed as 'Make Offer,' inviting you to submit your best price.

In these cases, the seller hasn’t set a fixed price, often because they want to maximize returns based on demand. It’s a way for them to gauge interest and potentially receive higher offers than they might have expected. While not as common, about 10% of aftermarket domains are listed this way.

Most major marketplaces support this format, allowing you to submit your offer directly through their platform. From there, the negotiation process takes place securely, with the marketplace handling communications and transaction details. It’s a straightforward process, and you’ll be guided through each step.

If you’re unsure where to start, consider getting a professional appraisal from a trusted service like EstiBot before making a major purchase.

Is there escrow for
domain purchases?

Most major marketplaces provide escrow service on all transactions.

This means the marketplace holds your payment securely while the domain is transferred to you. Once the transfer is confirmed, the funds are released to the seller—protecting both parties.

Escrow is a standard practice in the domain industry, especially for higher-value transactions, and it helps ensure a safe and transparent process. In most cases, you won’t need to set anything up yourself—the escrow process is built into the checkout flow on the marketplace’s website.

For buyers, it adds peace of mind knowing the domain will be delivered as promised. For sellers, it ensures payment is verified before releasing the domain. If you're purchasing through a trusted marketplace, you can expect this process to be fast, secure, and fully managed.

What happens after I
buy an aftermarket domain?

Once your purchase is complete, you’ll take full ownership of the domain through the registrar managing the transfer.

In most cases, the domain will be pushed to your account at the registrar used by the seller. From there, you’ll be able to manage all domain settings, including DNS and contact info.

Be sure to update the WHOIS contact information, especially your email address. This ensures you receive important notices—like renewal reminders—from your registrar. Next, you can point the domain to your website by updating the DNS settings. If you’re not ready to launch a site yet, many registrars offer simple parking or forwarding options.

You can also set up email addresses using your new domain, either through your registrar’s email services or by connecting it to a third-party email provider like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365. Taking a few minutes to review and configure these settings helps ensure your new domain is secure, working, and ready to support your brand.