Domain name brokers don't usually deal in the 99% of the domain names available on the Internet. Domain brokers restrict themselves to the best of the best so if you have been approached by a domain name broker you can rest assured your name has some value. What exactly does a domain broker do? They are in the business of selling your domain name, for a fee.

Do you need a domain name broker? It is estimated that of over 20 million .com domain names registered, between 80 and 90% are inactive. If you want a great name for your site, most likely it is already taken. But it might be available to purchase from the registered owner. Also if you let your name expire and it gets registered by another party, purchasing it from them would be your only option.

Purchasing a domain name is different than registering a new domain. Do you know what the value of the name is? If not you can get an appraisal done (check the menu on this website to find out more about how to do that). If the current owner finds out you plan to use the name for a commercial web site the asking price will more than likely go up quite a bit. They will, by the way, most likely find out. Remaining anonymous is very important. This is where a domain name broker can be of help.

There can be hidden costs in purchasing a domain name. Some domain name brokers charge a buyer a fee or commission where others charge the seller. You might also be responsible to pay a domain name transfer fee depending on where the name is registered.

Make sure you allow yourself and the domain name broker that you choose plenty of time to complete the transaction. Sometimes the registrar can require 3 weeks to transfer ownership. This would be detrimental if your website launch date is scheduled before this happens. A domain name broker can help you with budgets, searching for the name, and the timing of the whole escrow process.

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