Frequently Asked Questions

Domain brokerage is a professional service where an experienced intermediary facilitates the purchase or sale of domain names on behalf of clients. A domain broker handles all aspects of the transaction including ownership research, valuation, outreach, negotiation, and transfer management.

The key advantage of using a domain broker is confidentiality. When you work with a broker, your identity remains anonymous during the negotiation process. This prevents sellers from inflating prices when they discover a well-funded buyer is interested. Additionally, brokers bring expertise in valuation, negotiation tactics, and transaction management that most buyers do not possess.

At Vadiweb, our acquisition process begins with understanding your requirements and conducting thorough research on your target domain. We then initiate confidential outreach to the owner, manage all negotiations, and oversee the secure transfer of the domain to your registrar account.

Domain brokerage fees typically range from 10-15% of the final acquisition price, with minimum fees applying for lower-value transactions. The exact fee structure depends on the complexity of the acquisition and the anticipated negotiation difficulty.

Many clients find that broker services more than pay for themselves through negotiated savings. Experienced brokers often secure domains at 20-40% below initial asking prices, which frequently exceeds the brokerage fee. Additionally, the time saved and risk avoided by having professionals handle the transaction represents significant value.

For portfolio management and consulting services, we offer monthly retainer arrangements tailored to the scope of your needs. Contact us for a customized quote based on your specific requirements.

Domain acquisition timelines vary significantly based on several factors including seller motivation, asking price expectations, domain value, and negotiation complexity. Here are typical timeframes:

Quick Acquisitions (2-4 weeks): When sellers are motivated and have realistic price expectations, deals can close quickly. This is common for domains listed on marketplaces or where owners have indicated willingness to sell.

Standard Acquisitions (1-3 months): Most acquisitions fall into this category. Time is needed for initial outreach, building rapport, multiple negotiation rounds, and managing the transfer process.

Complex Acquisitions (3-12 months): High-value domains, domains owned by large organizations, or situations requiring patience often take longer. Some premium domains require extended cultivation before sellers agree to terms.

Throughout the process, we provide regular updates and strategic recommendations. Learn more about our detailed acquisition process.

Yes, complete confidentiality is a core principle of our service and one of the primary reasons clients use domain brokers. We never reveal buyer identities to sellers unless explicitly authorized by you to do so.

All outreach is conducted using blind communication strategies that protect your identity and strategic intentions throughout the entire negotiation process. Sellers know only that a qualified, serious buyer is interested—not who that buyer is or why they want the domain.

This confidentiality serves multiple purposes. First, it prevents price inflation that occurs when sellers learn a well-funded company wants their domain. Second, it protects your strategic plans—domain acquisitions can signal market entry, rebranding, or product launches. Third, it maintains your negotiating leverage.

Read more about our confidentiality practices and how we protect client interests throughout every transaction.

Not every domain is available at any price, and we believe in setting realistic expectations. However, experienced brokers can often succeed where direct outreach fails, for several reasons.

First, brokers know how to approach domain owners effectively. The way an initial contact is framed significantly impacts response rates and seller receptivity. Second, brokers can often reach decision-makers that general outreach cannot find. Third, professional representation signals seriousness and builds seller confidence.

We use proven strategies to gauge seller interest, establish rapport, and present compelling offers. We also know when to be patient—some domains require extended cultivation over months before sellers warm to the idea of selling.

If a domain remains unavailable despite our best efforts, we help you identify suitable alternatives. Often, there are excellent backup domains that can serve your brand equally well at more favorable terms.

Domain valuation is both an art and a science. We use multiple methodologies to determine fair market value and develop negotiation strategies. Our valuation process includes:

Comparable Sales Analysis: We research recent sales of similar domains across multiple data sources to establish market precedents. Factors considered include length, extension, keyword relevance, brandability, and industry vertical.

Traffic and Revenue Analysis: For developed domains or those with organic traffic, we analyze current monetization and traffic patterns to understand intrinsic value.

Brand Value Assessment: We evaluate how well the domain aligns with your brand, its memorability, and the competitive landscape for similar names.

Seller Situation Analysis: Understanding the seller's motivation, holding costs, and alternatives helps us develop effective negotiation strategies.

Learn more about domain valuation methodologies in our insights section.

Yes, our domain brokerage services include both buy-side and sell-side representation. For domain owners looking to sell premium domains, we provide comprehensive sales services including:

Valuation: We provide professional valuations based on market analysis and comparable sales to establish realistic pricing expectations.

Marketing: We discretely market your domain to qualified buyers, including organizations in relevant industries who might have strategic interest.

Qualification: We screen potential buyers to ensure serious interest and financial capacity before investing your time.

Negotiation: We negotiate on your behalf to maximize sale price while ensuring deal completion.

Transaction Management: We handle escrow, payment processing, and secure domain transfer to ensure you receive payment before releasing the domain.

We support multiple payment methods to accommodate client preferences and transaction requirements. All domain acquisitions are processed through reputable escrow services that protect both buyers and sellers.

Wire Transfer: The most common method for larger transactions. Funds are held in escrow until domain transfer is verified.

Credit Card: Available for smaller transactions through integrated payment processors.

Cryptocurrency: We can accommodate Bitcoin and select other cryptocurrencies for clients who prefer this option.

Financing: For high-value acquisitions, we can arrange installment payment terms or connect you with domain financing providers.

Our brokerage fees are invoiced separately and can be paid via wire transfer, ACH, or credit card depending on amount and preference.

Security is paramount in every domain transaction we manage. We implement multiple safeguards to protect your investment and ensure successful completion.

Escrow Services: All transactions use reputable escrow providers. Funds are released only after the domain is verified in the buyer's registrar account.

Transfer Verification: We verify domain control at multiple stages and confirm successful transfer before completing payment release.

Legal Documentation: For significant transactions, we prepare purchase agreements that clearly establish terms, representations, and warranties.

Post-Transfer Support: We ensure proper WHOIS updates, DNS configuration, and any necessary technical assistance after transfer completion.

Our established relationships with major registrars and escrow providers enable smooth transactions even for complex multi-party deals.

Yes, our domain portfolio management services provide comprehensive ongoing support for organizations with significant domain holdings. Services include:

Renewal Management: We track expiration dates across all registrars and ensure timely renewals to prevent accidental lapses.

Consolidation: We help consolidate domains from multiple registrars into preferred platforms for easier management.

DNS Optimization: We review and optimize DNS configurations for performance, security, and reliability.

Security Monitoring: We implement registry locks, monitor for unauthorized changes, and maintain security best practices.

Strategic Review: Regular portfolio reviews identify domains that can be released, defensive registrations needed, and acquisition opportunities.

Portfolio management is offered through monthly or annual retainer arrangements tailored to portfolio size and service requirements.