How To Buy a Domain Name That Is Taken: A Complete Guide  

Key takeaways:

• The domain’s availability depends on whether the current owner actively uses it, is saving it for future projects, or has listed it for sale.
• Before buying a domain, ensure there are no legal risks involved. Researching the domain’s legal status protects you from costly setbacks.
• You can acquire a taken domain name through various methods. Each method has its pros and cons depending on the domain’s availability and your budget.

Finding the perfect domain for your business is exciting—until you realize it’s already taken. Don’t worry. Even if your dream domain isn’t available right now, you could still make it yours.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to buy a domain name that is taken and help you navigate the process. From identifying the owner to negotiating professionally, you’ll learn everything you need to know about getting a used domain name.

Understanding domain ownership and how it affects your purchase

No one truly owns a domain. Instead, the domain registries give you the right to use a domain. To secure it, a company or individual registers the domain with an accredited domain registrar. Once registered, no one else can claim it for a particular period.

The registration period lasts between one and ten years and must be renewed to keep the domain. By paying for domain registration, a domain owner can keep it off the market—even if not actively used.

Here’s why your ideal domain name might already be taken:

• Tied to an active website. The current owner uses it for their business or personal brand. If the domain is critical to their online presence, they might not want to sell it, or they may demand a high price.
• Saved for future projects. Some domains are parked for later use. However, owners may be open to selling if they no longer need the domain or if they find your offer attractive.
• For sale. Many domains are held as investments. Owners register them expecting the value to increase over time. Such domains are sold at a premium, especially if they have strong demand.
• Protected by domain expiration policies. Some domain owners purchase Domain Expiration Protection. This allows them to keep temporary ownership of the domain after it expires.

Understanding the domain owner’s intent can help you decide how to approach them. But before taking any steps, it’s essential to check for potential legal risks tied to the domain.

Legal considerations when buying a domain

When buying a domain, check for any legal risks to avoid costly mistakes or damage to your brand. Neglecting this step could lead to a loss of time, money, and other resources down the line.

Here’s what to keep an eye on:

1. Trademark infringement

Some domains are protected by trademarks and using them without permission could land you in legal trouble. Trademark violations can lead to having to relinquish the domain or paying hefty fines. To avoid this:

• Check the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to ensure the domain name isn’t already trademarked.
• Verify that the domain name doesn’t conflict with international trademarks. Use resources like the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) or regional databases like USPTO or European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
• Check whether the domain has been involved in any prior trademark disputes or legal cases using the platforms above.

2. GDPR implications for WHOIS data

The way domain ownership is handled has changed given the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe. Many EU-based domain owners may have their WHOIS data masked for privacy reasons.

• Data privacy. If you’re buying a domain that’s registered under GDPR rules, the buyer’s details might be hidden from you. Be aware of this limitation when negotiating or transferring the domain.
• Domain brokers and escrow services. To navigate GDPR-compliant domain transfers, consider using a broker or escrow service. They handle sensitive data and help anonymize the process, ensuring compliance and protection for both parties.

3. Cybersquatting and domain disputes

Watch out for cybersquatting, where someone registers identical or similar sounding domains to sell later for a profit. Perpetrators often target established trademarks and pressure them into buying the domain back at an inflated price. This is a legal risk you must take seriously.

• Anti-cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act (ACPA). Familiarize yourself with the ACPA. It protects consumers from bad-faith domain registrations related to trademarks. This law allows trademark holders to reclaim domains that infringe upon their brand.
• Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP). Get acquainted with UDRP as well. It is a global system for resolving domain disputes. Understanding how the dispute process works will help you navigate the complexities of domain ownership issues.

4. Domain history

Check if the domain was previously used for scams, spam, or any other shady activities. The domain’s history and reputation can impact your brand’s image.

• Tools like the Wayback Machine can help you check what the domain was used for in the past.
• Google search can also reveal if the domain was previously associated with malicious activities or blacklisted.
• SEO tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs can help uncover any hidden SO penalties tied to the domain. SEO penalties can harm your SEO efforts when you launch your site.

Taking these extra measures might seem time-consuming, but they’ll protect your brand’s reputation and save you from costly setbacks along the road.

How to buy a domain name that is taken

There are three primary ways to buy a taken domain name:

• Purchasing through a domain marketplace.
• Reaching out directly to the domain owner.
• Hiring a domain broker.

Each option has its own advantages, depending on your situation and the availability of your dream domain.

Buying through a domain marketplace

Buying a domain listed on a marketplace is the easiest and most secure way to make a purchase. If the domain name is available there, reach out through the platform directly. Here’s why it’s a smart choice:

• Ease of negotiation. Marketplaces often have pre-set processes for making offers. This can make negotiations smoother and faster.
• Transparency. Marketplaces typically display the domain’s asking price, recent bids, or fixed sale prices. You can gauge the value of the domain name right away and decide whether or not it’s right for you.
• Secure transactions. Many marketplaces offer built-in escrow services to ensure secure payments and domain transfers, protecting both the buyer and seller.

If the marketplace doesn’t provide the flexibility you need or lacks details about the registered domain, try reaching out to the current owner directly, especially if their contact details are available.

Contacting domain owners directly

Reaching out to a domain owner directly might feel intimidating, but it can also lead to the best deal for your desired domain. With the right approach, you can connect with the buyer and negotiate a fair price. Here’s how:

Step 1: Identify the domain owner

Find out who owns the domain. Knowing the domain owner helps you identify if the domain is for sale and decide how to approach the negotiation process.

The current owner also plays a key role in determining how valuable the domain might be:

• Big companies. If a large business owns the domain, it’s likely tied to their active website or branding. This could make it expensive, or even impossible, to acquire.
• Small businesses or individuals. These owners are often more open to selling, especially if the domain isn’t critical to their operations. They may also be willing to negotiate a fair price.
• Domain investors. Investors buy domains as assets and are usually open to selling. However, they tend to hold onto high-value domains for better offers. These domains often include premium domains with strong keywords or market appeal.

Identifying the domain owner with WHOIS lookup

The WHOIS database stores ownership details for a registered domain. Use these steps to find the contact details of the owner:

• Visit ICANN or WHOIS lookups.
• Enter the specific domain name you’re interested in.
• Look for contact details, such as an email address or phone number.

What if the details are private?

Some domain owners use privacy protection to hide their WHOIS information. If that happens, a privacy service email will appear instead. You can still send a message to this email. Some domain privacy services will forward your inquiry to the domain owner. If not, then here are alternative methods to find the domain owner when WHOIS details are private:

1. Contact the domain’s registrar. Most registrars have a mechanism in place to help you get in touch with the domain owner while respecting their privacy. One example is a contact form where you can send a message to the domain owner without exposing their own contact information.
2. Look for domain-related content or a website. Sometimes, even if WHOIS details are protected, the domain owner may still have a website or social media associated with the domain. These platforms might have the owner’s contact information.
3. Monitor domain expiry and backorder. If you’ve had no luck contacting the domain owner directly, consider backordering the domain to acquire it if it becomes available. Backorder services allow you to acquire the domain as soon as it becomes available.

Step 2: Assess the domain’s value

Before contacting the domain’s owner, take a moment to evaluate the domain’s worth. Rushing in without understanding the potential value of the domain name can weaken your negotiating position.

Research factors like:

• Domain age. Older domains often come with a higher price because they’ve had time to establish authority. A new domain name may cost less but might not have the same reputation.
• Keywords and searchability. Domain names with strong, high-demand keywords are often more valuable because they’re easier to find in search engines.  For example, a name like Coffeeshop.com is broad, highly searchable, and appeals to a wide audience. In comparison, something like LatteForTwo.com is more niche and less likely to attract general searches.
• Traffic and SEO potential. High traffic and strong SEO ranking domain names offer immediate visibility and branding benefits. This can save you time and money on SEO efforts. However, these domains often come with a premium price due to their established value.
• Comparable sales. This refers to the sale prices of domain names similar to the one you’re interested in. For example, if you’re looking at CoffeeShop.com, you might find that CoffeeHouse.com or LocalCafe.com sold for $2,000 to $5,000.

Use resources like NameBio or DNJournal to get a sense of the estimated domain price. These platforms help you research past sales and better understand domain trends.

Step 3: Reach out professionally

When it’s time to contact the domain owner, how you approach them can make all the difference. Here’s how to position yourself for success:

• Maintain a friendly yet professional tone. Be respectful and professional in your approach. Introduce yourself clearly and explain why the domain matters to your project or business.
• Be direct. A thoughtful message can spark interest. However, respect the owner’s time by keeping your communication clear and to the point.
• Negotiate with confidence. Come prepared with a fair price based on your research. Most domain owners appreciate it when a buyer makes thoughtful offers that reflect the domain’s value.

Sample email to contact the owner

Here’s an example of an email you can use:

Follow-up strategies

If the owner doesn’t respond right away, don’t lose hope. Follow up politely after three to five days and limit yourself to two or three attempts. Persistence is valuable but you want to avoid overwhelming the owner.

If the owner doesn’t reply or you can’t find their contact details, consider hiring a domain broker to assist.

Hiring a domain broker

If direct outreach doesn’t work, a domain broker can step in to help. A domain broker is a professional who specializes in buying and selling domain names. They act as middlemen ensuring smooth transactions for both buyers and sellers.

But keep in mind that brokers usually take a cut of the sale price as their fee. Because of this, it’s often cheaper to try contacting the domain owner directly first.

Here’s how a broker can help if you need one:

• Handle negotiations. Brokers are skilled at getting deals done and can manage tricky back-and-forth discussions.
• Save time. Can’t find the contact details or don’t have the bandwidth? A broker will do the heavy lifting for you.
• Provide market insights. Brokers know the domain market and can help you make a fair offer without overpaying.

A broker can be especially helpful when dealing with high-value or premium domains, but their fees mean it’s worth trying direct contact first.

How to choose the right domain broker

Choosing the right broker is important when securing your domain. Here’s what to look for and why it matters.

• Experience. Look for a broker with a strong track record. Experienced brokers are skilled at handling complex negotiations and ensuring successful deals.
• Specialization. Some brokers focus on premium or niche domains. A specialist is better equipped to handle high-value transactions and provide targeted advice.
• Clear terms. Make sure the broker provides a detailed breakdown of their fees and services. Be cautious of extra charges, such as appraisal fees or rush services.
• Strong reviews. Check out testimonials from previous clients. Look for reviews on their website, industry forums, or trusted review platforms to ensure reliability.

Pros and cons of a domain broker

Hiring a domain broker can be a great move, but it may not always be the right choice. Here’s a closer look at the benefits and drawbacks of domain brokers:

Pros:

• Saves time. Brokers handle everything from finding contact details to negotiating the final deal. This is especially helpful if you’re short on time or unfamiliar with the process.
• Expert negotiators. Brokers are skilled in navigating complex discussions and can often secure better terms than you might on your own.
• Industry insights. With their deep knowledge of the domain market, brokers can help you make fair offers and avoid overpaying for your domain.

Cons:

• Costly fees. Brokers typically charge a percentage of the domain’s price. For high-value domains, this fee can add significantly to the overall cost.
• Less control. When working with a broker, you hand over the reins for communication and negotiations. This means you won’t have direct input during the process.
• Limited expertise. Not all brokers specialize in the type of domain you’re looking for. If they lack experience with niche or premium domains, you might not get the results you’re hoping for.

List of domain brokerage services for acquiring a taken domain

If you decide to hire a broker, choosing a reliable service is important. Here are some trusted options to consider:

Platform	Domain type	Key features	Best for
GoDaddy Auctions	Premium, Expiring	Search filters for expired and premium domains Secure payment WHOIS protection during transfer	Buyers looking for auction-based or expired domains
Sedo	Premium, Brokered	Extensive domain marketplace with international reach Secure domain transfer transactions Domain valuation tools Private broker assistance available	Premium domain buyers and international reach
Flippa	Premium, Used Domains	Easy to navigate interface Dedicated category for domains Marketplace for websites and domains Transfer and escrow services available	Entrepreneurs looking for used domains and websites
Afternic	Premium, Brokered	Large inventory of premium domains Supports private negotiations and broker services Quick transfer process with escrow	Buyers looking for premium domains and fast transfer
DomainAgents	Premium, Brokered	Direct negotiation with domain owners Professional mediation and brokered services Confidential and secure process Offers both buy-it-now and bidding options	Buyers looking for a negotiated domain acquisition with privacy
Network Solutions’ Certified Offer Service	Premium, Brokered	Allows anonymous offers to domain owners Secure transaction process Professional brokers help mediate the sale	Buyers who want to discreetly acquire a specific domain that’s already registered

How to change domain ownership

Once you’ve finalized the purchase, the final step is to transfer the domain’s ownership. Here’s a quick and general overview:

• Unlock the domain. The current owner will need to unlock the domain through their registrar’s account settings.
• Update the contact information. Both the current and new owners must ensure their contact details are accurate.
• Initiate the transfer. The current owner can initiate the ownership transfer directly within their registrar account, sending an ownership request to the new owner.
• Authorization. The new owner will receive a transfer request, which they need to authorize. This often involves entering a code provided by the registrar.
• Accept the transfer. The new owner receives the request, reviews the details, and accepts the transfer.

The transfer usually takes five to seven days to finalize, depending on the registrar and how quickly both parties act. For detailed assistance, contact your current registrar’s customer service.

Understanding domain transfers vs. ownership transfer

Many people confuse the terms “domain transfer” and “ownership transfer,” but it’s important to understand the distinction. Here’s the difference:

• A domain transfer refers to moving a domain from one registrar to another, but the owner of the domain stays the same. This typically happens when you want to manage all your domains from a single provider or streamline your services.
• An ownership transfer involves transferring the legal rights of a domain to another entity. This occurs when you purchase a domain from someone else, making you the official owner.

What if the domain is not for sale?

If your attempts to contact the domain owner haven’t worked and the domain remains unavailable, it’s time to explore other options. Here are some alternatives to consider:

• Slight domain name variations. Try adding prefixes, suffixes, or small spelling changes to make the domain unique. For example, if CoffeeShop.com is taken, consider MyCoffeeShop.com or CoffeeShopOnline.com.

Need inspiration? Use our AI Domain Generator to brainstorm ideas. It can suggest variations that fit your branding while keeping your domain name relevant and memorable.

• Alternate domain extensions. Explore different top-level domains (TLDs) like .net, .org, or.co. Specialized extensions, such as .tech or .io, can also work if they align with your industry or audience.  
• Consider rebranding. Sometimes, a creative name change opens more possibilities. Rebranding gives you the flexibility to choose a domain that reflects your business while maintaining originality.

Claim your perfect domain

Buying a taken domain name doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right strategies and resources, you can secure the perfect domain for your business.

Once you’ve secured your domain, let Network Solutions help you manage your site. Our award-winning AI site builder will make customizing your new site a breeze.

Frequently asked questions