I have never sold a domain before.
What advice can you offer? I am not talking about price, as that is negotiable as is any commodity, but what should I be careful of? Is it a simple process? Are there things I must insist on as the seller, things I should not do?
Do you normally get a lawyer to write up a full contract even though the buyer and seller are in completely different continents? Is it better to get a contract made up in the country of the buyer (the UK in this case)?
The domain that received the offer is not active, it was one I had planned to develop in the future but it is a good name, catchy, short and easy to brand.
I used Escrow.com many times without issue.
It also helps if you can verify a physical address and business land line for the business.
Some registrars, such as Moniker, offer domain escrow services for a fee. In such cases the registrar locks up the domain with their service, confirms payment, and then tranfers the domain.
I've never been attached to contracts. I figure I'll have bigger problems with an international transfer than "the contract". Still, if you want an added layer of protection you can always pay to have a contract prepared and executed in accordance with law.
The best move is to a) "confirm the buyer" (any number of ways); b) trust your instincts; and, c) use an escrow service (unless there is good reason for high level of trust).
I wouldn't sell a domain without using an escrow service, the fees are worth the lack of stress and the ease of transfer - especially for large 5 & 6 figure deals.
