How can I safely buy a domain name?

[Jessica]

I want to buy a domain name, so I don't get screwed.

In the pas, i used www.Escrow.com, but this time i'm buying a .to domain, and they have no public whois at all. So Escrow.com won't be able verify that the domain has been transferred to me.

Any other way to do it? I'm at a loss here :(

[Webwork]

Did Escrow.com specifically state (tell you, directly/individually) that they are unable or unwilling to process domain transfers/escrow when it comes to .to ccTLD domains?

I recognize the role of updated WhoIs records but transfer of control has to be accomplished and verified by some means that can be confirmed by examination. Otherwise how does anyone ever track .to registrant status?

[Jessica]

I haven't spokent to them yet, but in the past, when i used Escrow.com for .com domain transactions, the verification was done by WHOIS examination.

So naturally, teh question arises how are they going to examine .to whois, since none of info is public.

[robzilla]

Assuming you, as the buyer, are capable of verifying that the domain has been transferred, why not use Escrow.com's regular "Escrow" service rather than "Domain Name Escrow"?

[Jessica]

The concern is from the Seller.

He is concerned that he transfers the domain to me, and I never knowledge the transfer.

And Escrow.com would have no way to verify if the transfer have happened.

[Webwork]

Since I've never dealt with .to domains perhaps you can answer: How do/would YOU verify, for your own sake, that a transfer has taken place?

How ARE .to transfers confirmed?

[robzilla]

There's no such thing as a .to transfer, apparently. At least not as we're used to. The owner requests a "transfer key", which the buyer then uses to re-register the domain name. Have you inquired at Sedo? They must have some experience with the transferring of .to domains.

[Webwork]

Wow. No "transfer .to." ;)

Learn something new every day. Thanks robzilla.

Ask Sedo. Seconded.

[kg83]

Escrow.com would allow the seller and buyer to cc them on any email correspondence, so that they can see when the seller delivers the information needed to transfer the domain. The seller can also forward any confirmation they may receive from the registrar or the buyer, confirming the transfer.

For instance when the seller sends the buyer the "transfer key", they can copy Escrow.com on the email and Escrow.com will start the buyer's inspection period based on that email.