Buying an already-registered domain

What's the process?

[MatthewHSE]

I'm working with a client to design a site from the ground up. The domain name that is just perfect for his business is already taken; however, it's been registered since February of 2002 and absolutely nothing has been done with it. This leads me to believe that the person who registered the domain did so for the express purpose of selling it later.

I've registered a lot of domains, but I've never bought one that's already been registered. How do you go about the process of buying a domain this way? In other words, what is standard procedure for paying for the domain, and assuring that the domain is actually transferred to my registrar once we've paid? Never having done this before, I'd kind of like some guidance before making an offer.

Thanks,

Matthew

[Alternative Future]

Hi MatthewHSE,

I once sold a domain through afternic and the payment process we used at the time was escrow at the time (2000) it seemed to take a complete age but it was secure for both parties to buy and sell domains. And I am sure with the time that has past since then that their process will have become faster...

HTH,

-George

[rsequin]

First ask if it's for sale and if they have a price. If no response, send them a $500 offer, enough to maybe make them say yes but they should at least respond.

Go to afternic.com and sedo.com and see if it is listed for sale there.

If you agree on a price, go through escrow.com and offer to pay the fee yourself.

Don't say you want this name for your business if you don't have to.

Explore the dash name, plural and .net .org .info .us etc if you can't get your first choice.