Domain Broker Guide
When brokers are worth it, how to find a good one, and what the brokerage process actually looks like.
When does a broker make sense?
Brokers make sense when the domain is valuable enough to justify their commission and when you don't have the time or connections to find buyers yourself. The general threshold is domains worth $5,000 or more.
Below that, the commission eats too much of the sale price. A broker taking 15–20% on a $2,000 sale leaves you with $1,600–$1,700. You could probably get the same result listing on Afternic or Sedo yourself.
What brokers actually do
- Buyer outreach: Good brokers have relationships with corporate buyers, brand managers, and legal teams. They can reach people you can't.
- Valuation: They know what comparable domains have sold for and can price your domain realistically.
- Negotiation: Experienced brokers negotiate better than most sellers. They're not emotionally attached to the domain.
- Transaction management: They handle escrow, transfer logistics, and paperwork.
- Confidentiality: If you want to sell without revealing you're the owner, a broker provides that buffer.
Finding reputable brokers
Sedo Brokerage
Sedo's in-house brokerage team handles premium domain sales. Good global reach and established buyer relationships.
GoDaddy Domain Broker Service
GoDaddy offers brokerage for buying domains you don't own. Also handles outbound sales for premium names.
Media Options
Boutique broker specializing in premium .com domains. Strong reputation in the industry.
DomainAgents
Focuses on connecting buyers and sellers. Good for mid-range domains ($5k–$50k).
Grit Brokerage
Newer boutique broker with a strong track record on premium sales.
Commission structures
Most brokers charge 10–20% of the sale price. Some use tiered structures where the percentage decreases as the sale price increases.
- Standard commission: 15–20% for most brokers on sales under $50k.
- Premium sales: 10–15% on sales over $50k. Some negotiate lower for very high-value domains.
- Minimum fees: Many brokers have a minimum fee ($500–$1,000) regardless of sale price.
- Exclusivity: Some brokers require exclusivity for a period (90–180 days). Read the agreement carefully.
Alternatives to brokers
For most domain sales, you don't need a broker. Marketplaces like Afternic, Sedo, and Dan.com handle the transaction infrastructure and expose your domain to millions of buyers.
- Direct outreach: Find companies that would benefit from your domain and contact them directly. More work, but you keep 100% of the sale price.
- Marketplace listings: List on Afternic and Sedo simultaneously. Lower commission than a broker (10–15%) and passive exposure.
- Domain forums: NamePros and DNForum have active buyer communities. Good for mid-range domains.
Ready to put this into practice?
Use our free tools to research, value, and find domains.