Domain Marketplace Guide
Where to buy and sell domains - a comparison of the major marketplaces and how to choose the right one.
The major marketplaces
No single marketplace reaches every buyer. The smart approach is to list on multiple platforms simultaneously. Most allow this - just make sure you can manage the listings and respond quickly when offers come in.
Afternic (GoDaddy Network)
Commission: 15–20%Best for: Highest buyer reach for .com domains
Afternic is owned by GoDaddy and integrates with the GoDaddy search results. When someone searches for a domain on GoDaddy and it's not available, Afternic listings appear as "buy it now" options. This distribution is massive - GoDaddy processes millions of domain searches daily. If you're selling .com domains, Afternic should be your first listing.
Sedo
Commission: 15%Best for: Global reach, international buyers
Sedo is the largest domain marketplace by listing volume. Strong in Europe and for international domains. Good for ccTLDs and domains with global appeal. Also offers brokerage services for premium names. The interface is dated but functional.
Dan.com (now part of GoDaddy)
Commission: 9–15%Best for: Clean buyer experience, lease-to-own
Dan.com has the cleanest buyer-facing interface of any marketplace. The lease-to-own feature is unique and useful for premium domains. Lower commission than Afternic for direct sales. Good for sellers who want a professional-looking storefront.
Flippa
Commission: 5–10% + listing feeBest for: Developed websites and domains with traffic
Flippa is primarily a marketplace for websites and online businesses, but also lists domains. Best for domains that have been developed - sites with traffic, revenue, or content. Pure domain investors use it less than Afternic or Sedo.
NameJet
Commission: Auction-basedBest for: Premium expired domains
NameJet specializes in expired and deleted domains. If you're buying expired domains with backlink value, NameJet is worth monitoring. Less useful for selling hand-registered domains.
How to choose where to list
- For .com domains: Afternic first, then Sedo. The GoDaddy network distribution is hard to beat.
- For premium domains ($10k+): Afternic + Sedo + consider a broker for active outreach.
- For developed domains: Flippa or Empire Flippers if there's revenue. Dan.com for clean presentation.
- For international/ccTLD domains: Sedo has the strongest international buyer base.
- For expired domains with SEO value: NameJet or GoDaddy Auctions.
Listing best practices
- Set a buy-it-now price: Domains with clear prices sell faster than "make offer" listings. Buyers don't like uncertainty.
- Price based on comparables: Check NameBio for recent sales of similar domains. Don't guess.
- Enable fast transfer: Buyers want quick transactions. Make sure your domain is unlocked and ready to transfer.
- Respond quickly: Slow responses kill deals. Check your marketplace messages daily.
Ready to put this into practice?
Use our free tools to research, value, and find domains.