Sell A Domain Name

There are several factors that make some domains more valuable than others. These factors are what puts some domains firmly in the ‘premium’ category, which are those we specialize in the buying and selling of here at Brannans.

→ Domain Length

The shorter the domain, the more valuable it is. This is because there is only a finite number of domains for two, three or four letters or numbers. Even if these combinations do not spell out proper words, demand for them is high due to their exclusivity. For example, we have all seen the significant value of X.com in recent years. We also sell many single-word domain names for high values at Brannans such as Ice.com, which sold for $3.5 million in 2018. Again, exclusivity plays a factor – there are only so many short words in the Oxford English Dictionary, and each of these can only have one domain name representing it. There are occasions, however, where longer words or compound words command a higher market value too, but as a rule of thumb there is generally an inverse correlation between length of a domain and the price it sells for.

→ Domain Age

The value of a domain increases with age. A domain registered 30 years ago would sell for a much higher price than a domain registered last year. The reason why is simple – many of the good domains were snapped up early and have proved they can stand the test of time and retain their value. As a result, actively used older domains can demand an even higher market rate. But don’t despair – even if your domain has remained idle over the years, the longer it has been registered the better. We have successfully marketed and sold valuable domains that have remain unused for years or even decades at Brannans.

→ Memorability

Another reason why shorter domains are more valuable is because they’re memorable. But any domain that is easy to remember and spell correctly when heard the first time can be a great domain to sell for a high return. These domains are incredibly brandable and marketable – think of how easy and memorable it is to type uber.com compared to onomatopoeia.com! Startups who want to build a strong and distinctive online presence will often pay multiple six or even seven figures for such domains.

→ Extension or TLD

The domain extension refers to whatever comes after the ‘.’ in your domain name. At Brannans, we typically only sell .com domain names (with a few exceptions), because .com extensions are the most universally recognized and credible. So, it goes without saying that they are bought and sold for the highest prices, too. However, certain niche markets or industries can benefit from a localized extension (like .co.uk or .de) and there are also instances where a .org or .gov works best, too. Newer extensions like .app or .biz usually fail to catch on though, and so are in turn perceived by the market as less valuable.

→ Historical and Legal Considerations

It’s worth noting that buyers will also look into the history of any websites associated with a domain for sale. A domain with a clear, positive and penalty-free history will be infinitely more valuable than one riddled with prior controversy that could be unearthed with a simple Google search. Any risk of trademark infringement can also affect a domain’s value, as domains that infringe on established trademarks are not only less valuable but can also lead to legal challenges and greater costs later down the line.

If you’re wondering whether Brannans is the right brokerage for you to sell your domain through, then consider that we have been marketing and selling premium domain names for almost twenty years. Over that time, we have amassed an unrivalled level of expertise in domain valuation and built an extensive network of buyers and sellers across the globe to help secure the best prices for our domains.

Our team is also recognized for their hands-on approach, with the bespoke, attentive service you’d expect from any type of premium experience. From your first point of contact with us, we will work sensitively and attentively to meet your needs and achieve your goals as you seek to sell your domain.

Due to heavy demand for our domain brokerage services, with regret we cannot sell the domain of every individual who enquires with us. We specialize in premium and ultra-premium domain names, this means that we are more likely to work with you if your domain is a one or two-word .COM name, with a potential market value of at least $25,000. If you are unsure if your domain fits in this category, we are happy to converse with you and appraise it so do still reach out. Also, domains with an estimated value of at least US $5,000 may qualify for inclusion in our newsletter, where they will still be showcased to hundreds (if not thousands!) of potential buyers.

Below is an overview of each avenue:

Wholesale Domain Brokerage Services

Wholesale domain sales can happen very quickly and are usually faster than retail sales. If you choose to have Brannans market into our wholesale domain brokerage channel the sale can occur anywhere from a few hours to a few days. We will advertise and market your domain to our network of domain investors and other brokers. They will conduct their own estimates and make an offer that takes their risks and profit needs into account.

Retail Domain Brokerage Services

Selling a valuable domain name in our retail channel is a performance-driven solution with white-glove service that takes longer.

That time allows us to do the following:

•  Extensive linguistic, branding, and contextual research to develop potential buyer targets.
•  Gauging current and past market interest in similar domain names.
• Developing buyer profiles to determine communication and negotiation strategy.
• Thorough domain appraisal to estimate domain market value range.
• Creating advertising campaigns.
• Conducting private or semi-private auctions.
• Pre-qualifying potential buyers.

Retail domain brokering takes more time — anywhere from one to six months in most cases. But there is of course a payoff: the extra time usually means a substantially higher sale price.

Yes. It is certainly possible to leverage Domain IP to increase Merger and Acquisition ROI. We understand the needs of modern enterprises. During mergers and acquisitions, it’s very common for businesses to develop an inventory of domain name assets. If those domains are no longer applicable to the new business model, these assets can still have real value that exceeds the booked value estimated during the due diligence process.

We routinely help corporations of all sizes realize the hidden value in their M&A transactions through commercial domain name selling.

Whether you have a single domain URL to sell or have acquired a portfolio of domain assets, we can help you sort through details and determine the real market value of your domain names. It doesn’t matter if it’s a domain that’s been held in your family for generations or an investment you made a few years ago, we understand the value of .COM domains and are excited to help unlock their true potential for you.

If you think that you have a single domain (or multiple!) that you would be interested in selling, let’s start a conversation now. We can help you capitalize on the hidden value to maximize your return. And, as always, all communications with our clients are strictly confidential.

Nobody will work harder for you than us!