Buying a Domain Name Step by Step: From Offer to Transfer

November 3, 2026 · MağazaX

If a domain you like is already registered and its owner is offering it for sale, buying it is a little different from registering a new domain. First you make an offer, then the price and terms are discussed, payment is made through a secure method and the domain is moved to your account. Below we walk through the process step by step, with tips for first-time buyers.

1. Preparation: check the name and its history

A few simple checks before making an offer can prevent later surprises.

• Registration details: A WHOIS lookup, or a lookup through RDAP, which has replaced it, shows which registrar the domain is with, when it was registered and when it expires. It is normal for personal details to be hidden in many cases.
• Trademark conflicts: Check whether the name could be confused with someone else's registered trademark. For Türkiye, the search tools of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office are a good place to start.
• Past use: Internet archive services show how the domain was used in the past and whether it was linked to unwanted content.
• Purpose: Be clear about which project you have in mind for the domain. This makes it easier to decide how much budget you can set aside.

2. Offer and negotiation

With premium domains the price is usually not fixed; it is set through discussion between buyer and seller. On MağazaX this process starts with the offer form on the domain page. In the form you can enter your offer in euros or US dollars and add a short note about what you plan to use the domain for. To make sure the offer comes from a real person, your email address is verified with a six-digit code sent to it. The seller then replies to you by email and you agree on the price and terms together.

A few tips for negotiation:

• Start with a realistic, serious first offer; very low offers can drag the conversation out unnecessarily.
• Clarify from the outset the payment method, how the transfer will be done and the timelines.
• Confirm the agreed price and terms in writing by email.

3. Payment: bank transfer or escrow?

Once the price is agreed, you move on to payment. The two most common methods are bank transfer and an escrow service.

A bank transfer is simple and direct. It can be chosen when trust has been established between the parties. Before sending, always confirm that the recipient's account details are correct, and be careful with unexpected requests to change account details that arrive by email.

An escrow service is an intermediary that protects both sides. It usually works like this:

1. The buyer and seller set up the transaction and its terms with the escrow service.
2. The buyer pays into the escrow account; at this stage the money does not go to the seller.
3. The escrow service confirms that the payment has arrived and the seller transfers the domain.
4. The buyer checks that the domain is now in their account and gives approval.
5. The escrow service releases the payment to the seller.

Escrow services charge a fee, and who pays it depends on what the parties agree. Use only well-known, reputable escrow services, and check in the address bar that any links you receive really belong to that service.

4. Transfer: account push or registrar transfer

Once payment is secured, the domain is placed under your control. There are two common ways to do this:

• Account-to-account push: If the buyer and seller use the same registrar, the seller can move the domain directly into the buyer's account. This is often quick and may not require a separate transfer fee.
• Registrar transfer: If different registrars are involved, the seller removes the domain's transfer lock and gives you the authorisation code (auth code or EPP code). You then use this code when starting the transfer at your own registrar. The process usually completes within a few days, and for .com domains a transfer often adds one year to the registration period.

The authorisation code is like the key to the domain. Use it only to start the transfer and do not share it with anyone.

5. Transfer lock and timelines

Under ICANN rules, a domain generally cannot be moved to another registrar for 60 days after it is newly registered or transferred to a new registrar. A similar lock may also apply after a significant change to the registrant details. This lock does not stop the domain from being yours; it only pauses moves between registrars for a while. A push between accounts at the same registrar is often not affected by it.

So if you plan to move the domain to a different registrar right after buying it, factor this period into your plans. Because the rules can be updated over time and practices can differ between registrars, it is best to confirm with your own registrar before you start.

6. After the transfer: what to do and what to watch for

• Check that the domain appears in your account and that the registrant details are yours.
• Make sure your contact email address is current; renewal and security notices are sent there.
• Turn on auto-renewal and note the expiry date in your calendar.
• Enable two-factor authentication on your registrar account and keep the domain's transfer lock switched on.
• Configure DNS to connect the domain to your website and your email service.
• Keep the agreement emails, payment receipts and transfer confirmations.

Finally, be wary of rushed processes. A sound sale does not require anyone to pressure you, insist on unusual payment methods or bring in intermediaries whose identity is unclear. When you are unsure about a step, stopping to ask questions is always the right choice.

You can easily start the process with the offer form on every domain page at MağazaX. Browse the portfolio, find the name that fits your business and send your offer in euros or dollars.