I need advice so I don't get ripped off into buying a special domain

I just got a hold of a very powerful domain that the person has agreed to sell.

However, I'm having this one little issue with myself.

How can I secure myself so that this dude doesn't take the money and run for the hills with it without handing over the goodie to me.

And what can I do if this person does run for the hills?

 

You could use an Escrow type service. Its like a middle man. You pay them, he transfers the domain to you, and they pay him. It can be quite expensive if a large amount of money is involved, but its the safest way of transacting a deal like this. I offer a similar service to clients for one of my businesses.

 

Excellent.

What if Escrow steals it?

lol, This domain is hot.
(my ticket out of working)

 

You could always use a lawyer to act as the middle man, but you have to cover his charges too.

 

Bear in mind, domain names are not worth as much as they used to be. I would get it prosessionally appraised before you agree to purchase it.

 

I know what you mean, but this one's well....special. It's very obvious that with it's popularity its worth 30 times over the price I've been offered and that price was in the $1,000's.

I guess have to get a hold of an online lawyer for this deal. I can handle his fee's for what it's worth.

 

PM me the domain and the asking price and I will cast an eye over it if you like.

 

Can't pm it. Too risky.

I'll give you a hint, though.

it's like this www.**.com

 

You need to bear in mind that if it relates to a company and they have registered the company name and everyone knows that, then you cannot use the domain name without their permission. For example if you had the domain name ebay.com then it would be worthless unless you got ebay to buy it off you.

 

true enough.

I have watched for that. This isn't the case.

 

Cool, I hope you get it sorted quickly, and enjoy your retirement

 

I have sold many domains using AfterNIC.com as the middle man. Their fees are minimal and I have never gotten screwed.

 

Escrow.com or Sedo.com's escorw service.


http://www.sedo.com/services/s_escrow.php?tracked=&partnerid=&language=us

 

use sedo, it is cheap and secure

 

I would use sedo but I don't want this dude to find out what kind of a goldmine he's got.

AfterNIC.com ?

Meh, I'll try that.

 

I would bet that he already knows, and that there is a high chance of being scammed.
escrow.com would be the best option then.

 

Just a word of caution, did the person authenticated as owner of the domain? I'd be extra careful if the seller didn't even know the value of domain he owns.

Otherwise, escrow service is the way, in fact the only way to go when you deal with domain transfer.

 

I bought one quite valuable domain using escrow.com. Worked quite well so I would recommend that.

https://www.escrow.com/solutions/domain_name/index.asp