Taking over a domain name but unfortunately it is already taken?
Instead of coming up with a new domain name, consider buying the domain name from the current owner.
In this article, we provide practical tips for taking over a domain name that work for everyone.
Why buy over a domain name?
There are several reasons to buy an existing domain name, such as if it is your perfect domain name and you would like to have it for your own business, or to resell the domain name for a higher amount.
The latter is also known as “domaining.”
How can I take over a domain name?
To take over a domain name, there are a number of steps you need to follow.
First, you need to find out the current owner’s contact information so that you can communicate your interest in the domain name.
In addition, it is important to determine the amount you want to buy the domain name for.
Finally, it is wise to make proper arrangements with the current owner about the transfer of the domain so that you will not face any surprises at the end of the acquisition process.
3 tips for getting in touch with the owner
To get in touch with the current owner of the domain, below are 3 practical tips: 1. Check out the domain name online If there is a current website on the domain, there is less chance that the owner will want to sell the domain to you.
But it can always be worth a try!
If the domain is parked and has a placeholder on it, it may be easier to take over the domain.
The owner may have bought the domain immorally to resell it later or not do anything with it anymore.
2. Find out the owner through WHOIS If you have looked at the domain online and cannot find any contact information, you can look up the owner of the domain through a WHOIS database. Below is a list of the most commonly used domain extensions and the most commonly used WHOIS databases: .NL domain name –
SIDN.BE domain name –
DNS Belgium.EU domain name – EURid.COM, .INFO, .ORG, .NET, .BIZ domain name – ICANN other domain names – IANA3.Approach the provider of the domain name Sometimes the contact details of the current owner of a domain name are not visible in a WHOIS database, for example if the owner is private.
Instead, you will see the details of the organization where the domain was registered, also known as the “registrar.”
If this is the case, you can contact this organization and request to be put in touch with the current owner of the domain.With WP Provider, it is also possible to choose Privacy Protection, in which case the contact details of WP Provider will be shown in the WHOIS instead of your contact details.If the domain is registered with WP Provider, we are happy to help you take over the domain from the current owner.
Here’s how it works:
1. Send an email to us stating which domain you would like to take over.
2. We will try to contact the current owner of the domain via email.
The owner decides whether to accept your request.
3. You can now negotiate the price of the domain with the owner.
What does taking over a domain name cost?
The price of taking over a domain name can vary greatly depending on the value of the domain name.
Generic, well-known, short and easy-to-remember domain names, or domain names that are abbreviations or well-known surnames, will usually cost a higher amount than other domain names.
Some domain names can be worth millions of euros, while other domain names cost less than €1000.
You always have the option of making an offer and negotiating the price with the current owner.
Make good arrangements when buying an existing domain name
If the current owner is interested in your offer to take over the domain, it is wise to make proper arrangements before you actually buy the domain.
This way, you can include important things in a purchase agreement to take legal action if something goes wrong during the takeover.
Hire an intermediary
You can also hire an intermediary to oversee the takeover of the domain.
Escrow is such an intermediary that ensures that money is transferred only in the event of a successful domain transfer.
Become the administrator of the domain
If you purchased the domain, the acquisition is not complete until you become the administrator of the domain.
To give you a better understanding of the management process, we have prepared a roadmap:
1. You receive the domain transfer code (authcode) from the current owner.
2. You log into your account at WP Provider and go to “My domain names” in the menu.
3. Click on the domain name you want to transfer and click “Transfer to me”.
4. Enter the domain name transfer code and click “Move”.
5. Verify that the domain transfer was successful.
6. If the domain transfer was successful, you are now the administrator of the domain and can use it for your own purposes.
Conclusion
If you want to take over a domain name from the current owner, there are several steps to follow.
First, look for the current owner’s contact information on the website or use a WHOIS database or if it is a client of ours send us an email.
Then make proper arrangements with the current owner about the transfer of the domain and if necessary hire an intermediary to guide the process.
Once the transfer is complete, you become the administrator of the domain and can use it for your own project.
