What fees do domain marketplaces charge when selling?
Common fee structures
Domain marketplaces like Sedo, Afternic, and GoDaddy usually charge a commission when your domain sells. This is often a percentage of the sale price, ranging from 10% to 30% depending on the platform and whether the buyer found you through their network.
Some marketplaces have tiered commissions: for example, a lower percentage on higher-priced sales. Others charge a flat fee for certain services, like featuring your listing.
Escrow fees are sometimes separate, especially for high-value transactions. Escrow.com, for instance, charges a sliding scale based on the sale amount.
- Commission: 10%–30% of sale price.
- Listing fees: often free, but premium listings cost extra.
- Escrow fees: separate, varies by service.
- Payment processing fees may apply.
How to compare marketplace costs
Before listing, read the fee schedule carefully. Some marketplaces charge a commission only if the sale comes through their system, while others charge even if you find the buyer yourself.
Consider the total cost: a lower commission might be offset by higher escrow or payout fees. Also, check if there are fees for withdrawing funds or for currency conversion.
For high-value domains, negotiating the commission rate with the marketplace is sometimes possible.
- Read the fine print on commission triggers.
- Compare total costs, not just commission.
- Ask about hidden fees like payout charges.
- Negotiate for high-value names.
Common mistakes
- Assuming all marketplaces charge the same—fees vary widely.
- Forgetting that escrow and payment processing fees add to the cost.
- Not checking if the commission applies when you bring your own buyer.