Buying a Premium or Aftermarket Domain

Some domain names cost more than the standard registration price — either because the registry has flagged them as premium, or because they are already owned and listed on the aftermarket. Here is what each means and how to buy one safely.

Premium domains

Premium domains are unregistered names that the registry has tagged with a higher price tag because of their commercial value (short, common words, brandable patterns). The price is set by the registry, not by Maxinames, and is shown clearly in the search results before you add the name to your cart.

Premium registrations work the same as standard ones — you complete checkout, the domain is yours, and you manage it from the dashboard. Renewal prices for premiums are usually higher than the standard renewal for that TLD; check the renewal price before you buy.

Aftermarket domains

Aftermarket domains are already registered and listed for sale by the current owner — often via a marketplace like Sedo, Afternic, or Dan.com. Prices range from a few hundred to several million dollars.

If you find an aftermarket domain you want and it is for sale through a marketplace integrated with Maxinames, you can complete the purchase from inside our search interface. Otherwise, you will buy through the marketplace and then transfer the domain to Maxinames using our domain transfer process.

Things to verify before you buy

• Trademark conflicts. Search the trademark register in your country and your top markets.
• Backlink history. A domain with a spammy history can carry SEO penalties. Tools like Wayback Machine and Ahrefs let you check past use.
• Pricing. Confirm both the purchase price and the standard yearly renewal — they are separate.

Need help evaluating a name or completing a purchase? Get in touch and we will walk you through it.