Transfer and payment.
THE RISK
Transferring before payment, or paying before transfer.
WHAT PROTECTS BOTH PARTIES
An escrow service.
Funds held by a third party, released when transfer completes.
WHEN TO USE ONE
Any sale of meaningful value.
WHAT IT COSTS
A fee, usually modest against the risk.
WHO PAYS IT
Agree in advance.
FOR SMALL SALES
Payment first is common, and the buyer bears the risk.
For a buyer, that is a reason to prefer escrow.
WHAT THE TRANSFER INVOLVES
Unlocking the domain Providing an authorisation code The buyer initiating the transfer Confirmation
WHAT CAN DELAY IT
Registrar transfer restrictions after recent changes Incorrect contact details The domain being locked
WHAT TO CHECK BEFORE AGREEING A TIMESCALE
Whether any restriction applies.
WHAT TO CONFIRM AFTERWARDS
That the transfer completed That payment cleared
WHAT TO KEEP
A record of the transaction.
