how do i buy an existing domain?

**submantom** · 08-09-09

I want to buy a domain off someone who currently only uses it for email.

a) how do I go about buying the domain off her once we've agreed (is there a nominet process - it's a .co.uk?)

b) whats the best way to deal with her email - she uses it for business and is reluctant to give it up straight away. I could potentially setup a forward for a pre-agreed period of time for that address (it's hername@domain.co.uk so not one I would want to use).

Only ever bought new domains so not really sure of next step.
Tom

**jamie07051975** · 08-09-09

If its a business which has been going for a while I doubt they would want to sell their domain to be honest - its would such as hassle updating their contact information with their clients etc.

I would suggest you be upfront and speak to them and ask them if they would consider selling the domain to you. If the domain name is a trade mark of yours then you may well have a legal right over it. It really depends on why you want it to be honest. PM if you want to discuss.

**submantom** · 18-09-09

Sorry Jamie, perhaps I should have made it clear!

I have already spoken directly to the owner of the domain and she is considering selling. She doesn't use the domain for a website, just for email and has a handful of contacts so keeping them informed wouldnt be an issue.

I think the biggest barrier is a technical one - she doesnt know how to setup up a new email address (hotmail or similar) and it's the hassle that's stopping her from saying yes.

Anyone got any bright ideas?

**thebusiness** · 18-09-09

Originally Posted by submantom

I think the biggest barrier is a technical one - she doesnt know how to setup up a new email address (hotmail or similar) and it's the hassle that's stopping her from saying yes.

Anyone got any bright ideas?

If the domain is that good then give her another domain and set her email up on that?

**submantom** · 18-09-09

Originally Posted by thebusiness

If the domain is that good then give her another domain and set her email up on that?

i think that's the route i'll try. my only concern is that I don't know her and she's not located anywhere near me, so I'd have to remotely connect.

could sign up for a free trial of logmein.com rescue or whatever it is.

**thebusiness** · 18-09-09

Originally Posted by submantom

i think that's the route i'll try. my only concern is that I don't know her and she's not located anywhere near me, so I'd have to remotely connect.

could sign up for a free trial of logmein.com rescue or whatever it is.

you could knock up a basic tutorial on a pdf or word document with some images and red squiggly lines. I've taught someone to use dreamweaver using the same method.

I wouldn't recommend doing everyday mind - but it's often the simplest way