How to get a premium domain

Premium domains are highly desirable web addresses that stand out due to their characteristics, making them valuable assets for businesses and individuals seeking a strong online presence.¹

 

 

What is a Premium Domain, and How Does It Work?

 

A premium domain is a domain name that is typically:

• Short and Memorable: Easy to recall and type, like cars.com or hotels.com.²

   

• Composed of Dictionary Words or Common Phrases: This makes them intuitive and relevant to their purpose, such as business.com.³

   

• Keyword-Rich: They often contain terms relevant to specific industries or popular search keywords, which can help with search engine optimization (SEO) and attract direct traffic.⁴

   

• Highly Brandable: They convey professionalism, authority, and can significantly enhance a brand’s identity.⁵

   

How They Work:

Premium domains can be acquired in two primary ways, each with distinct pricing and purchase processes:

1. Domains Sold by Their Existing Owners (Aftermarket Domains):
   • These are domains that were previously registered by someone else and are now being resold on the secondary market (also known as the aftermarket).
   • They typically involve a one-time purchase fee negotiated with the current owner.
   • Once acquired, the renewal and transfer costs usually revert to the standard rates for domains with the same extension.
   • The purchase process often involves a marketplace or broker to facilitate the transaction and transfer of ownership.⁶

      

2. Registry Premiums:
   • These are new domains designated as “premium” by the Registry (the organization that manages a specific Top-Level Domain like .com or .inc).⁷

      

   • Registries identify these domains based on their potential for high value and popularity from the outset.⁸

      

   • Registry premiums often have special pricing not only for acquisition (registration) but also for renewal and transfer. These prices are non-negotiable and set by the registry.
   • They can often be registered or renewed for only one year at a time initially due to their high value.⁹

      

The distinction between these types can sometimes blur, as a “Registry premium” domain can later be sold by its owner on the aftermarket, becoming an “aftermarket premium.”

 

What Happens After the Purchase?

 

Once you purchase a premium domain, the process of getting it into your account involves several steps, especially if it’s an aftermarket domain (sold by an existing owner):

1. Initial Booking and Verification (for aftermarket domains):
   • Upon placing the order, the domain is reserved in the system of the marketplace partner.¹⁰

      

   • A verification process, which can take 24-72 hours, is initiated to confirm the legitimacy of the purchase. You might be contacted during this phase, so keeping an eye on your email and phone is crucial.
2. Transfer Initiation and Delivery:
   • After verification, the order status changes to “purchased,” and the registrar (e.g., Namecheap) coordinates with the marketplace vendor to transfer the domain.
   • “Fast” Transfer Option: If the domain’s current registrar supports a “fast” transfer, the domain can be moved to your account within several hours after the initial 24-72 hour verification.¹¹

      

   • Regular Transfer Process: If a fast transfer isn’t available, a standard transfer procedure is followed. This may involve:
     • Up to 10 business days for the seller’s side to prepare the domain for transfer.
     • An additional 5-7 days for the actual transfer process to complete once initiated.
     • In a worst-case scenario for regular transfers, this could mean up to 20 business days of waiting time for the domain to be provisioned to your account.
3. Post-Transfer Notifications:
   • You will receive an email notification from your registrar as soon as the transfer is complete and the domain is delivered to your account. You can also contact their support team for status updates.

Important Considerations:

• ICANN 60-Day Transfer Lock: If the domain you purchased was registered or previously transferred less than 60 days ago, or if its registrant contact information was recently changed, a general restriction by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) prevents further transfers for a 60-day period.¹² Your registrar will only be able to deliver the domain after this period concludes. This lock is in place to protect against unauthorized domain transfers.

   

• Specific TLD Fees (e.g., .ai): Some registries, like the .ai Registry, may charge mandatory fees for transfers that might not be initially included in the seller’s price.¹³ Your registrar may reach out to you separately to cover these additional costs.

   

• Refunds: If, for any reason, the domain cannot be transferred, a full refund will typically be issued according to the registrar’s registration agreement.

 

Is a Premium Domain Worth It? Why are Premium Domains so Expensive? Who Can Own One?

 

• Is a premium domain worth it?

  If you are building a brand, a premium domain is generally considered a worthwhile investment. Its short, memorable nature, and use of common words make it easy to spell, recall, and market.14 This leads to better brand recognition, higher consumer trust, and a stronger competitive advantage, ultimately contributing to your business’s success and potential resale value.15

• Why are premium domains so expensive?

  Premium domains command higher prices because they are highly sought after.16 Their desirable characteristics (short length, common words, brandability, SEO benefits) make them valuable digital assets that can drive traffic, build credibility, and improve marketing efforts.17 High demand for a limited supply of these ideal domain names naturally drives up their cost.18

• Who can own a premium domain?

  Anyone can own a premium domain. You simply need to search for an available premium domain or keep an eye on opportunities offered by registrars (like Namecheap, which often notifies users of premium domain opportunities).19 Once purchased, you become the registrant.