Sedo (Search Engine for Domain Offers) is the world's largest domain marketplace, hosting over 18 million domains and facilitating $100+ million in annual sales. While GoDaddy dominates the US market, Sedo is the go-to platform for international domains and European buyers.
If you're serious about domain investing, Sedo should be part of your strategy. Here's everything you need to know to succeed on the platform.
Why Use Sedo?
International Reach
Strong presence in Europe, Asia, and emerging markets. Best platform for ccTLD domains (.de, .uk, .fr, etc.)
Broker Services
Professional domain brokers help negotiate high-value deals. Expert assistance for premium acquisitions.
Demand Metrics
See how many users searched for your domain keywords. Valuable data for pricing decisions.
Domain Parking
Earn revenue from parked domains while they're listed for sale. Monetize while you wait.
Sedo Fee Structure
Buyer Fees
| Transaction Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Marketplace Purchase | 10% buyer commission |
| Auction Win | 10% buyer commission |
| Broker-Assisted Purchase | 15% total (split buyer/seller) |
Seller Fees
| Transaction Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Marketplace Sale | 15% seller commission |
| Auction Sale | 15% seller commission |
| Transfer to Outside Buyer | 3% (Sedo Transfer Service) |
| Professional Appraisal | $99 one-time |
Fee Comparison
Sedo's 15% seller commission is comparable to GoDaddy's 20% for domains under $5,000, but Sedo charges higher buyer fees (10% vs. GoDaddy's flat $15-20). Factor this into your pricing strategy.
How to Sell on Sedo
Listing Options
- Buy Now: Fixed price for immediate purchase
- Make Offer: Accept negotiations from interested buyers
- Auction: Time-limited competitive bidding
- Minimum Offer: Set a floor price for offers
Optimization Tips
- Use Sedo's parking to show the domain is professionally managed
- Enable "Make Offer" even with Buy Now—captures more leads
- Set minimum offers at 20-30% of your target price
- Update listings seasonally to keep them fresh
- Use Sedo's Premium Listing for high-value domains
How to Buy on Sedo
Search Strategies
Sedo's search is powerful but requires technique:
- Use keyword filters to find industry-specific domains
- Filter by extension to focus on .com, ccTLDs, or new gTLDs
- Sort by "Demand" to find domains with buyer interest
- Check "Similar Domains" for alternatives to expensive listings
Negotiation Tips
- Start offers at 30-40% of asking price
- Use Sedo's messaging to build rapport
- Ask about payment plans for expensive domains
- Request broker assistance for $10,000+ negotiations
Sedo vs. Other Marketplaces
| Feature | Sedo | GoDaddy | Afternic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | International, ccTLDs | US market, volume | Fast transfers |
| Inventory | 18M+ domains | 30M+ domains | 5M+ domains |
| Seller Fee | 15% | 10-20% | 15-20% |
| Buyer Fee | 10% | $15-20 flat | Included |
| Parking | Yes (revenue share) | Yes (Cash Parking) | No |
| Broker Service | Yes | Yes | Limited |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sedo safe and legitimate?
Yes. Sedo has operated since 2001 and has facilitated over $2 billion in domain sales. They provide escrow services and dispute resolution.
How long does a Sedo transfer take?
Typically 5-14 days depending on registrar cooperation. Domains at Sedo-integrated registrars transfer faster.
Can I list domains from any registrar on Sedo?
Yes. You can list domains from any registrar. Some features (like instant transfer) require moving to Sedo's preferred partners.
Names.Center Editorial Team
Domain marketplace experts helping you navigate the aftermarket.
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