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Here’s how Escrow.com and Sedo’s escrow services compare in terms of fees and services for domain name sales:

Fees

Escrow.com
– Transaction fee: 3.25% of sales price up to $5,000 ($25 minimum)
– 0.89% for transactions over $25,000
– Additional $30 fee if payment is made via credit card
– $100 fee for concierge service to handle domain transfer

Sedo Transfer Service
– Transaction fee: 3% of sales price ($60 minimum)
– No additional fees for payment methods

For sales below $5,000, Sedo’s 3% flat fee is cheaper than Escrow.com’s 3.25% fee. However, for sales above $10,000, Escrow.com becomes cheaper due to its lower percentage fee structure.

Services

Escrow.com provides a standard escrow service where the buyer pays Escrow.com, the seller transfers the domain, and after inspection Escrow.com releases funds to the seller. They also offer a $100 concierge service to facilitate the domain transfer.

Sedo has two escrow options:

1. External Transfer Service: Sedo acts as the middleman, receiving payment from the buyer and domain from seller before facilitating the transfer between parties. This is similar to Escrow.com’s concierge service.

2. Partnership with Escrow.domains: A more affordable option at 0.89% fees for those who can handle the domain transfer themselves. Buyers/sellers can upload custom contracts.

In summary, for lower-value transactions below $5,000, Sedo’s flat 3% fee makes it a cheaper option. But for higher-value sales, especially above $10,000, Escrow.com’s percentage-based fee structure becomes more cost-effective. Sedo offers more flexibility with its two escrow service tiers, while Escrow.com is a more established player focused on providing a full-service escrow experience.

Understanding Domain Transfers

A domain transfer refers to moving your domain name from one domain registrar (the company you purchased it from) to another registrar. There are a few key reasons why you may want to transfer a domain:

1. You found a better price or prefer the services of another registrar.
2. You sold the domain to someone else who needs to take ownership.
3. You are consolidating all your domains under one registrar for easier management.

Step-by-Step Transfer Process

1. **Unlock the Domain**: First, you need to unlock the domain at your current registrar. This removes a security lock that prevents unauthorized transfers.

2. **Get the EPP Code**: You’ll also need to get an EPP (Authorization) code from your current registrar. This acts as a password to approve the transfer.

3. **Initiate Transfer at New Registrar**: Go to the new registrar’s website and request to transfer your domain. You’ll need to provide the domain name and EPP code here.

4. **Approve Transfer Email**: Your current registrar will email you for final approval of the transfer. You must explicitly approve this email for the transfer to proceed.

5. **Wait for Propagation**: Once approved, it takes 5-7 days for the transfer to fully propagate across the internet’s domain name system.

A few important notes:

– Transfers can only occur 60 days after initial registration or a previous transfer.
– You cannot transfer a domain in the final 27 days before expiration.
– The new registrar may charge a small transfer fee (typically $5-$15).
– Your website will remain online during the transfer as long as your hosting and DNS settings remain unchanged.

The key things a new domain owner needs are the EPP code from the current registrar and approval of the transfer email when initiated at the new registrar. Following the proper unlock procedures is also critical. As long as you have those pieces, the transfer process is relatively straightforward.

the typical domain transfer process takes around 5-7 days to complete, but it can sometimes take longer, up to 10-14 days in some cases. Here are the key points regarding the duration of a domain transfer:

Typical Timeline

– The overall domain transfer process usually takes 5-7 days from start to finish. This seems to be the average duration cited by most domain registrars and experts.

– The process involves several steps like obtaining an authorization code, initiating the transfer request, waiting for approval from the current registrar, unlocking the domain if needed, and finally the DNS propagation across the internet.

Factors That Can Extend the Timeline

– Some top-level domains (TLDs) may have additional restrictions or requirements that can prolong the transfer process beyond 7 days.

– If there are any issues like the domain being locked, expired, or having outstanding fees at the current registrar, resolving these can add extra time.

– The responsiveness and efficiency of the current and new registrars in processing and approving the transfer request can impact the duration.

– If the domain was registered very recently (within 60 days), ICANN policies prevent an immediate transfer, adding time.

Maximum Timeframe

While most sources cite 5-7 days as the typical range, a few mention:

– SiteGround states a domain transfer “may take up to 14 days” due to variables like owner confirmation time and current registrar processing time.

– Hostinger notes that “in rare cases, some TLDs may require more than 7 days” for the transfer.

So in summary, while the domain transfer process is generally straightforward and takes around 5-7 days on average, it’s advisable to allow up to 10-14 days for the transfer to complete in case of any delays or complications related to the specific domain, registrars involved, or extension requirements.