After you have thought of your perfect domain name to begin your new online business, are you frustrated to see the domain is already taken after you tried to register it? In many cases, the domain name, although not available, is not even being used, but there is no information available on the domain’s URL (Uniform Resource Locator, or its “web address”). Perhaps the unused domain name is even pointed to a blank web page.

There are many reasons why a domain might not be in use, even though it is currently registered. Some common reasons include:

Speculative Investment

Some individuals or companies register domain names with the intention of selling them later at a higher price, similar to real estate investments.

Future Projects

Owners may have registered the domain name for future business endeavors or projects that are yet to be developed.

Brand Protection

Companies often secure multiple domain names related to their brand to prevent competitors from using them or to redirect traffic to their primary website.

Abandoned Websites

Due to changing business priorities or lack of maintenance, domain owners may have abandoned their websites without releasing the domain.

Personal Use

Some people might have registered a domain name for their personal use, such as for personal blogs or email addresses, but had decided not to develop the website.

So How Do You Find the Owner of a Domain Name?

Although the domain name might not be actively used, there is a chance the domain owner would be willing to sell it for a reasonable price. But how can you find a domain name owner? Here are a few methods you can try:

WHOIS Domain Lookup to Find Doman Owner

Perform a WHOIS domain lookup to find information about the domain’s owner, including their name, contact details, and the date the domain was registered. Many domain registrars offer WHOIS domain name owner lookup services, and there are also online WHOIS databases available, such as with the GoDaddy whois domain lookup tool.

Perhaps one of the best ways, and easiest, on how to find a domain name owner is through ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). ICANN is a nonprofit organization responsible for coordinating the internet’s unique identifiers, including domain names and IP addresses. It ensures the stability and security of the internet’s global addressing system.

To perform a simple domain owner search, you can enter the URL of a domain name at the ICANN website at https://lookup.icann.org/whois/. There, you can enter the domain name you are interested in, and the WHOIS database will provide information about the domain’s owner, registration date, and other relevant details. This service allows you to gather valuable information about a domain’s ownership and contact the owner if necessary.

Finding and Contacting Private Domain Registrations

Due to the prevalence of spam and potential privacy concerns, many domain owners choose to keep their domain registration information private, and their personal details such as name, address, and contact information are shielded from public WHOIS databases. If a domain name has private registration, only the registrar’s information is displayed instead, preserving the owner’s privacy, and the domain owner’s information cannot be accessed directly through public WHOIS databases.

Private domain registrations can make it more difficult for a potential domain buyer to contact the domain owner directly. In these cases, to find a hidden domain owner the potential buyer can contact the domain registrar and request assistance in reaching out to the owner. The registrar can then forward the user’s message or contact details to the domain owner, who can choose to respond or maintain their privacy.

Alternate Ways to Find Domain Name Owners

Contact the Domain Registrar

If the WHOIS lookup provides you with the registrar’s information, reach out to them and inquire about the domain owner’s contact details. They may be able to assist you or forward your request to the owner.

Contact the Website

If the domain name is currently pointed to a website, try reaching out to the website’s contact information or support email. They might have information about the domain owner or be able to forward your message to them.

Use a Domain Broker

If the domain name you desire is valuable or highly sought after, you can engage the services of a domain broker. These professionals specialize in acquiring domain names on behalf of clients and can help find who owns a domain and negotiate with the owner on your behalf.

Utilize Online Marketplaces

There are several online marketplaces dedicated to buying and selling domain names. Search for the desired domain name on these platforms, and if it’s listed for sale, you may find the contact information of the owner or a broker representing them.

Check Social Media and Professional Networks

Some domain owners may have an online presence through social media or professional networking platforms. Search for their name or the domain name itself to see if you can find any relevant information or contact details.

Buy Existing Domain Names at VPM Domains

Finding a domain name owner can be a challenging task, but with perseverance and the right approach, you may be able to secure the domain name you desire for your online business. Remember to explore alternative domain name options as well, as there are millions of domain names available, and you may find a suitable alternative that meets your requirements.

When contacting a domain owner, be professional and make a reasonable offer if you intend to purchase the domain. Keep in mind that the owner is under no obligation to sell, but with a polite and well-crafted inquiry, you increase your chances of a positive response. Read on for some ideas on how to ask a domain owner if they are willing to sell their unused domain name.

Buyer’s Email Request to the Domain Owner

After you have found the domain owner’s email address, sending an email can serve as an effective way of initiating communication. Below is a sample email request template that you can use as a starting point. This template is designed to be polite, professional, and respectful of the domain owner’s privacy preferences. By customizing it with your specific details and purpose, you can increase your chances of engaging in a productive dialogue regarding the desired domain acquisition.

Short and simple domain name purchase offer email example:

Subject: Inquiry Regarding [Domain Name]

Good morning! I noticed [Domain Owner's Name] is the registrant contact for [Domain Name] and I wanted to reach out to you to get your asking price for the domain. 

I'm a serious buyer and I'd love to work out something, if possible. 

Longer version – domain name purchase offer email example:

Subject: Interested in Acquiring [Domain Name]

Hello [Domain Owner's Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I recently came across [Domain Name] and I'm genuinely interested in acquiring it for my business venture.

I wanted to reach out to you directly to inquire about the possibility of purchasing the domain. If it is available for sale, I would like to discuss the details and explore a potential agreement that works for both of us.

I am a serious buyer and would appreciate it if you could kindly let me know if [Domain Name] is open for negotiation and, if so, your preferred method of communication to discuss further.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response and the opportunity to discuss this potential acquisition.

Best regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]

How to Determine the Domain Name Value

When reaching out to the domain owner, it can be beneficial to include an initial price in your email offer, as it provides a starting point for negotiations and demonstrates your seriousness as a potential buyer. However, approach this aspect with caution and flexibility. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind:

Research Market Value: Before suggesting a price, research the market value of similar domain names. This will help you make a reasonable and competitive offer. A good starting point for finding what a domain could be worth is by using online domain valuation tools like Estibot or GoDaddy’s domain appraisal tool, but this is just one piece of the puzzle.

It’s important to remember that a domain name is ultimately worth what the buyer is willing to pay for it, and the final price depends on many more factors than a simple online domain appraisal tool can provide, such as the age of the domain, the domain extension, how short the domain is, how motivated the domain seller is, and other market factors. These additional factors can significantly impact the perceived value and desirability of a domain name. Factors such as the domain’s relevance to specific industries, its brand potential, keyword relevance, and memorability of the domain name also play a crucial role in determining its worth.

Be Flexibile: Leave room for negotiation by offering a price range or indicating your willingness to discuss terms. This shows that you are open to finding a mutually beneficial agreement.

Make a Reasonable Offer: Ensure that your initial price is respectful and reflects the value you perceive in the domain. Avoid lowball offers that might deter the owner from engaging in further discussions.

Acknowledge Pricing Variability: Keep in mind that the owner may have their own perception of the domain’s value. Be prepared for the possibility of a counteroffer or a different price expectation.

Including an initial price in your email offer can provide a starting point for negotiations and demonstrate your seriousness as a potential buyer. However, remaining flexible and open to discussion is crucial to fostering a positive dialogue with the domain owner.

Need a great domain name now? Browse through our hand-picked collection of thousands of existing domain names for sale to find your own unique, brand & business names at VPM Domains, buy it instantly for a fixed low price or lease a domain name with very favorable terms. Featured for two consecutive years in the Inc 500 list of America’s Fastest Growing Companies.