Domain Reselling 101: Your Business Roadmap to Unlocking Revenue

Imagine tapping into an industry where the digital market is as lucrative and dynamic as the physical one. Last year, the domain name sales industry shattered expectations, raking in $9.5 billion—well above the forecasted $8.6 billion.^1,2

In 2024, becoming a domain reseller is an ideal strategy for platforms wanting to secure premium virtual real estate and capitalize on the increasing demand for unique digital identities.

So, what is domain reselling? And how can businesses and entrepreneurs tap into this unique source of revenue? Read on for the complete domain resale roadmap—from the basics and benefits to everything you need to get started.

Registry vs. Registrar: What's the Difference?

To better understand the nuances of domain reselling, it's crucial to differentiate between a registry and a registrar:

• Registries manage the master database of domain names for a specific top-level domain (TLD). TLDs are the extensions at the end of a domain name, such as .com, .net, .org, or newer options like .bio, .pro, and .studio. The registry is responsible for maintaining the authoritative list of all domain names registered under its TLD.

• Registrars, on the other hand, facilitate the registration and management of domain names on behalf of customers within that TLD. They act as the interface between domain buyers and the registry, handling the actual process of registering and renewing domain names.

This subtle but distinct difference is vital for potential domain resellers, who ideally want to partner with an accredited registrar linked to an equally reputable registry.

What is Domain Reselling? 

Domain reselling is essentially bulk-purchasing domain names at wholesale prices and selling them at a markup. However, rather than actively flipping domains for profit, domain reselling operates as a value-add to existing platforms. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of how it works:

• Resellers purchase high-demand domain names—such as .pro, .bio, or .info—from an accredited domain registrar.

• The reseller then offers domain registration services on their platform or website powered by an accredited registrar like Name.com.

• Interested customers can then purchase these domains through the reseller.

This model allows businesses to expand their service offerings without becoming accredited registrars themselves—a complex and costly process. Domain resellers thus act as intermediaries, leveraging their platforms to connect customers with legitimate domains.³

Is Domain Reselling Right for My Business? 

Any business with a digital presence can benefit from domain reselling, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. Popular resellers may include web development and design companies, marketing and branding agencies, IT service providers, freelancers, and consultants in the digital space. 

But before diving into domain reselling, businesses must evaluate whether this venture aligns with their current operations and goals. Consider questions such as:

• Do I understand what domain reselling involves?
• Is there a demand for domain names within my target market?
• Can my current business infrastructure support an additional service?
• How does domain reselling complement my existing products or services?
• What are the potential profitability and costs involved?
• What risks are involved, and how can I mitigate them?

Even businesses in unique industries like real estate and gaming can benefit from offering domain reselling services. With an average of 33,000 new domain registrations daily,² the resale service market is booming for those positioned to implement it.⁴

Domain Reselling: Top Benefits to Consider

Having discussed who can benefit from domain reselling, it’s also essential to understand how. As more businesses recognize the value of a distinct digital identity, consider these five compelling benefits of becoming a domain reseller: 

#1 Build Customer Value

Domain resellers can enhance existing offerings by providing a diverse portfolio of domains tailored to their audience. Specialized TLDs like .bio, .fyi, and .green can be particularly attractive to niche markets such as: 

• Content creators 
• SaaS providers
• Tech platforms 
• Sustainable businesses

Ultimately, offering unique domains expands your product range while boosting customer engagement and satisfaction.

#2 Scalable and Affordable

One of the most attractive aspects of domain reselling is the minimal upfront costs compared to other business ventures. As your customer base grows, so does your profit potential, making domain reselling a highly scalable business model.

#3 Easy to Implement Without Major Technical Lift

Thanks to modern API and iFrame solutions, integrating domain reselling into existing platforms is relatively straightforward. These tools allow businesses to add reselling services without a significant investment of time or technical resources.⁵

#4 Additional Stream of Income

Domain reselling offers new, potentially lucrative income streams for your business. These profits can come from: 

• Direct domain sales
• Recurring renewal revenue 
• Upselling opportunities
• Customer acquisitions 

Considering the diversified sources of revenue and enhanced market flexibility, domain reselling offers a value all of its own.

#5 Improve User Experience

With domain reselling services, you make it even easier for your customers to acquire (and manage) their unique digital identity. As they leverage your platform—one that they trust—to purchase, renew, or manage their domains, you streamline a process that might otherwise be scattered over multiple service providers, improving the final experience.

Becoming a Domain Reseller: Where to Start

Ready to take the first steps into domain reselling? Here’s what you need to know to get started: 

What to Consider When Selecting a Domain Reseller Partner

Choosing the right partner is essential when implementing domain reselling services. The ideal partner should offer: 

• Customization options for a seamless user experience aligned with your brand.

• Scalable solutions that grow with your business through enhanced integration and potential revenue streams.

• Secure checkout to protect yourself and your customers.

• A support team capable of handling complex integrations and resolving issues quickly.

An informed decision at this step is vital and can lay the foundation for a strong partnership that supports your business objectives.

Integrate it Into Your Platform

You have two main options to integrate domain reselling into your platform—API or iFrame solutions⁵: 

• API (Application Programming Interface) – An API enables deeper integration with your existing systems, offering maximum flexibility and control over the user experience. However, it requires more technical expertise to implement.

• iFrame – A single snippet of code that embeds domain search and registration processes directly into your website. An iFrame is easier to implement but offers less customization.

Both options are available through Name.com, an Identity Digital company, ensuring a balance of functionality and ease of implementation to suit different business needs.

Marketing and Promotion

To ensure your domain reselling service reaches your target audience, focus on developing a strong branding strategy to position your service as a trusted resource. Leverage content marketing by creating valuable blog posts and eBooks to attract potential customers and establish authority. Simplify the domain selection process with advanced search tools that align with customers’ business goals. Streamline the registration process to avoid abandoned carts, and incorporate user-friendly tools on your platform. Finally, offer incentives such as premium packages, limited-time deals, and loyalty programs to encourage domain purchases and promote them effectively to your target audience. Launching a domain reselling service requires not only a strategic setup but also robust marketing to ensure it reaches your target audience.⁶

Partner with Identity Digital and Name.com for Your Domain Reselling Needs

The combined forces of Identity Digital and Name.com offer a robust platform for domain reselling. This collaboration provides a complete solution from registry to registrar, equipping resellers like you with the tools needed to succeed in the digital marketplace.

Comprehensive Registry and Registrar Services

Identity Digital, as the registry, manages a diverse and ever-expanding portfolio of innovative top-level domains, ensuring you always have access to the latest, most desirable domain extensions.

Name.com, a subsidiary acting as the registrar, complements this by providing user-friendly registration services and simplifying domain management for you and your clients. With API and iFrame integration options, Name.com also makes it easy for businesses to seamlessly incorporate domain reselling into their existing platforms.

Synergistic Benefits

Partnering with Identity Digital and Name.com unlocks unique synergy, positioning domain resellers like you with strategic advantages, such as: 

• Streamlined operations – Experience hassle-free, seamless domain portfolio management at every step with strategic integration between Identity Digital's registry services and Name.com's registrar capabilities.

• Expanded offerings – Stay competitive and meet the diverse needs of your customer base with full access to exclusive domains, from traditional classics to niche TLDs.

• Dedicated support and resources – Empower your domain reselling success by leveraging both partners’ robust support and comprehensive educational materials, ranging from marketing tools and promotional content to 24/7 technical assistance.

• Marketing and co-branding opportunities – Leverage the strong market presence and credibility of both Identity Digital and Name.com to enhance your marketing efforts. Co-branding opportunities can help elevate your visibility and attract a broader customer base.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, demand for domain names is only set to increase. By taking advantage of this synergistic partnership, you can position yourself at the forefront of a growing, lucrative market.

Are you ready to explore the benefits of domain reselling? See how Beacons integrated domains to drive value for their business.

Contact us today to learn how a partnership with Identity Digital and Name.com can open new growth opportunities for your business and deliver exceptional value to your clients. 

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Sources: 

1. IBIS World. Web Domain Name Sales in the US (2024 – 2029). https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/web-domain-name-sales-industry/#IndustryStatisticsAndTrends‍
2. Domain Wheel. 35+ Must-Know Domain Name Statistics (2024). https://domainwheel.com/domain-name-statistics/#gref
3. Identity Digital. What Is Domain Reselling? https://www.identity.digital/newsroom/reseller-what-is-domain-reselling‍
4. Name.com. Is Domain Reselling Right for My Business? https://www.name.com/blog/is-domain-reselling-right-for-my-business
5. Name.com. Domain Reselling via API vs. an iFrame: What’s the Difference? https://www.name.com/blog/domain-reselling-via-api-vs-iframe
6. Identity Digital. 6 Steps to Market Domain Reselling On Your Platform. https://www.identity.digital/newsroom/6-steps-to-market-domain-reselling-on-your-platform