Buying Domains

Why buy domains on our marketplace?

Our domain marketplace offers buyers a secure and cost-effective way to buy aftermarket domains. Here’s why you should consider buying domains on ZKP2P:

• Authentic Listings: We verify that sellers actually own the domains they list using cryptographic proofs. This ensures that every domain on our marketplace is genuine and available, so you can trust that what you buy exists.

• Lower Fees, Better Prices: Unlike traditional domain marketplaces that charge high service fees (up to 20%), we operate with much lower fees (2%). These savings are passed on to both buyers and sellers, meaning you’ll find domains listed at lower prices on our platform.

• Near-Instant Delivery: No waiting for days or weeks to settle a domain sale. When a seller accepts your bid, simply accept the transfer to receive the domain automatically.

• No Disputes, No Hassle: We eliminate the frustrations of disputes and unreliable sellers. Our platform requires sellers to generate cryptographic proofs for every action—such as domain ownership and transfer acceptance—leaving no room for disputes. Seller will not receive your funds until after you have received your domain

• Buyer Protection: Your payment is held securely in an escrow smart contract until the seller successfully transfers the domain to you. If the domain isn’t transferred or there’s an issue, your funds are safe, and you can initiate a refund after a lock duration. This protects you from potential fraud or issues with sellers.

• Global: Sellers are global which leads to better discovery of domains that you may want to buy. Simply use ETH as the currency of exchange rather than negotiating fiat payment rails with the seller

How to buy domains?

Buying domains on our marketplace is easy and secure, and the process ensures that you get legitimate domains promptly. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Get ETH 🔮

Before you can purchase domains on our marketplace, you'll need to have some cryptocurrency to fund your transaction. Here’s how you can get started:

• Use Coinbase or Other On-Ramps: You can acquire cryptocurrency using popular services like Coinbase. Create an account on Coinbase (or your preferred crypto exchange), link your payment method, and buy the required amount of cryptocurrency (e.g., Ethereum). After purchasing, transfer your crypto to a secure wallet that you control.

• ZKP2P On-Ramp: For a more seamless experience, you can use the ZKP2P on-ramp. This service allows you to convert fiat currency (e.g., USD) into cryptocurrency directly using day to day payment rails like Venmo. This is a quick and easy way to get the funds you need to buy domains on our platform.

Read more here to know more ways of getting funds onchain using ZKP2P

💵On-ramping

Step 2: Place a bid

Now that you have crypto, follow these steps to place a bid for your desired domains:

• Create an Account on Namecheap: If you don’t already have an account on Namecheap, you’ll need to create one. This is important because the domain transfer will happen through Namecheap, and you’ll need an account to receive the domain.

• Browse and Select a Domain: Go to our marketplace's Browse page, where you can search for the domain with the TLD you want to purchase. Once you find a domain that suits your needs, click on it to view the details, price, and any other relevant information.

• Place a Bid: After reviewing the details, click Bid Now, enter the your Namecheap ID associated with your account, and place your bid. This action will lock your ETH in escrow, where they will be securely held by the smart contract until the domain transfer is completed.

Once your bid is placed, the seller will be notified to initiate the domain transfer.

Step 3: Enable Instant Accept

Head to the My Bids page to enable Instant Accept. This allows you to automatically receive domains when your bid wins. Sellers prefer buyers with Instant Accept, increasing your chances of winning domain auctions.

1. First head to My Bids and click the Instance Accept button on the top right

2. Head to your Namecheap profile settings page and configure To accept ownership of domains to true and click Save Changes. Now click Enable Accept and confirm the transaction

1. You are all set to bid and receive domains seamlessly!

Step 4: Alternative Flow -- Accept Domain (Not Recommended)

If you do not have instant accept configured, then you must accept the domain transfer from the seller. This is not recommended as Sellers prefer Buyers who have configured Instant Accept on.

You will receive an email from Namecheap to accept the domain. Here’s what you need to do next:

1. Check Your Email: The email address you provided when placing your order will receive a notification from Namecheap, informing you that the domain transfer has been initiated by the seller. Open the email and follow the instructions provided by Namecheap.

   
2. Accept the Transfer: Click on the link in the email to accept the domain transfer. This will move the domain into your Namecheap account.

3. Once you’ve accepted the domain, you're done! Now, the seller can generate a proof of transfer to claim your ETH locked in the escrow contract. You don’t have to take any further steps—enjoy your new domain!

How to cancel bids and initiate withdraws?

The refund process exists in case for whatever reason the seller is unable to deliver their domains. A refund can be initiated 24 hours after an order is placed on a listing. If the buyer has accepted the transfer from the seller, a refund will not be possible.

In order to start a refund, navigate to the My Bids page and view your Bids. In the Active Bids table, you should see the delete icon to start a refund by submitting a transaction to the contract. Once a refund is initiated, the state will move from Active to Refund Initiated, and a 24-hour period must elapse to give the seller time to revoke their transfer in case it is still outstanding or submit proof of acceptance for the transfer.

After this period has elapsed, the bid will move from a Refund Initiated state to Bid Expired. Now, the buyer can return to their My Bids page and finalize the refund, which will return ETH to their account.

What are the risks as a buyer?

😬Risks