Question 1

What happens after I send the brief?

Accepted Answer

We review the name, ownership path, and whether the request is realistic to pursue. If it is a fit, we reply with the right next step within 24 to 48 hours. The $99 retainer is charged at that point, only once we have confirmed we can move forward.

Question 2

What does the service cost?

Accepted Answer

$99 retainer when your brief is accepted (paid once, non-refundable), plus 10% commission on the final close price. The seller's asking price is documented in your brief upfront, so the savings we negotiate are always visible. You can decline any closed price; the 10% commission only applies on deals you accept.

Question 3

How does the closing actually work?

Accepted Answer

All deals close through Escrow.com. You wire the agreed domain price plus our 10% commission into escrow. The seller transfers the domain into escrow holding. Escrow.com splits the payout: seller receives the agreed price, ShifteQ receives the commission, and the domain releases to your account. Escrow.com fees are typically 1 to 2% of the transaction and standardly paid by the buyer.

Question 4

What if you can't get the seller to engage?

Accepted Answer

The $99 retainer covers the work regardless of outcome: research, owner identification, and outreach attempts. If the seller refuses to sell, goes silent after initial contact, or cannot be reached, the retainer is not refunded. We will document the outreach attempts in your brief so you can see exactly what was tried and the reason for the outcome.

Question 5

Will the seller know who is buying?

Accepted Answer

Not during the early stage unless it is strategically useful. We represent you under privacy while the deal is being positioned. Your brand, budget ceiling, and intent never leak through outreach. The seller learns the buyer at closing, when terms are already locked.

Question 6

Can we sign an NDA before sharing the target name?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mention it in the brief and we will send an NDA before any sensitive details are exchanged. No extra form fields or hoops. One line in the message is enough. The same NDA covers the negotiation phase if a deal moves forward.

Question 7

Can you help if I already found the listing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. That is often where negotiation support matters most. We can assess price position, owner posture, and whether the listing is worth pursuing. The 10% commission is calculated on the final close price, so a well-negotiated deal still earns our keep without inflating yours.

Question 8

What if I find the seller myself or close the deal outside Escrow.com?

Accepted Answer

Once your brief is accepted, the service agreement includes a standard 90-day tail clause: if you acquire the target domain from the seller we identified within 90 days of our introduction, the 10% commission still applies. This is industry-standard (real estate, recruiting, brokerage) and protects against deals being routed around the broker after the introduction is made. The full clauses are in the service agreement, which is sent before the $99 charge.

Question 9

What if the domain is not worth chasing?

Accepted Answer

We will say that clearly. A direct no is better than weak outreach or pushing you into a bad deal. We will often suggest adjacent options or naming directions worth considering. The retainer is not charged if we cannot move forward at all.

Question 10

I'd rather browse names than chase a specific one. Do you have inventory?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We curate a small portfolio of premium names across .com, .ai, .io, and select category extensions. Short, brandable, ready to register without a chase. Use Premium Domains if you want to start from what is already available.

Question 11

How do I know a name is actually worth what someone is asking?

Accepted Answer

We run domain appraisals against comparable sales, traffic data where available, and current market context. Useful before making an offer, accepting a sale, or valuing a portfolio. Lighter scope than concierge, faster turnaround.

Pick the domain.
We close the deal.

Real names. Real owners. Quiet deals.

Going direct gets expensive.

Strategy call before the brief.

Before we go after a name.

Acquire the name you want.

Pick the domain.We close the deal.