How escrow works

Escrow means a neutral company holds the buyer's money until the buyer has the domain. When the marketplace offers escrow, it uses an external, licensed escrow provider. AIODomain never holds escrow money itself.

When you see escrow#

Escrow is an option on the order page when the marketplace has switched it on. It may only be offered above a certain amount, and for large orders it may be the only way to pay. The order page tells you which applies.

The steps#

1. The buyer starts escrow on the order page. The provider opens a transaction with AIODomain as the broker.
2. The buyer pays the provider on the provider's own site, using the link we e-mail and show on the order.
3. Funds secured: the provider confirms it holds the money. The order shows it as paid and the seller is told to transfer.
4. The seller transfers the domain and marks the order transferred.
5. The buyer accepts the domain. The provider pays the seller.

We read every status from the provider directly, so what you see on the order page matches the provider.

Fees#

The provider charges its own fee. The order page shows the estimate and who pays it. The marketplace commission is collected by the provider as the broker fee.

Next: Escrow for buyers and Escrow for sellers.