Shelved Domains

About Shelved Domains

Shelved Domains is a specialized online marketplace designed to connect buyers with high-quality, unused domain names sourced directly from indie makers, founders, and small-scale entrepreneurs. The platform addresses a fundamental gap in the domain aftermarket by focusing on affordability and quality, offering a curated selection where every domain is priced at $1000 or less. This stands in direct contrast to traditional marketplaces, which are often dominated by corporate resellers and speculative pricing that can place premium domains out of reach for bootstrapped projects. For buyers, it provides a straightforward, "Buy It Now" shopping experience across more than 20 categories such as SaaS, AI, Developer Tools, and E-Commerce, with all transactions securely facilitated through established registrars and marketplaces like Sedo, Afternic, and Porkbun. For sellers, it offers a simple, commission-free avenue to list domains they no longer need, helping them recoup costs without the hassle of negotiations or additional fees. At its core, Shelved Domains creates a trusted, community-oriented space where valuable digital assets can find a new purpose at fair and accessible prices.

Features of Shelved Domains

Curated, Affordable Domain Selection

Shelved Domains is built on a foundation of careful curation. Every domain listed is handpicked, ensuring it meets a standard of quality and relevance. Crucially, all domains adhere to a strict price ceiling of $1000, with many available for $500 or less. This removes the price inflation common on other platforms and guarantees buyers access to premium names at indie-maker-friendly prices, spanning a wide array of niches and industries.

Straightforward "Buy It Now" Purchasing

The platform eliminates the complexity and uncertainty of domain negotiations. Every listing features a fixed "Buy It Now" price. This transparent approach allows buyers to immediately secure a domain they want without haggling, making the acquisition process fast, simple, and predictable. It respects the time of both buyers and sellers by providing a clear path to ownership.

Secure, Platform-Backed Transactions

To ensure safety and reliability, Shelved Domains does not handle payments or transfers directly. Instead, all purchases are completed through trusted, industry-standard platforms like Sedo, Afternic, and Porkbun. This means buyers benefit from these platforms' established escrow services and secure transfer procedures, while sellers keep their domains registered with their preferred service.

Commission-Free Marketplace for Sellers

Sellers can list their unused domains on Shelved Domains without paying any additional commission or listing fee to the marketplace itself. The only costs incurred are those charged by the underlying transfer platform (e.g., Sedo or Afternic). This model is designed to maximize value for sellers, allowing them to reach a targeted audience of buyers while keeping their assets and sales process on their existing, trusted registrar.

Use Cases of Shelved Domains

Founders Launching a New Project

An entrepreneur or indie developer conceptualizing a new SaaS tool, app, or online service can browse Shelved Domains to find a memorable, brandable web address that fits their vision and budget. Instead of settling for a compromised name or overpaying on a generic marketplace, they can acquire a high-quality domain from a fellow founder, providing a strong foundation for their launch.

Makers Recouping Costs on Shelved Ideas

When a founder decides not to proceed with a project, the associated domain name often becomes a sunk cost. Shelved Domains provides an ideal outlet for these individuals to list their unused domain, connect it with a buyer who can give it new life, and recover a portion of their initial investment, effectively turning a dormant asset into capital for future endeavors.

Businesses Seeking a Strategic Domain Upgrade

An established small business or startup looking to rebrand or secure a more concise, keyword-rich, or professional domain can use the marketplace. The curated, affordable selection allows them to find an upgrade that enhances their market presence and SEO potential without the prohibitive expense typically associated with premium domain acquisitions.

Investors and Developers Building a Portfolio

Individuals interested in acquiring domains for future development projects or as part of a digital asset portfolio can utilize Shelved Domains as a source of reasonably priced, quality names. The "Buy It Now" model and clear pricing allow for efficient portfolio building with domains that have inherent value due to their curation and origin from real projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the buying process work?

When you find a domain you wish to purchase on Shelved Domains, you will click the "Buy It Now" link associated with that listing. This redirects you to the secure sales page on the platform where the domain is registered, such as Sedo, Afternic, or Porkbun. You complete the transaction and domain transfer directly through that established platform, which handles payment security and the transfer procedure.

Are there any fees for sellers to list domains?

No, Shelved Domains does not charge sellers any commission or additional listing fee. Sellers simply list their domain for sale on one of the supported platforms (Sedo, Afternic, or Porkbun) and then add their listing to the Shelved Domains directory. The only fees involved are the standard transaction fees charged by the transfer platform you use to complete the sale.

What kinds of domains are listed on the marketplace?

The marketplace features a handpicked selection of domains across over 20 categories, including SaaS, AI, Developer Tools, E-Commerce, B2B, Health, Music, and Community. All domains are sourced from indie makers and founders, are considered high-quality and brandable, and are priced at $1000 or less, with a focus on names from shelved or unused projects.

Who is behind Shelved Domains?

Shelved Domains is built and maintained by Blue Whale Software. The platform operates as a curated directory designed to serve the specific needs of the indie maker and founder community by providing a focused alternative to large, impersonal domain marketplaces.