Highest Priced Domains

The Most Expensive Domain Names Ever Sold

When it comes to the domain market, some domain names have fetched astronomical prices, reflecting their immense value and potential. Here are some of the most expensive domain names ever sold:

• Cars.com: In 2014, Cars.com made headlines when it was sold for a staggering $872 million. This domain name, purchased by media conglomerate Gannett, is now the cornerstone of a highly popular online car marketplace. The sale of Cars.com underscores the significant value that a premium domain can bring to a business, especially in a competitive industry like automotive sales.

• Business.com: Another record-breaking sale occurred in 2007 when Business.com was sold for $345 million. Acquired by RH Donnelly, a company known for its online white and yellow pages directories, this domain name has become a vital asset in the business information sector. The high price tag reflects the domain’s potential to attract substantial traffic and generate revenue.

• LasVegas.com: The domain LasVegas.com was sold for $90 million in 2005, making it one of the most expensive domain names ever sold. Purchased by Vegas.com, this domain is now a leading online travel agency specializing in Las Vegas vacations. The sale highlights the value of domain names that are closely tied to popular travel destinations and local commercial online searches.

• CarInsurance.com: In 2010, CarInsurance.com was sold for $49.7 million to QuinStreet, a vertical marketing and online media company. This domain name’s high value is attributed to its relevance in the lucrative insurance industry, where having a memorable and direct domain can lead to significant traffic and conversions.

• Insurance.com: Also in 2010, QuinStreet made another major acquisition with the purchase of Insurance.com for $35.6 million. This domain name, like CarInsurance.com, is highly valuable due to its direct relevance to the insurance market. The sale of Insurance.com further illustrates the importance of premium domain names in driving business success and establishing a strong online presence.

• 360.com: In 2015, the Chinese internet company Qihoo 360 acquired the domain 360.com for $17 million. This strategic purchase was aimed at expanding Qihoo 360’s brand identity with a .com domain that complemented its existing .cn presence, showcasing the company’s growth in the online market.

These sales demonstrate the immense value that premium domain names can hold, particularly when they are short, memorable, and directly relevant to high-demand industries.

As the domain market continues to evolve, the demand for valuable domain names shows no signs of slowing down, making them a critical asset for businesses looking to enhance their online presence and drive growth (check out our guide to domain names for start-ups).

(info from nameexperts.com)