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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about buying domains, payment options, transfers, and more. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us.

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Buying Domains

7 questions

How do I purchase a domain on Markforge?expand_more
Browse our domain collection, select a domain you like, and click "Buy Now" or "Add to Cart." Choose your payment option (instant purchase or installment plan), then complete the secure checkout process. You'll receive confirmation and transfer instructions via email within 24 hours.
What payment methods do you accept?expand_more
We accept multiple payment methods for your convenience: credit and debit cards through Stripe, ACH bank transfers (US accounts) through Stripe, Escrow.com for high-value transactions, and 6 or 12 month installment plans (12-month available for domains over $1,500). All transactions are secured with SSL encryption and buyer protection.
Can I negotiate the price of a domain?expand_more
Our prices are transparent and competitive. For high-value domains (typically over $50,000) or bulk purchases of multiple domains, please contact our sales team to discuss possible pricing options. We're committed to making premium domains accessible.
Is my payment information secure?expand_more
Absolutely. All payments are processed through industry-leading platforms (Stripe and Escrow.com) with bank-level SSL encryption, PCI DSS compliance, and fraud protection. We never store your complete payment information on our servers. Your security is our top priority.
What happens after I complete my purchase?expand_more
After purchase confirmation, you'll receive a detailed email with your order summary and next steps. Within 24 hours, we'll initiate the domain transfer process and send you the authorization code. You can track your transfer status in your account dashboard, and our support team is available to assist at any stage.
Can I cancel my purchase?expand_more
For domains under $4,000 purchased outright, you can request a refund within 24 hours of purchase, provided you haven't initiated the transfer from your Transfer Center. A 5% cancellation fee applies. You are not eligible for a refund after the domain transfer has been initiated, or after 24 hours of purchase (whichever happens first). For installment plans, you can cancel future payments at any time, but payments already made are non-refundable.
Do you offer buyer protection?expand_more
Yes, we offer buyer protection. If Markforge is unable to transfer the domain to your ownership for any reason, you will receive a full refund of your purchase amount with no cancellation fee. All transactions are processed through secure payment channels, and your investment is protected throughout the entire process.
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Installment Plans

7 questions

How do installment plans work?expand_more
Our installment plans allow you to spread payments over 6 months (all domains) or 12 months (domains over $1,500) with no credit check required. You can start using the domain immediately after the first payment. Monthly payments are automatically charged to your payment method on file. Once all payments are complete, full ownership transfers to you.
What are the terms of the installment plan?expand_more
Installment plans are available in 6-month terms for all domains, or 12-month terms for domains priced over $1,500. Payments are divided equally with no interest or hidden fees. The first payment is due at checkout, followed by the remaining monthly payments. You maintain usage rights to the domain during the payment period, but full legal ownership transfers only after the final payment is complete.
Can I use the domain before paying in full?expand_more
Yes! You can start using the domain immediately after your first payment. You'll have full usage rights to point the domain to your website, set up email, and use it for your business. However, the legal ownership and registrar transfer will occur only after all payments are completed.
What happens if I miss a payment?expand_more
If a payment fails, we'll notify you immediately via email and retry the charge after 3 days. If payment fails again, your account will be paused, and domain usage may be suspended after 7 days. You can update your payment method in your account settings at any time. We're here to work with you if you experience temporary payment difficulties.
Can I pay off my installment plan early?expand_more
Yes, you can pay off your remaining balance at any time without penalty. To do so, please contact our support team via live chat, our contact form, or email at support@markforge.xyz with your order details, and we'll process the early payoff through our payment system. The domain ownership will transfer to you once the full amount is confirmed.
Is there a credit check for installment plans?expand_more
No credit check is required for our installment plans. We believe in making premium domains accessible to all entrepreneurs and startups. All you need is a valid payment method to get started.
Can I cancel my installment plan?expand_more
Yes, you can request a cancellation of future installment payments at any time. However, any installment payments already received are non-refundable. Once canceled, the domain will revert to the original seller.
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Domain Transfers

7 questions

How long does a domain transfer take?expand_more
Most domain transfers complete within 5-10 days. The timeline depends on your receiving registrar's processing speed and how quickly you approve the transfer. Some registrars complete transfers within 24 hours, while others may take up to 10 days. We initiate transfers within 24 hours of purchase confirmation.
What is the domain transfer process?expand_more
After purchase: (1) We unlock the domain and send you the authorization code within 24 hours. (2) You initiate the transfer at your chosen registrar using the code. (3) You approve the transfer via email from your registrar (usually within 2-3 days). (4) The transfer completes automatically or after registrar approval (5-10 days total). (5) You receive full ownership confirmation.
Can I choose my own domain registrar?expand_more
Yes, you can transfer the domain to any ICANN-accredited registrar of your choice, such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, Cloudflare, or any other provider. We provide the authorization code and transfer instructions, and you complete the transfer with your preferred registrar.
What information do I need to complete a transfer?expand_more
You'll need: (1) The authorization/EPP code (provided by us via email), (2) Admin email access to approve the transfer, (3) An account with your chosen registrar, and (4) Ensure the domain is unlocked (we handle this). We provide detailed step-by-step transfer instructions for all major registrars.
Will my website go down during the transfer?expand_more
No, your website will remain fully operational during the transfer. DNS settings and nameservers stay active throughout the process. The transfer only changes domain ownership and registrar records—your website, email, and all services continue working normally without any interruption.
What happens if the transfer fails?expand_more
Transfer failures are rare but can happen due to incorrect authorization codes, domain locks, or registrar issues. If a transfer fails, we'll work with you immediately to identify and resolve the issue. Common solutions include resending the authorization code, verifying admin email access, or contacting the registrar. If for any reason Markforge is unable to complete the transfer to your ownership, you will receive a full refund of your purchase amount with no cancellation fee.
Is there a fee for domain transfers?expand_more
There are no transfer fees from Markforge. However, most receiving registrars charge a standard transfer fee (typically $10-15) that includes a one-year domain registration renewal. This fee goes directly to your new registrar, not to us. We include all necessary transfer documentation and support at no additional cost.
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Account & Orders

6 questions

Do I need an account to purchase a domain?expand_more
Yes, creating a free account is required to purchase domains. This allows you to track your orders, manage transfers, access domain documentation, view payment history, and receive important updates. Account creation takes less than a minute and helps us provide you with better support.
How do I track my domain transfer?expand_more
Log into your Markforge account and navigate to "My Orders" or "Domains." Each order shows a real-time status tracker with steps like "Payment Confirmed," "Transfer Initiated," "Awaiting Approval," and "Transfer Complete." You'll also receive email notifications at each stage of the process.
Can I purchase multiple domains at once?expand_more
Yes, you can add multiple domains to your cart and complete a single checkout. Bulk purchases may qualify for volume discounts—contact our sales team if you're interested in purchasing 5 or more domains. Each domain will have its own transfer process, but we'll coordinate everything for you.
How do I update my payment information?expand_more
You can manage your payment methods through the Stripe customer portal. Log into your Markforge account and navigate to your billing settings to access the secure portal where you can add, update, or remove payment methods. For active installment plans, updating your payment method ensures uninterrupted payments.
Can I get an invoice for my purchase?expand_more
Yes, invoices are automatically generated for all purchases through Stripe and sent to your email. You can also access and download invoices through the Stripe customer portal via your account's billing settings. Invoices include all transaction details, payment breakdowns, and tax information if applicable.
How do I change my account email address?expand_more
To change your account email address, please contact our support team via live chat, our contact form, or email at support@markforge.xyz. For security reasons, email changes require verification by our team. Include your current email address and the new email you wish to use, and we'll process your request within 24-48 hours.
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Security & Privacy

5 questions

How do you protect my personal information?expand_more
We take privacy seriously. All personal data is encrypted with industry-standard SSL/TLS protocols, stored on secure servers, and never sold or shared with third parties. We comply with GDPR, CCPA, and other data protection regulations. You can review our complete Privacy Policy for detailed information.
Is my credit card information stored on your servers?expand_more
No, we never store complete credit card information on our servers. All payment processing is handled by Stripe and Escrow.com, both of which are PCI DSS Level 1 certified (the highest security standard). Only encrypted payment tokens are stored for recurring installment payments.
Does Markforge use two-factor authentication?expand_more
Yes, Markforge uses email-based two-factor authentication (2FA) for all accounts. When you sign in, you'll receive a verification code at your registered email address that you must enter to complete the login process. This security measure is always enabled and cannot be disabled, ensuring your account remains protected at all times.
What happens if my account is compromised?expand_more
If you suspect unauthorized account access, immediately change your password and contact our support team via live chat, our contact form, or email at support@markforge.xyz. We'll freeze your account, review all recent activity, and help secure your domains and orders. We have fraud detection systems in place and will assist with recovery if needed.
Can I delete my account?expand_more
Yes, you can request account deletion by contacting our support team via live chat, our contact form, or email at support@markforge.xyz. Account deletion is not self-service for security reasons. Please note that active orders, installment plans, or pending transfers must be completed or canceled first. Once your account is deleted, all personal information is permanently removed from our systems within 30 days, per data protection regulations.
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Technical Questions

6 questions

Can I update DNS settings before the transfer completes?expand_more
If you're on an installment plan with immediate domain usage, yes—we'll provide you with access to a Cloudflare account where you can manage DNS settings for your domain. A self-service DNS management panel is coming soon. For instant purchases, DNS control transfers to you once the domain transfer to your registrar is complete, and you can then manage DNS through your registrar's control panel.
Do domains come with email hosting?expand_more
Domains are sold without email hosting included. However, once you own the domain, you can set up email through your registrar (many offer email forwarding for free) or use third-party email providers like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or Zoho Mail. We can provide recommendations based on your needs.
Can I use the domain with any web hosting provider?expand_more
Yes, absolutely. Once you own the domain, you can point it to any web hosting provider you choose—whether that's Vercel, Netlify, AWS, DigitalOcean, Bluehost, or any other hosting service. Domain ownership and web hosting are completely separate, giving you full flexibility.
What is an authorization code (EPP code)?expand_more
An authorization code (also called EPP code or transfer code) is a unique security code required to transfer a domain between registrars. We provide this code to you via email after purchase. It proves you have permission to transfer the domain and prevents unauthorized transfers.
Do you provide WHOIS privacy protection?expand_more
WHOIS privacy protection is managed by your registrar, not by Markforge. Most modern registrars (like Cloudflare, Namecheap, and GoDaddy) offer free WHOIS privacy protection. Once your domain transfers to your registrar, you can enable WHOIS privacy in your registrar's control panel to protect your personal contact information.
Can I transfer an expired domain?expand_more
No, domains must be active and not expired to complete a transfer. If a domain is expired, it must first be renewed at the current registrar before transfer can occur. We verify all domain status before listing on Markforge, and we'll renew the domain if needed before initiating your transfer.
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Support & Contact

6 questions

How can I contact Markforge support?expand_more
You can reach us through live chat on our website, our contact form, or email at support@markforge.xyz. We typically respond within 24-48 hours. For urgent transfer or payment issues, note "Urgent" in your message subject.
What are your support hours?expand_more
Our support team is available Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM EST. While we don't offer 24/7 support, we monitor critical systems around the clock and will respond to urgent technical issues outside business hours when necessary.
Do you offer phone support?expand_more
We provide support through live chat, our contact form, and email at support@markforge.xyz to ensure detailed, documented communication and faster resolution. For high-value domain purchases or complex partnership discussions, we can schedule phone or video calls with our team.
How long does it take to get a response?expand_more
We aim to respond to all inquiries within 24-48 hours. Urgent issues related to payment processing or transfer failures are prioritized and typically addressed sooner. Complex questions about custom partnerships or bulk purchases may take slightly longer for a thorough response.
Can I speak with a domain broker?expand_more
Yes, our domain brokers are available to help with domain negotiations, alternative domain recommendations, and custom acquisition requests. Use our contact form and select "Domain Broker Request" to connect with an experienced broker who can assist with your specific needs.
Do you have a knowledge base or help center?expand_more
Yes, our Help Center provides detailed guides on purchasing domains, managing transfers, understanding payment options, and troubleshooting common issues. You can access it from the footer of any page or by searching for specific topics on this FAQ page.
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Still Have Questions?

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Our support team is here to help with any questions about domains, payments, transfers, or partnerships.

FAQ - Domain Buying Questions Answered | Markforge | Markforge