Buying a domain privately - what's the procedure?

[Matt N]

Hi all, I'm buying a domain name from someone at the moment and aren't 100% sure what documentation / procedure needs to be completed in order for the owner to transfer ownership to me - an ideas?

[xmx]

If you want to be sure you have the domain
transfered to you after you pay for it I
suggest you to use an escrow service.

The best I can suggest is:

http://escrow.com

They are specialised also in domain names.

[Robban]

If you dont use sedo or escrow then make sure you have your agreement in writing. (email is great) Also check that the real person exist both online and offline. As the seller you can ask for payment first which would be best - but if the person comes clean in your mini research and have a real email and a phone number AND if your transaction is small in value it's ok to proceed privately. I also like to announce the transaction in a forum (where you are allowed and encouraged to show domains for sale). Then you could ask your buyer to post a sold reply there.

But Matt is correct. escrow is best.