I'm very new to buying websites and such, so I'm asking for your help in finding out more about this. I'm wondering what information do I need to know about the website before finalizing a purchase. Rankings? Hits? Uniques? Also, before the purchase, I'm assuming that I need to have the other party sign non-compete and non-disclosure agreements. If the site was a couple hundred bucks, I wouldn't go through all this, but when talking about a few thousand, I'm a little worried about crossing my t's and dotting all the i's. Thanks in advance!
I am not sure to post this topic here, but however.. First check domain name - it may be banned,check domain age, check previous drops. Ask for proof of income if possible, check Alexa ranking. Check competitors, check if content is copied and also if there is any dispute of domain trade marks, for legal issues and agreement it am not quite sure, as web law is so confusing, try to find a good tech lawyer who can arrange the contract for you and can make a good audit of website before you purchase.
The legal necessities for this sale depend upon the terms of your agreement with the seller. If it's a straight purchase (you pay $x, he transfers the domain), I don't necessarily see a need for any type of non-disclosure agreement. But a non-compete agreement would be a good idea. You wouldn't want the seller to create a duplicate website on a similar domain and start competing with you. Just be careful with non-compete clauses. They typically have to be "reasonable" to be enforceable. Also be sure to use a domain escrow agent. You definitely don't want to get stiffed when talking about thousands of dollars.
Ask for cpanel screenshots, domain screenshot (from godaddy/other panel), if possible enter through an escrow.
A couple of things: Good due diligence and a well-drafted purchase agreement. Check all ownership of intellectual property. A site that is built with unlicensed copyrighted articles, photos, software, etc... will give you no legal rights and big potential liabilities. Even if the owner paid people to write the content and it is copied from somewhere else, that will be your problem. In fact, even if the owner paid people as independent contractors to create original content and they did write the material themselves, under US law if the owner did not get a work-for-hire agreement in writing, the copyright belongs to the author, not the owner of the website. The owner can use the article for its intended purpose, but the residual rights are not his. Independently verify what the seller is telling you. Besides some of the avenues already listed in this thread, you can check Internet Archive if the site is old enough, Copyscape the pages, check backlinks to see where they are coming from. Screen shots of pages from affiliate programs can be easily faked. If the person is claiming substantial revenues, ask to to see bank statements that tie out to the purported checks. Get a good business attorney. If the purchase price justifies the added expense, get the assistance of a business attorney. He should be familiar with both technology law and business acquisitions.
Oh..there are so many formalities...okay i booked the domain on my name..., my address, i got a host and my site is working.......can any one still steal my ownershipp...or what should i do to be an owner ?? of the website
Does anyone know where to find a generic non compete for a website or domain sale? A link would be great. Thanks in advance.