It has been a busy week at Sedo, beginning with the launch of a new auction feature called “Direct Auction” that will be of interest to many domain sellers. In the past there were only two ways you could auction off one of your domains at Sedo - either submit an application for the GreatDomains auction which is restricted by premium criteria or by receiving a first offer from a buyer which then allowed for a Marketplace Auction. 

The new Direct Auction, which carries a $59 fee, offers a third option that puts sellers in full control.  They  choose the domains that they want to be auctioned off and determine 

a start time that works for them and their desired minimum bid. Since the fee is non-refundable sellers will obviously want to select domains they believe will generate interest (domains that sell will also be subject to Sedo's standard sales commission). Sedo cited the primary benefits of Direct Auctions to be: 

• Highest level of flexibility: Start your auction any time you want

• Full control: Choose your desired reserve price (between $90 and $10,000).

• Increased reach: Get your own individual auction page link to share with potential buyers

• Maximum exposure: Featured on Sedo's homepage & in matching search results

To start a Direct Auction, a seller needs to first list the domains for sale which can be done from the 'My Domains' menu. After adding the domains that should be sold, sellers can then start their own personal auction with one click on "Promote Domains" below their domain list.

Sellers can choose up to 10 domains per one auction order. After selecting the desired start date and processing their payment, Sedo will send the sellers an individual auction page link, so they can share their domain auction with potential buyers via social media, blogs, e-mail, etc.