How to Buy and Sell on NameBase — Step-by-Step TutorialNameBase is a marketplace and ecosystem for Handshake (HNS) domain names — decentralized, blockchain-based top-level domains (TLDs). This step-by-step tutorial walks you through buying and selling on NameBase, from setting up accounts and wallets to listing, bidding, transferring, and best practices to stay safe.
Overview: What is NameBase and Handshake (HNS)
Handshake (HNS) is a decentralized naming protocol that enables TLDs to be owned, traded, and managed via a blockchain. NameBase is a web platform and marketplace built to make it easy to discover, buy, sell, and manage Handshake names. NameBase supports auctions, direct listings, and transfers, and integrates with HNS wallets and the HNS blockchain.
Before you start — accounts, wallet, and funds
- Create a NameBase account
- Visit NameBase and sign up with an email and password. Complete any required verification steps.
- Secure your account
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if available. Use a strong, unique password.
- Get an HNS wallet (NameBase has a built-in wallet)
- NameBase provides custodial HNS wallet functionality. You can also use external wallets that support Handshake.
- Acquire HNS tokens
- Purchase HNS on NameBase (through their on-ramp) or on an exchange that lists HNS and transfer it to your NameBase wallet. Ensure you have a small extra amount to cover transaction fees.
Buying on NameBase — step-by-step
- Browse or search names
- Use the marketplace search to find names by keyword, TLD, length, or other filters. Review name details, including ownership history, price, and auction status.
- Understand listing types
- Auctions: Names can be acquired via sealed or open auctions. Observe the auction end time and current highest bid.
- Buy now / fixed-price listings: Some owners set a fixed price for instant purchase.
- Offers: You can place offers on names even if not listed for sale.
- Place a bid (for auctions)
- Select the name, click the bid button, and enter a bid amount in HNS. Confirm the bid — your HNS will be reserved/locked for the auction according to NameBase rules.
- Monitor the auction for competing bids and be prepared to increase your bid before the auction ends.
- Buy now (for fixed-price listings)
- Click “Buy” and confirm the HNS payment. The platform will handle transfer steps per NameBase flow.
- Accept an offer (if selling to you) or finalize acquisition
- If you win an auction or complete a purchase, follow prompts to finalize transfer into your NameBase wallet. Check on-chain transaction status if needed.
- Transfer name to external wallet (optional)
- If you prefer non-custodial ownership, use the transfer/export function in NameBase to move the name to an external Handshake-compatible wallet. Follow the wallet’s address/handshake transfer instructions.
Selling on NameBase — step-by-step
- Decide your selling method
- Auction: Good for potentially high-demand names; market decides price.
- Fixed-price listing: Good for clear-valued names or quick sales.
- Accept offers: Enable offers so buyers can propose prices.
- List your name
- From your NameBase account, navigate to your portfolio, select the name, and choose “Sell” or “List.”
- For auctions: Set starting bid, reserve (if available), and auction duration. For fixed-price: set price and optional expiration.
- Provide listing details
- Add a clear description, relevant tags, and any transfer notes. Accurate information reduces disputes.
- Manage bids and offers
- Monitor incoming bids and offers. You can accept, counter, or decline offers. For auctions, follow the progress and respond to questions from bidders.
- Finalize sale and transfer
- When a sale completes, NameBase handles transfer to the buyer’s account or facilitates escrow-style completion. Confirm HNS receipt in your wallet. If the buyer requests external transfer, follow NameBase transfer procedures and confirm transaction on-chain.
- Withdraw HNS or convert to fiat
- After sale, you can keep HNS in NameBase, transfer to an external wallet, or sell HNS on exchanges or NameBase’s on-ramp for fiat. Follow the platform’s withdrawal steps and any KYC/AML rules for fiat conversion.
Transferring names (in detail)
- Internal transfers (within NameBase): Usually instant and handled by the platform.
- External transfers (to other wallets/exchanges): Initiate export from NameBase; provide recipient’s Handshake address; pay network fees if required; wait for on-chain confirmations.
- Accept and verify: The recipient should confirm they received the name on-chain and that DNS settings and records transferred correctly.
Fees, taxes, and legal considerations
- NameBase fees: Marketplace fees, listing fees, and withdrawal fees can apply. Check the current fee schedule on NameBase.
- Network fees: HNS transaction fees are typically low but present for transfers.
- Taxes: Selling domains may be taxable as capital gains or income depending on jurisdiction. Keep records of purchases, sales, and values. Consult a tax professional.
Safety, best practices, and tips
- Do not share private keys or seed phrases.
- Use 2FA and a strong password.
- For high-value transfers, use escrow services or transfer only after payment clears and is confirmed on-chain.
- Verify buyer/seller reputation and review feedback if available.
- Keep records (screenshots, transaction IDs) of bids, listings, and transfers.
- Consider small test transfers when moving names or HNS to an external wallet.
- Watch for phishing sites — always confirm you are on the official NameBase domain.
Troubleshooting common issues
- Missing transfer: Check on-chain transaction status and contact NameBase support with transaction ID.
- Stuck bid or locked funds: Review auction rules and contact NameBase support if funds are not released after auction conclusion.
- Payment disputes: Preserve all communications and transaction records; escalate to NameBase support or use platform dispute resolution if available.
Quick checklist
- Account created and 2FA enabled
- HNS funded in your NameBase wallet (plus fees)
- Confirm auction timelines or listing details
- Keep records: transaction IDs, screenshots, descriptions
- Use test transfers for large amounts
This tutorial covers the typical workflows for buying and selling Handshake names on NameBase. If you want, I can convert this into a shorter quick-start guide, add screenshots for each step, or provide example auction bidding strategies.
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