Overview

By default, a new Maxanet account is reachable at a URL like abcauctions.prod3.maxanet.auction. Maxanet can mask this public URL so your auction site appears fully branded under your own domain — for example bid.abcauctions.com — by creating an A record in your domain's DNS that points a subdomain at Maxanet's servers. This article covers the exact DNS record you need to add and what to do after adding it.

What domain masking does and what you'll end up with

Domain masking creates a branded subdomain (like bid.yourbusiness.com or auctions.yourbusiness.com) that transparently serves your Maxanet auction pages. Bidders see your domain in their browser bar, trust the brand, and can bookmark your branded URL. The underlying Maxanet URL still exists but the public-facing URL is your own domain.

How to create the required DNS A record

You will need access to your domain name's DNS settings — typically in your domain registrar account (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, Google Domains, etc.). In your domain's Manage DNS settings, create a new A Record with these values:

Host = bid (or whatever subdomain you want — auctions, auction, live, etc.)
Points to (IP address) = 209.10.180.228
TTL = lowest available setting

Save the record. DNS changes can take anywhere from minutes to 48 hours to propagate globally, though most registrars apply them within 15 minutes.

How to notify Maxanet after creating the DNS record

Once you've created the A record in your DNS manager, email support@maxanet.com to let them know the record is in place. Maxanet's team will verify the DNS record and implement the domain masking on their end within 48 hours. After activation, your branded URL will resolve directly to your Maxanet auction pages.

Common questions

What IP address do I point my A record to?

209.10.180.228 — this is Maxanet's public-facing IP for auction site hosting. Use this exact value in your DNS A record.

What host value should I use for the subdomain?

Whatever you want bidders to see. Common choices are 'bid', 'auctions', 'auction', 'live'. Enter just the subdomain portion as the Host (no dot, no domain name).

How long does domain masking take to activate after I create the DNS record?

Up to 48 hours after you notify Maxanet support. Most activations complete within a day if DNS has already propagated.

Can I use my root domain (yourbusiness.com) instead of a subdomain?

Maxanet recommends using a subdomain (bid.yourbusiness.com) rather than the root domain, because your root domain is likely already serving your main business website. Contact support if you have a specific need for root-domain masking.

Will domain masking affect my existing website?

No. Creating a new subdomain A record does not touch your root domain or any other existing subdomains. Your main website continues to work as before.

How to domain-mask your Maxanet auction site to use your own subdomain