Comments on: Two Domain Name Observations on a Plane Trip

By: Stephen Douglas

Stephen Douglas — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 01:18:31 +0000

Andrew,

Yep, I can see a lot of buyers going through Afternic for that anonymity, but it’s like “google data aggregation” where they say they collect data from your search usage, but “don’t connect it to your personal records”.

A simple field or two asking during account setup whether the Afternic/Sedo buyer is a “company” or “individual” and their “company’s yearly income range” isn’t too intrusive, and is quite normal in opening business accounts where significant funds are going to be in play. It’s almost like a “credit legitimacy” statement by account holder and short of verification procedures, can be helpful in determining where the seller can start with his price. However I see your point.

By: Mickie Kennedy

Mickie Kennedy — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:27:07 +0000

I have personally seen large companies, especially nonprofits, least likely to pay high for domains. I have done research after research on buyers (even those using Yahoo/hotmail accounts). I get more money on average for smart entrepreneurs and mid-size companies than traditional deep pockets (large firms).

By: Denis

Denis — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:10:32 +0000

Well it’s like me a few months ago.
I sold the domain name syncora (dot) com for 5K but I am sure I could have had at least 10K for it … The only problem is that it had a TM on it. Even though the name was created before the TM was registered, I’m there would have been some legal complications involved. The reason the company wanted the name is because they recently changed their name (in Aug 2008).

It kinda regret it but at the same time, it was still a great sale considering I only paid $60 for it on afternic.

It was a sure eye opener, and has made me rethink the value of domains for the end-user.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:17:35 +0000

Stephen, don’t you think a lot of end users use Afternic et al *because of the anonymity*? I suspect so. Why else would I have sold a domain to Equifax for only $750? Had they come directly to me I would have asked for a lot more. Yes, I’m ashamed of it, but it really wasn’t that good of a domain anyway. And they haven’t started using it 9 months later.

By: Stephen Douglas

Stephen Douglas — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:14:39 +0000

Ooops. Yes, I see that roadblock to my suggestion. Good call. One of the pitfalls of selling through a broker?

I wonder if Afternic and Sedo can “sum up” their buyer’s “business status” with a few extra information fields on signup, so that Sedo can give a few tips on the potential of the buyer having deep pockets, and maybe encourage the seller to consider his selling price. That wouldn’t be underhanded, but more fair to the seller. The buyer won’t spend more than they can afford, and the buyer will benefit with the knowledge that the buyer may be capable of meeting a higher price. Is this a possibility? Ethical?

I’d like to hear some opinions about that suggestion. You heard it hear first.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:06:19 +0000

Stephen, the offer on KingTut.org was anonymous. I think it was through Afternic.

By: Stephen Douglas

Stephen Douglas — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:29:11 +0000

ALWAYS INVESTIGATE YOUR BUYERS! Especially unsolicited offers. Spend an hour on Google or other SE’s and search up buyer’s name “in quotes”, his email address, the domain name of the email address, and any contact info the person includes in their email offer to you.

This is Domain Selling 101.