Despite economic turmoil, I had one of my biggest sales months ever.
Domain parking revenue is down. The world economy is on the brink. The Dow dropped another 350 points today.
Yet for some reason, I had one of my top three months ever for domain sales in September. Those include sales at the Aftermarket.com auction and sales to someone trying to diversify his investment portfolio into domain names. The TRAFFIC auctions were fairly successful, too.
Earlier today I read a blog post from good friend Elliot Silver about how he’s not aggressively buying domains anymore and is turning his attention to maximizing his current portfolio. That makes sense. He needs to properly monetize some domains that he undoubtedly paid a lot of money for (e.g. FrenchRiviera.com and Burbank.com).
There are plenty of people in Elliot’s shoes who have seen sales drop and are tightening ship. I’m doing the same thing — not buying as much, but keeping my eyes open for bargains. Warren Buffett has a keen eye for buying low and has thrown $8 billion into the hat over the past week. He has a shrewd eye for deals, and so should domain investors.
OK Andrew, so what’s the point? Well, my sales last month were strong and perhaps it was just an anomaly. But stay focused on the underlying value of domains, keep your eyes open for deals, and work to maximize your portfolio, and you’ll do just fine.
Anonymous says
Spent xxx,xxx on domains last month… if the opportunity is there for a grab bag, I can’t resist and say no.
Time to buy is now if the cash is there, IMO of course.
hag says
We are refining our niche(s). Dropping those that don’t fit, but buying others that do.
DR. DOMAIN says
I too am refining the portfolio.Starting to set up “proof of concept” sites.Looking for big fish to buy in…or out.
Stephen Douglas says
Yes, I too have been narrowing my niches to strategically control my categories. (and I hate it when the naysayers just try to label me or any domainer trying to sell domains outside their focus niches as “desperate” – whatever).
I have stopped buying domains, even OOTB’s, because with a 10 year filtered list of almost 4000 domains, it’s time for me to focus on niches, buildouts, aftermarket, and domain maturity for future trends. About 1200 of my domains fall outside my focused niches.
Many of these domains make PPC rev, but regardless, I’d rather sell them and use the money to start building out Zappy style.
I only noticed a slight drop in sales in September, but that also probably had to do with requests for some of my future trend domains that were way underbid. (If you want a generic solar domain, don’t tell me your company can only afford $1000).
I think there will be a slight downturn for a month or two, but with the right MARKETING by our domain organizations to the business sector, and even consumers, there’s a great argument to be made in our favor proving that investing in a domain name is a safer bet than any other financial market investment.
J.R. Jackson says
I have been buying domains since 1996 and have a portfolio of about 700 domains. I only purchase domains that I wish to develop but like with everything else I get busy and never get around to the development stage.
Where would you recommend I go to sell domains either to investors or end-users?
Thanks for your help,
J.R.
Russ says
Hello. I have been collecting domains since 2005. I have noticed the recent blip on the economic map. I call it that because of the earlier economic situation in 2001. I weathered them well. That is actually when I started listening to some friends that where involved in domain names. I waited for a little while and finally started investing myself. I have been using several techniques over the years. I have a portfolio of 100 domains currently. I am looking to sell some to investors and end users.