Popular site offers way to liquidate domain names you no longer want.
Last month I wrote about how I was trimming some unwanted domain names from my portfolio. A couple people emailed to ask which domains so they could buy them from me cheap. That’s great, but also an inefficient process.
Popular domain blog aggregation site Domaining.com is launching a new service to solve this problem. Here’s how it works:
1. Submit list of domain names expiring within 15-60 days
2. Each day the list of domains is made available to Domaining members
3. Prices start at $100 and drop $10 every day they aren’t purchased (minimum sale price is $30)
Domaining takes a 30% cut but there are no listing fees. Domains with hyphens, numbers, trademarks, and non-roman characters (IDNs) are not accepted.
I think this is a great idea to create a clearinghouse. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. I’m sure some of the terms and policies will be adjusted over time as the system gets tested, but this is a great start to a much needed service.
Information about the Domaining expired domains program is available on the Domaining.com site. Click on the “Expiring Domains” link at the top of the page.
Pete Lamson says
Andrew:
AfternicDLS currently offers this service FREE to sellers on Afternic.
To access this service come to AfternicDLS.com, and click on either the Buy or Sell Tab, and click on Bazaar at the top of the page.
Same functionality – but sellers keep the 30% in their pockets.
Pete
Francois says
Thandk Anrew for the post.
…
Pete this is often the problem with free services, after there is no money for promote them. This is why it’s the first time I hear of it after many years as domainer… If it’s free but there is no sales due to the lack of promotion then what is the interest?
At ExpiringDomains.com we are talking about give a last chance to the domains you have decided to let drop within the next weeks. In other words it’s earn zero versus maybe make some money.
Pete Lamson says
The Afternic Bazaar has averaged sales of 160 domains per month since the beginning of 2007. All domains sold have been at zero cost to the seller.
Francois, your post is accurate for sites with no buyers and sellers. Happily, AfternicDLS does not suffer from this challenge, and of this our Bazaar product is a fortunate beneficiary.
Since 2006 NameMedia has offered the Bazaar service as a “thanks” to all Afternic customers by not charging a sales fee for domains sold.
The Bazaar Product is designed as a free service for domain owners looking to sell domains they dop not plan to renew.
Give it a try!
Pete
Stephen Douglas says
Hi Pete! This must mean the moon is turning blue next week because I’ve never seen you post anywhere before! Glad to see you down in the dirt with the grunge!
So, before I leave this comment, and go running to my afternic account, are you saying that Bazaar bucks are no longer required to bid your bye-bye domains on Afternic Bazaar? Are you saying that AfternicDLS.com is allowing anyone to sell their expiring domains for no upfront costs?
Why didn’t I get a PR on this? or an email? I’m an Afternic member.
I’m intrigued to see how this showdown plays out!
Andrew says
Pete, I didn’t realize you were still promoting Bazaar. It looks like only 18 domains sold there last month?
It took me a while to find the link to Bazaar even following your instructions…
Johnny says
I am confused.
Domaining.com claims to sell your expiring domains and wants you to list them. They also say the domain list is released first to premium members and then in one hour to regular members.
Where is this list located? Does it come by email b/c I see no link for it on the site.
Francois says
Pete, sure I will try your bazaar.
I’m also willing to help you a little promote your site at Domaining.com.
Simply drop me a note if you want it included in our menu.
We cannot go free for several reasons:
– We will play the third trusted party: charging the buyer and after paying the seller to have a marketplace as safe is possible.
As you know this involves transactions fees.
– Going free means you can finance the service thanks to the benefice of other services or advertising:
At the inverse of Afternic our main service is free.
And regarding advertising, it’s well known, most players of this industry simply don’t advertise online or with insignificant budgets.
– We need to generate money to can finance the service and it’s expansion.
I don’t find any interest to create another service generating a dozen weekly sales. I have higher expectations.
The service should start next week.
The site for buyers is still not visible.
Stephen Douglas says
I’m with Andrew. I stopped using the Afternic Bazaar after the site was rebuilt and the Bazaar’s link was relegated near invisible status. If it’s being promoted again, I know a lot of domainers who will go back to it, especially if you don’t have to buy “Bazaar Bucks”.
How about a freebie suggestion here: Make the Bazaar free to Afternic “Premium members”, with an annual membership fee of around $199 or so, and unlimited domain listings up to 5 a day.
Pete Lamson says
All:
A couple responses to what is above –
1. Andrew – monthly sales volumes depend upon name submission – this can vary greatly depending upon the month. The Bazaar monthly range has been from a high of north of 500 to much lower volumes as you point out.
2. Stephen – I like your suggestion. While $199 might be a bit steep, we may look to incorporate this service entirely into the memebership fee.
On a seperate note, I post on most forums and blogs, and just two weeks ago responded directly to a note you added to Elliot Silver’s blog.
3. Francois – AfternicDLS also has no interest in selling a dozen domains a week. We sell thousands of aftermarket domains every month.
Pete
Stephen Douglas says
Hi Pete,
You’re a top doggie in my book, and I’m sorry I missed your comment on Elliot’s blog. I need to learn to hit that “subscribe to entry” when I post.
Thanks for the thumbs up on my suggestion for a yearly Bazaar fee. I just threw a price out there for you. Seemed reasonable for those who will be pounding the Bazaar at five domains a day for 365 days, which was my suggestion for services provided by Afternic Bazaar at $199 a year.
I probably paid more than $1000+ a year to buy Bazaar bucks in the past. It got me frustrated, because I had to then go back and do the math on whether spending $2.00 in Bazaar bucks to list a domain that sold for $8 was worth it, especially the time it took. I view my time as more valuable than my cost, which should help blogsite owners appreciate everyone’s time to comment on their posts. (AA, isn’t this true?)
I’m honored that you took the time to address my comments, Pete.