closed Negotiating domain sale for 5 character .com name??

Goalie35 · Dec 23, 2008

I'm looking to acquire a domain name from the current owner but don't know how much the name is truly worth.

The name was to be used for a website they were developing but the site hasn't been updated in nearly a year and trying to get to the home page now simply generates an error. So it looks like they've given up on it.

The name is a 5-character, .COM domain name containing a single word with a one-character prefix. The word relates to a particular hobby (the hobby name is somewhat popular but not a household name). Examples of similar names would be "eKnitting.com", "iCoinCollecting.com", "eAntiques.com", etc.

I've never done a negotiation before. How much should a starting offer be for something like this and how much should my max offer be?

Thanks in advance.

Fatbat · Dec 23, 2008

Heh, your question is quite open and subject to so many variables that it will be hard to answer and there isn't just one right answer.

To determine value I would look at sales of similar domains.

I would run it through estibot, nameboy, swift and other free appraisal systems. While these systems are to be taken with more than a grain of salt, they can provide a little more info on the domain and, given enough samples, can provide an average that can be suprisingly accurate IMO (though others here are sure to disagree).

I might pay for a an appraisal or two.

You could PM some of the more helpful members here with the domain and get their professional opinions.

After a bit of research like this you should be able to arrive at a number that you feel is fair for the domain in question.

As far as negotiations go, and where to start, that's completely up to you.

Do you approach them and make an offer? Do you approach them and inquire about what their asking price is (assuming that they are even interesated in selling)?

Do you low ball them, play them fair, or offer them a lot?

Different strategies and tactics, each with strengths and weaknesses.

Personally I tend to try to find out what their asking price is. I figure it's better than me insulting them with what they percieve to be a low offer, or alternatively, offering too much which obviously isn't good for me. If they then set an outrageous price I can come back with a counter offer.

Others here prefer to just make an offer.

The max that you want to pay is entirely up to how badly you want the domain.

Without knowing more about your exact situation, that's about all I can offer. Good luck!