I own the matching .com domain names for my wife and kids. Ironically, I don’t own my own first+last .com domain name because it is owned and used by someone else who shares my name. I’ve always thought it was important for parents to try and buy their kids’ first+last .com domain name just in case they want to use it in the future.

I came across these two tweets from Minda Harts about securing domain names for family members. Minda shared that her brother was disappointed when he tried to buy his name matching .com domain name. That feeling changed when he learned his sister had already bought it for him to use:

When a personal friend mentions a search for a brand for a new business or a rebrand of their business, you might want to think twice about mentioning one of your domain name as an option. It may be nice to offer an assist to a friend who might be in the market for a domain name, but the offer could backfire if it is considered.

Domain name negotiations can be challenging, even under good circumstances. Trying to come to terms on the sale price of a domain name is usually difficult. The buyer, who may be constrained by the acquisition budget, business partner, or supervisor, wants to pay as little as possible. The seller needs to get the best possible price for a domain name, particularly on irreplaceable assets. Working with an unknown counter-party is tough, but negotiating a business deal with a friend poses unique challenges.