People have different philosophies about making inquiries to buy domain names. Some domain investors believe they will not get good deals if they use their real identity because domain owners will be able to learn that they are investors who want to resell the domain name. Some people don’t care and figure money talks so it doesn’t matter if their information is revealed.
I am in the second camp and figure domain owners will find out that I am the buyer when I send the purchase agreement and open escrow, so I might as well be upfront.
When you buy a domain name, do you use your real identity or a pseudonym?
I don’t, but when I get anonymous inquiries, I am less willing to negotiate on price than with someone who is forthcoming and transparent.
Same here there are a few players in the industry, we know who they are level2, and others who are front running, and trying to buy cheap domains with the same silly templates.
Don’t send me an email from some made up stupid name, asking me you want it for a blog, and how much, not going to work, good as trash, recommend others do the same.
Anonymity assumes that I evaluate a domain based upon the identity of the buyer, not the inherent value characteristics of the domain. That, to me, suggests that the inquiring person hasn’t performed even basic due diligence, for if they did they’d likely come to the conclusion that I’m a no nonsense individual / a straight shooter. Ergo, I have a tendency to ignore anonymous inquiries. All the more certain to ignore if the person fails to address me by name. The ones who impress me the most are the ones who track down my role as moderator of WebmasterWorld’s Domain Forum and actually read what I’ve posted about how to make effective contact with a registrant, in an effort to acquire a domain they hold. Most noteworthy bit of advice I’ve given: If you REALLY want to get someone’s attention put what you consider a reasonable opening offer (non-BS / non-low-ball) right in the email subject line.
YMMV.
Well said.
What would you do in a normal business transaction, say, in buying a company, renting space, or buying a piece of real estate like a residential property for your family? Why would you behave any differently when buying a domain name?
Interesting perspectives and different ways of looking at both sides of the argument. Look at this way – if you received an inquiry and you knew it was from someone like Google, Microsoft etc are you telling me you wouldn’t try and quote/get a much higher price than you would to Joe public? Be honest here. That’s why a lot of people trying to acquire a domain hide behind a generic email.
When I get an inquiry from an anonymous buyer I find it frustrating as I can’t openly negotiate or pick up the phone to them (unless they are forthcoming with their phone number – which may happen, but it’s rare). I have also sold domains on a few occasions (I am sure others have too) through a broker or to an anonymous buyer only to find out later that the buyer is some hot tech start-up who has just raised XXX Million and I feel that I have left money on the table which no one likes to do!
On the flip side when I use my business email @techcorporation.com to try and acquire a name, it sounds like the enquiry is from a big tech company (its not – I am just a one-man band at present trying to elevate my company’s brand image) and I know for sure that I get quoted a much higher figure. So I am going to run a little experiment and make 5 or 6 enquires from the same domain name – one using my business email and after a week or so ill try again with a hotmail account and see what I get quoted from each – I will report the results back here in a couple of weeks or so.
Sometimes its needed to inquire about a domain name. If you are a well known domainer inquiring about a domain name, the owner of the domain is likely to jack up the prices. Same concept when Disney used a shell company to purchase property for its resort. If the owner knew it was Disney the price would have doubled.
Sometimes its needed to inquire about a domain name anonymously. If you are a well known domainer inquiring about a domain name, the owner of the domain is likely to jack up the prices. Same concept when Disney used a shell company to purchase property for its resort. If the owner knew it was Disney the price would have doubled.
I think many companies are now making moves towards .com after realizing that the gtld boat is sinking rapidly. An anonymous offer is not worth the paper its printed on. Don’t bother responding.