If you are really jazzed about a particular domain name that isn’t for sale, you should do your best to keep in touch with the domain owner in the event that circumstances change and the domain name goes on the market.
I’ve been looking to buy a particular domain name for several years. It’s not an amazing domain name, but it’s a pretty exceptional category defining domain name, and there are thousands of professionals in the field. The domain name has never been developed (or parked), and it is owned by an end user who thinks he will use it eventually, although it appears unlikely.
Every few months, I send the guy a friendly email to check in and see if anything has changed with respect to the domain name. I’ve made multiple offers, but lately, I’ve kept firm on my final offer to ensure that he doesn’t think that by holding out he will continue to see the offers grow. After a few inquiries, I asked him if he minded if I check in with him, and he told me he didn’t mind at all and appreciated the fact that I have continued interest.
If you do this, I recommend using the same email chain so that he can quickly see the discussions you’ve had over the years. I am not pushy towards him, and I remind him of my continued interest in the domain name. My feeling is that sometimes people’s circumstances change, and I would like for him to remember my interest if he decides to sell, either because he needs the cash, decided to not move forward, or received a more compelling offer.
When it comes to exceptional domain names that have been owned by people for 10, 12, 15+ years, it can be difficult for them to sell. They’ve either become attached to the domain name or attached to their idea for the domain name. If you maintain contact with some people, your patience may pay off down the road with a nice off market deal.
So a domain might be amazing but not exceptional?? Hmm i learnt this from you Elliot. Thanks
You can use any adjective you would like.
In this case, amazing is better than exception.
Exceptional would be better than average, and amazing is one of the best. For instance, Candy.com would be “amazing” and HalloweenCandy.com would be exceptional, in my opinion.
Everyone calls their domain names “premium” these days even though it’s usually puffery.
“When it comes to exceptional domain names that have been owned by people for 10, 12, 15+ years, it can be difficult for them to sell. They’ve either become attached to the domain name or attached to their idea for the domain name”.
You are right, absolutely correct, it is so.
Some way have long-term ides that go nowhere. They use this excuse to never sell. Based on the recent history, these ideas will likely never come to fruition.
i.e. Bar.com, Corp.com, Place.com, and etc…
may have
Good point but a catch 22.
If you are still interested but not THAT interested and since he hasn’t had any better offers, isn’t that a lose/lose situation?
Buyer or seller has to shit or get off the pot.
Buyer needs to raise his price or seller needs to lower his price otherwise nothing ever happens.
I have MANY domains like this.
I don’t care enough to raise my price and seller doesn’t care enough to lower his price so when I do “check in” I ask if he wants to lower his price and he asks if I want to raise my price.
Now we both just look silly.
Point is sellers should sell to the interested party because MOST LIKELY no other interested party will ever come to make a good offer EVER again.
95%+ domains have little value to a second interested party.