I have changed the messaging on my Embrace.com inquiry forms several times. I have gone from offer-request language to price-request language, and I have tried other things in between. Because many of my higher value domain names do not have set pricing, I have moved away from request price language that promises a price in return for filling out the form. Instead, the form is more of an information request form.
When I respond to an inquiry, I provide a bit of information about the domain name so the buyer understands it is a valuable asset. I also request some information about the prospect. Here’s what I ask:
“Can you please tell me a little bit more about yourself and your interest in buying my domain name?”
In general, I am not using these questions as a means to price the domain name based on the buyer and her development plans. I am trying to learn more about the background of the prospective buyer and his plans because of the potential to structure a more unique deal. It can also be helpful in weeding out tire kickers that don’t have big plans for a valuable domain name asset.
Oftentimes, prospective buyers are a bit cagey about their plans. This can also provide a bit of insight, particularly if I am able to determine who the prospect is.
When it comes to hard to replace domain names, I want as much information as I can get in order to maximize the value of a domain name. Learning more about prospective buyers and their plans for my domain names is a good way to get helpful information.
Elliot –
In Denver we have Empower Field where the Broncos play.
The clowns at Empower-Retirement,com who paid tens millions for the naming rights still do not own Empower.com (which is still for sale). I do not know the strike price they are after – BUT just putting up that vanilla site IMO is doing more harm than good. Something does not add up – maybe Empower should or is consider changing their name – maybe they have contacted you – or you should contact them ?
Embrace.com Empower.com what is the real difference NONE.
Starting to use these great domains – even with limit content is a better MO than just advertising the obvious – like what is on Empower.com
Bri
Elliot,
I wouldn’t put that on the lander but ask after they make enquiry and present their offer
Recently did this and the buyer willing opened about their plans for the name.
Even when it was too low ,we had a good conservation and he also mentioned other projects in the same niche and how he sees the name being used for big projects.
You may want to look at my form…. https://mapledots.ca – click on Domain inquiry – it has served me well over the years.
Some people are so invasive it’s a deal breaker. If someone wants to be that invasive to either suck every last drop of blood out of you or steal your idea for what you want to use it for, that’s only possible if the domain is truly irreplaceable and one of a kind with no decent possible alternative. I’ve encountered a business like that when trying to buy as an end user. And they wouldn’t budge, absolute total demand to know practically everything. Needless to say, been watching that particular great domain lay idle like that for years now, and it wouldn’t surprise me if the registrant client of this firm will have it that way till the day they die.
Refuse to discuss and negotiate a sale without being so invasive? No thanks, and goodbye…
PS, what makes it especially nasty and obnoxious is when you’ve made a decent and respectable offer and are not someone who is just lowballing or saying “how much?” It’s like “what are you thinking and smoking” with that.
Almost all domains sit idle for years before selling, that doesn’t mean anything.
“In general, I am not using these questions as a means to price the domain name based on the buyer and her development plans.”
Keep in mind that it will appear that way to buyers, they are more likely to go underground.
Agreed.
In the end it’s the money that talks. Nothing else matters. Remember also that money can walk too.
If you want to know what color underwear I have on and what floral print is on it too, for the obvious purpose of valuing the domain higher for sale, then you can keep your domain. There is always another domain to move on to.
Asking is fine, and if they offer up info then great, but when/if the potential buyer does not want to reveal anything then I wouldn’t play too hard ball or pretend/play to be offended and effectively hold the domain for ransom. A decent sale might be missed.