Swapnames - The Domain Name Swapping Marketplace.

holdem8 · 04-01-2007, 09:35 PM

"Is It Time For A FREE "SEDO-like" Domain Swapping Maketplace For All Domainers?"

Hello to all NPers!

My name is Al, a "domainer next door" just like many of us here. I have been trying my luck at the domain business for more than a year now, where I learnt most of my stuffs mainly here at Namepros and a few other forums.

A few months back, I came across an idea to trade up domain names at OneUglyDomain which was inspired by the brilliant "One Red Paper Clip" project.

The very moment I discovered this idea, I knew that this business is really in need of a "platform" for people to swap their existing domains. Most domainers have some domains which are "not good enough" to sell or auction off and is just left gathering digital dust. If these domains are put on a marketplace to swap, it is another alternative for everyone.

The closest option I had to swap my domains was at OneUglyDomain where I offered 30-40 names to the owner. Disapointingly, they were all turned down and I was left on the sideline, not able to play the "domain trade-up" game as much as I wanted to. After that, I had to rely on the forums to succesfully swap some of my domains.

Now, I imagined a safe and free marketplace where EVERYONE can have their very own "OneUglyDomain" listing... in fact everyone can have their WHOLE portfolio of "OneUglyDomain" listings. My goal is also to build a very niche domain swapping community for all.

I have put my toughts into action and have started the development of SwapNames.com a few months back.

The purpose of this thread is to gather constructive feedback and ideas for my humble project and hopefully it will succeed with all your support.

I hope to "Beta" launch SwapNames in Mid April 2007, so post away with all your suggestions and comments so that we can have our very own "user-suggested" Domain Swapping Marketplace soon!

Ciao,

Al

mktgmark · 04-01-2007, 09:58 PM

Al,
I wish you much luck and will keep an eye on your progress. I think this could work as there are many reasons to swap names rather than just letting a name wither and die by not being renewed.
Good luck,
Mark

VURG · 04-01-2007, 10:08 PM

I'm interested.

So many of these style projects seem to fall flat on the floor when people realise how much work is involved or they overpromise.

Nice name!

Good Luck!

veryboredme · 04-01-2007, 11:30 PM

I think it's a great idea, I've swaped few domains so far and having a site for that will be just perfect for me!
Will definitely keep an eye on your site

verbster · 04-02-2007, 12:14 AM

It will be a lot of work at first, but I think you know that. I'm going to assume that along with being able to swap names, there is a way to buy names or contact owners to buy them. You'll need this feature to attract traffic.

With time I would guess your popularity will rise, and money-making opportunities will arise.

I'll certainly make use of your site. If you need QA, let me know...good luck!

godolphin · 04-02-2007, 01:00 AM

Good idea. The name is good too. Since people are used to hear snapnames a lot they will easily catch up with swapnames.com

I wish you goodluck in launching and maintaining the website.

NameTrader.com · 04-02-2007, 01:13 AM

Good luck...a place to trade domains was originally what I was going to put on NameTrader.com, though it would be in addition to buying and selling names. Honestly, I think that's the BEST way to do it, but whichever way it works out for you, hope it works out!

holdem8 · 04-02-2007, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mktgmark

Al,
I wish you much luck and will keep an eye on your progress. I think this could work as there are many reasons to swap names rather than just letting a name wither and die by not being renewed.
Good luck,
Mark

You have hit it right! Thats the problem with lots of my domains.. not able to sell or auction off and just left it till renewal time comes. So when I got the idea of trade-ups/swapping, I got very excited. I guess many other domainers face the same problem and I hope SwapNames is a good alternative solution.

Quote:

Originally Posted by VURG

I'm interested.

So many of these style projects seem to fall flat on the floor when people realise how much work is involved or they overpromise.

Nice name!

Good Luck!

I fully agree with you! That is why the coding, designs, etc were outsourced. I have worked relentlessly with some brilliant Indian programmers and they are releasing the beta version in a week or so. Phew! I can foresee this project to be my full-time job.. hopefully it will turn out good.

The domain SwapNames.com... bought it in the forums!

Quote:

Originally Posted by veryboredme

I think it's a great idea, I've swaped few domains so far and having a site for that will be just perfect for me!
Will definitely keep an eye on your site

I remember you

You have the longest swap thread at the other forum! I did manage to swap a few domains here and there so I know many people should be able to appreciate a swapping marketplace like you do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by verbster

It will be a lot of work at first, but I think you know that. I'm going to assume that along with being able to swap names, there is a way to buy names or contact owners to buy them. You'll need this feature to attract traffic.

With time I would guess your popularity will rise, and money-making opportunities will arise.

I'll certainly make use of your site. If you need QA, let me know...good luck!

Thats rite! It happens to be one of the main feature at SwapNames. You see, once I posted a domain to swap at a forum and someone posted an offer. I wanted to swap with the incoming offer badly but it was snagged by a buyer before I even manage to swap it. Now.. this is cool for the offerer because he was not able to sell the domain earlier.. that was why it was offered for swap. This creates FREE exposure when you offer your domains in the marketplace. Just like in OUD.. a few domains offered were sold because of the free exposure.

This has got to be a feature at Swapnames!

I will definitely need some kind offers for beta testers in a week or two.. thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by godolphin

Good idea. The name is good too. Since people are used to hear snapnames a lot they will easily catch up with swapnames.com

I wish you goodluck in launching and maintaining the website.

Thanks! Thought I might have TM problem with Snapnames but my attorney assured me that I wont.. hopefully.

I have registered a trademark on SwapNames since.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NameTrader.com

Good luck...a place to trade domains was originally what I was going to put on NameTrader.com, though it would be in addition to buying and selling names. Honestly, I think that's the BEST way to do it, but whichever way it works out for you, hope it works out!

Thanks.. in fact, I enquired about your domain NameTrader.com, many months back but I did not have the budget for it. Hope to see you around!

bbalegere · 04-02-2007, 03:11 AM

Is it only swapping domains? Or well sell the domains?

holdem8 · 04-02-2007, 03:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbalegere

Is it only swapping domains? Or well sell the domains?

It is mainly for domain swapping but every single domain listing has an option to have a "Buy It Now" price. There is also a place to contact the domain owner to directly negotiate.

A buyer can instantly buy the domain at the "Buy It Now" price so this feature doubles as a domain sale listing too.

To give a little more "protection" for users of SwapNames, we have a "Reputation Rating' system like in ebay, Namepros, etc where everyone can leave feedback for members. Hope this helps!

Al

tristanperry · 04-02-2007, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by holdem8

It is mainly for domain swapping but every single domain listing has an option to have a "Buy It Now" price. There is also a place to contact the domain owner to directly negotiate.

A buyer can instantly buy the domain at the "Buy It Now" price so this feature doubles as a domain sale listing too.

To give a little more "protection" for users of SwapNames, we have a "Reputation Rating' system like in ebay, Namepros, etc where everyone can leave feedback for members. Hope this helps!

Al

That's pretty much everything I'd look for with such a site, nice ideas

I'm not sure if you'd want such a feature, but would you think about either:

a) Letting more than one domain be traded (for one domain)
b) Trading a domain and cash (for one domain)?

holdem8 · 04-02-2007, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tristanperry

a) Letting more than one domain be traded (for one domain)
b) Trading a domain and cash (for one domain)?

Hi Tristan!

a) In fact in the domain description area, the domain owner can practically state whatever he/she wants to swap with. That means, he can state an entire package to swap. When a potential swapper visits the domain listing, it will show all the descriptions by the owner, so visitors to the listing will know practically what the owner wants or what is on offer.

Likewise, the potential swapper can also contact the owner to offer packaged offers, etc.

For now, these features are already there but I would want to build in something that shows a history of all correspondence, just so that there is a trail/history of the transaction, in case of any disputes later.

b) mmm... this is an interesting idea. Never tought of that but will definitely look into it. If its feasible, it will definitely in the next feature upgrade!

thanks mate!

Al

cache · 04-02-2007, 08:21 AM

good idea.

holdem8 · 04-03-2007, 12:02 AM

Hi NPers....

At SwapNames, all individual domain name listing will show swap offers received from interested members and all outgoing offers from the domain owner( for the particular listed domain.)

Any portfolio owners can search for domains in the marketplace and make swap offers. The more offers made OR received, the more exposure the domain owner has because the owner's names will also show on other member's listings.

We have decided to cap the outgoing offers of one particular domain to only 10 offers. Any toughts on this? Should it be only 5 offers or more than 10 would be better?

Domains can receive any amount of offers from any member, but members can only make 10 offers out (max) tentatively. This is to prevent abuse.

We got this "exposure" idea when we know that a few names were sold when it was offered for trade in OUD.

Any feedback would be really helpful because we would want SwapNames' to be very much "user-suggested".

Thanks!

Al

Archangel · 04-03-2007, 12:21 AM

I'm very interested in this. I'll be sure to check back soon

holdem8 · 04-04-2007, 06:41 PM

Hi all....

I am taking the beta release of SwapNames from the software developers in a few days time and would need help for the Beta testing phase. Any interested parties pls PM me to register.

Thanks in advance!

Al.

BuzzGuyz · 04-08-2007, 09:30 PM

Having a centralized environment to talk with others willing to trade off names is a cool idea. Keep at it and you will swap up alot of traffic. I am looking forward to seeing your success happen!

Good Luck! Pass it On!

holdem8 · 04-08-2007, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archangel

I'm very interested in this. I'll be sure to check back soon

Thanks Randy!... Would definitely need some of your most well-informed critiques during beta testing.. if you want to be included in that phase.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuzzGuyz

Having a centralized environment to talk with others willing to trade off names is a cool idea. Keep at it and you will swap up alot of traffic. I am looking forward to seeing your success happen!

Good Luck! Pass it On!

Hi Buzzguyz.. yes definitely! Its more of a swapping marketplace but when it takes of, will definitely put up a social networking feature too!

----------------------------------------------------------------

Anyway... I have gotten to see the Beta release from the developers but there are some business logics, bugs and design issues that need sorting out. I guess for this week and probably next, I will be doing the testing first before I open up the actual Beta testing phase.

Did not really know that dedicated hosting for ASP.net is so expensive. Ouch!

Hope that I can call upon all the beta test volunteers very soon!

Any more ideas/suggestions that will make SwapNames more usable?

Al.

holdem8 · 04-13-2007, 12:48 AM

Hi all..

Just an update on the latest development of SwapNames...

We are making a major redesign on the aesthetics of SwapNames to give it more of a "cooler" web 2.0 look and feel. At the same time, we have just completed a few initial userbility testings, internally, and thank god we did that!

Found out that some initial navigations within the site that was not really user-friendly so it is basically back to some more coding efforts

I am sure once we get thru some rounds of userbility testings, users will definitely feel very much at home in SwapNames when it is launched.

The beta testing "by invitation only" phase is again pushed back for a week or two but I bet it is well worth it.

Meanwhile, received some suggestions by PM, pls send in more! Thanks everyone and happy domaining!

Al.

holdem8 · 04-29-2007, 02:49 AM

Hi all....

Beta testing phase is just around the corner! SwapNames should be deployed on our dedicated servers by next week and those who are interested to volunteer as beta testers are most welcomed!

With the OUD domain trading idea heating up fast, we cannot wait to launch the domain name trading platform for all domainers! Do keep your eyes peeled to this thread for the latest on SwapNames...coming very soon to all!

Cheers to everyone and hope to see you soon!

Al.

astroman · 05-06-2007, 09:52 PM

When's the beta test? Can you PM me when it starts?

johnny6 · 05-06-2007, 09:56 PM

Hey, cool idea! I love these niche sites, let's hope they all take off. Good luck!

holdem8 · 05-06-2007, 10:19 PM

Hi all..

I am so anxious with the beta launch. The dedicated server is already set up and we are waiting for the the deployment. There are some final ajax controls tht need some testing by the coders... at least thats what they told me

The beta test is just for about 1 week where we will be just populating the site with "dummy data" and "dummy transactions". After that, we will delete the database and officially launch SwapNames.

I apologise for being a tad bit late but I hope its worth the wait. Supposedly, we were to launch last month but after some usability tests, we found out that there were some issues we had to iron out and its a blessing in disguise we found out early!

Anyway, I sincerely thank all the volunteers and cheers to all!

Talk soon,
Al.

*AllThings.tv* · 05-06-2007, 10:49 PM

Cool concept and the same reason I started www.FreeNameExchange.com. I wanted a place to give fellow domainers a free place to buy/sell/lease domains.

holdem8 · 05-17-2007, 12:18 AM

Hi all!

Just an update... the complete Swapnames.com site is deployed onto the dedicated server yesterday and the coders are tweaking the SMTP (whatever that means??) for final QA testing. We should be opening the private beta test phase up for registered volunteers.

So, any more volunteers would be much appreciated and get ready with all those constructive feedbacks!

Thanks and talk soon!

Al

04-01-2007, 09:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
holdem8 NamePros Regular Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Malaysia Posts: 349 25.00 NP$ (Donate)	Swapnames - The Domain Name Swapping Marketplace. "Is It Time For A FREE "SEDO-like" Domain Swapping Maketplace For All Domainers?" Hello to all NPers! My name is Al, a "domainer next door" just like many of us here. I have been trying my luck at the domain business for more than a year now, where I learnt most of my stuffs mainly here at Namepros and a few other forums. A few months back, I came across an idea to trade up domain names at OneUglyDomain which was inspired by the brilliant "One Red Paper Clip" project. The very moment I discovered this idea, I knew that this business is really in need of a "platform" for people to swap their existing domains. Most domainers have some domains which are "not good enough" to sell or auction off and is just left gathering digital dust. If these domains are put on a marketplace to swap, it is another alternative for everyone. The closest option I had to swap my domains was at OneUglyDomain where I offered 30-40 names to the owner. Disapointingly, they were all turned down and I was left on the sideline, not able to play the "domain trade-up" game as much as I wanted to. After that, I had to rely on the forums to succesfully swap some of my domains. Now, I imagined a safe and free marketplace where EVERYONE can have their very own "OneUglyDomain" listing... in fact everyone can have their WHOLE portfolio of "OneUglyDomain" listings. My goal is also to build a very niche domain swapping community for all. I have put my toughts into action and have started the development of SwapNames.com a few months back. The purpose of this thread is to gather constructive feedback and ideas for my humble project and hopefully it will succeed with all your support. I hope to "Beta" launch SwapNames in Mid April 2007, so post away with all your suggestions and comments so that we can have our very own "user-suggested" Domain Swapping Marketplace soon! Ciao, Al __________________ Get People To Download My Free eBook & Earn Up To $2,000 Follow Me On Twitter

04-01-2007, 09:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
mktgmark Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: www.TwoFreeLinks.com Posts: 1,038 472.40 NP$ (Donate)	Al, I wish you much luck and will keep an eye on your progress. I think this could work as there are many reasons to swap names rather than just letting a name wither and die by not being renewed. Good luck, Mark __________________ Football Trivia - Biodiesel Information - Traffic Webcams

04-01-2007, 11:30 PM	#4 (permalink)
veryboredme Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 3,034 11,082.55 NP$ (Donate)	I think it's a great idea, I've swaped few domains so far and having a site for that will be just perfect for me! Will definitely keep an eye on your site __________________ Fused Hosting Business Law Get Free FICO Scores The Search Detective Read and Learn about Web development on Webmaster Blog

04-02-2007, 12:14 AM	#5 (permalink)
verbster Save the Bears Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Alaska Posts: 2,345 2,121.45 NP$ (Donate)	It will be a lot of work at first, but I think you know that. I'm going to assume that along with being able to swap names, there is a way to buy names or contact owners to buy them. You'll need this feature to attract traffic. With time I would guess your popularity will rise, and money-making opportunities will arise. I'll certainly make use of your site. If you need QA, let me know...good luck! __________________ A good domain name is worth more than money. I've got domains up the Wazoo...wanna buy some?

04-02-2007, 01:00 AM	#6 (permalink)
godolphin Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 1,239 149.46 NP$ (Donate)	Good idea. The name is good too. Since people are used to hear snapnames a lot they will easily catch up with swapnames.com I wish you goodluck in launching and maintaining the website. __________________ NewerProducts.com

04-01-2007, 10:08 PM	#3 (permalink)
VURG VURG Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 2,527 39.50 NP$ (Donate)	I'm interested. So many of these style projects seem to fall flat on the floor when people realise how much work is involved or they overpromise. Nice name! Good Luck!

04-02-2007, 01:13 AM	#7 (permalink)
NameTrader.com n/\m€ t\|2a\|)oЯ Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: San Diego, CA, USA Posts: 2,844 363.50 NP$ (Donate)	Good luck...a place to trade domains was originally what I was going to put on NameTrader.com, though it would be in addition to buying and selling names. Honestly, I think that's the BEST way to do it, but whichever way it works out for you, hope it works out! __________________ Domainate.com - Find out about our upcoming services! Domain Names For Sale \| Nametrader Twitter Free Samples \| Freebie Twitter

04-02-2007, 03:11 AM	#9 (permalink)
bbalegere Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,250 545.52 NP$ (Donate)	Is it only swapping domains? Or well sell the domains? __________________ Fire-Power Blog-AgniPulse.com Internet speed check PPC search Web site hosting review Computer Auctions Search engine site submission

04-02-2007, 08:21 AM	#13 (permalink)
cache Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: trik.com Hygo.com & California Posts: 3,940 128.02 NP$ (Donate)	good idea. __________________ Trik LLLH Hygo IQx Kitu Hytu PPPF undu hods Toch TV vald hosy Pros LaFrance Haab wolk corg ezud SAT DiTV IJFG

04-03-2007, 12:02 AM	#14 (permalink)
holdem8 NamePros Regular Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Malaysia Posts: 349 25.00 NP$ (Donate)	SwapNames' features.. Hi NPers.... At SwapNames, all individual domain name listing will show swap offers received from interested members and all outgoing offers from the domain owner( for the particular listed domain.) Any portfolio owners can search for domains in the marketplace and make swap offers. The more offers made OR received, the more exposure the domain owner has because the owner's names will also show on other member's listings. We have decided to cap the outgoing offers of one particular domain to only 10 offers. Any toughts on this? Should it be only 5 offers or more than 10 would be better? Domains can receive any amount of offers from any member, but members can only make 10 offers out (max) tentatively. This is to prevent abuse. We got this "exposure" idea when we know that a few names were sold when it was offered for trade in OUD. Any feedback would be really helpful because we would want SwapNames' to be very much "user-suggested". Thanks! Al __________________ Get People To Download My Free eBook & Earn Up To $2,000 Follow Me On Twitter

04-03-2007, 12:21 AM	#15 (permalink)
Archangel www.randypendleton.com Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Southern Ohio, USA Posts: 3,815 349.00 NP$ (Donate)	I'm very interested in this. I'll be sure to check back soon __________________ Randy L Pendleton, author -- www.RandyPendleton.com Will Be Back Soon! cPanelHosting.com-cPanel Experts For 8 Years Hosting From $4.99 And 2 Months Free Australia Web hosting \| Political Cartoons \| Social network of blogs

04-04-2007, 06:41 PM	#16 (permalink)
holdem8 NamePros Regular Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Malaysia Posts: 349 25.00 NP$ (Donate)	Beta testers needed very soon! Hi all.... I am taking the beta release of SwapNames from the software developers in a few days time and would need help for the Beta testing phase. Any interested parties pls PM me to register. Thanks in advance! Al. __________________ Get People To Download My Free eBook & Earn Up To $2,000 Follow Me On Twitter

04-08-2007, 09:30 PM	#17 (permalink)
BuzzGuyz NamePros Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 147 0.00 NP$ (Donate)	Nice Having a centralized environment to talk with others willing to trade off names is a cool idea. Keep at it and you will swap up alot of traffic. I am looking forward to seeing your success happen! Good Luck! Pass it On! __________________ Canadian Entrepreneur - Be Successful - Get Back What You Send Out Stephen Welton

04-13-2007, 12:48 AM	#19 (permalink)
holdem8 NamePros Regular Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Malaysia Posts: 349 25.00 NP$ (Donate)	Userbility issues.. Hi all.. Just an update on the latest development of SwapNames... We are making a major redesign on the aesthetics of SwapNames to give it more of a "cooler" web 2.0 look and feel. At the same time, we have just completed a few initial userbility testings, internally, and thank god we did that! Found out that some initial navigations within the site that was not really user-friendly so it is basically back to some more coding efforts I am sure once we get thru some rounds of userbility testings, users will definitely feel very much at home in SwapNames when it is launched. The beta testing "by invitation only" phase is again pushed back for a week or two but I bet it is well worth it. Meanwhile, received some suggestions by PM, pls send in more! Thanks everyone and happy domaining! Al. __________________ Get People To Download My Free eBook & Earn Up To $2,000 Follow Me On Twitter

04-29-2007, 02:49 AM	#20 (permalink)
holdem8 NamePros Regular Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Malaysia Posts: 349 25.00 NP$ (Donate)	Hi all.... Beta testing phase is just around the corner! SwapNames should be deployed on our dedicated servers by next week and those who are interested to volunteer as beta testers are most welcomed! With the OUD domain trading idea heating up fast, we cannot wait to launch the domain name trading platform for all domainers! Do keep your eyes peeled to this thread for the latest on SwapNames...coming very soon to all! Cheers to everyone and hope to see you soon! Al. __________________ Get People To Download My Free eBook & Earn Up To $2,000 Follow Me On Twitter

05-06-2007, 09:52 PM	#21 (permalink)
astroman Account Closed Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 196 2.00 NP$ (Donate)	When's the beta test? Can you PM me when it starts?

05-06-2007, 09:56 PM	#22 (permalink)
johnny6 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: North Carolina Posts: 2,041 98.01 NP$ (Donate)	Hey, cool idea! I love these niche sites, let's hope they all take off. Good luck! __________________ Get a zero percent interest credit card!

05-06-2007, 10:19 PM	#23 (permalink)
holdem8 NamePros Regular Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Malaysia Posts: 349 25.00 NP$ (Donate)	Beta test.. Hi all.. I am so anxious with the beta launch. The dedicated server is already set up and we are waiting for the the deployment. There are some final ajax controls tht need some testing by the coders... at least thats what they told me The beta test is just for about 1 week where we will be just populating the site with "dummy data" and "dummy transactions". After that, we will delete the database and officially launch SwapNames. I apologise for being a tad bit late but I hope its worth the wait. Supposedly, we were to launch last month but after some usability tests, we found out that there were some issues we had to iron out and its a blessing in disguise we found out early! Anyway, I sincerely thank all the volunteers and cheers to all! Talk soon, Al. __________________ Get People To Download My Free eBook & Earn Up To $2,000 Follow Me On Twitter

05-06-2007, 10:49 PM	#24 (permalink)
AllThings.tv AllThings.tv Blogger Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,252 12.00 NP$ (Donate)	Cool concept and the same reason I started www.FreeNameExchange.com. I wanted a place to give fellow domainers a free place to buy/sell/lease domains. __________________ Visit the Dot TV Community 1st Annual Global DOT TV Internext Expo Coverage Skin Care

05-17-2007, 12:18 AM	#25 (permalink)
holdem8 NamePros Regular Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Malaysia Posts: 349 25.00 NP$ (Donate)	Finally deployed! Hi all! Just an update... the complete Swapnames.com site is deployed onto the dedicated server yesterday and the coders are tweaking the SMTP (whatever that means??) for final QA testing. We should be opening the private beta test phase up for registered volunteers. So, any more volunteers would be much appreciated and get ready with all those constructive feedbacks! Thanks and talk soon! Al __________________ Get People To Download My Free eBook & Earn Up To $2,000 Follow Me On Twitter

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