IT.COM

question Why are hundreds of thousands of Quality Domain's not sold?

Spaceship Spaceship
Watch

ThatNameGuy

Top Member
Impact
3,242
I've been at the domain game now about two years, and while that's given me time to accumulate about a thousand quality domains (told by NP brothers and sisters), the sell through rate is absolutely deplorable.

A lot of domainers like to compare the domain industry to the real estate industry, but there's no comparison imho. Why do you think the real estate industry, the insurance industry, the automobile industry, the financial services industry spend Billions (not millions) of dollars every year to sell their products/services?

It's pretty obvious that even quality domains don't sell themselves, thus if you're going to make it in this business you better learn how to market/sell your own domains or find someone who can.

The days of only "inbound" marketing doesn't work for most domainers, and it never will. Not having an "outbound" strategy is a lot like not having an offensive strategy in team sports. Can you imagine relying on your defense to score all your goals/points?

The point of this thread......there has to be a better way? and just like I know I have a portfolio consisting of quality domains, I know there's a better way to sell domains. I started a thread a few day ago based on the following Podcast; https://domainnamewire.com/2020/01/13/saw-com-dnw-podcast-268/ but few NP members noticed it:xf.frown: However, one key and influential member Rob Monster of Epik noticed it immediately. The thread had everything to do with "outbound" strategy recognized by the founders of Saw.com when they referred to "Smiling and Dialing" and "Dialing for Dollars" as keys for their success.

I've reached out to help the founders of Saw.com, but apparently they don't need my help, or somehow they feel threatened by me:xf.confused:...that's their choice. NP members, help me help them by sharing your thoughts(y) It's time we went on OFFENSE!
 
9
•••
The views expressed on this page by users and staff are their own, not those of NamePros.
Domains only need to be of value to seller and buyer to be of value and only the one time is required so if you register them you only need to wait for a like minded individual.
 
0
•••
This domain has a good sound to it and even though it's three words but all the words are needed to convey its message.

Did you see it on a drop list or somewhere or did you just think of it on your own. Even if it was registered before but if you thought of it on your own then it's a big achievement on your part specially if you make sure that it's put to some good use now either by yourself or through selling it (or donating it) to the proper end user.

More domainers should be thinking of domains to register that could be used to do some public good.

IMO
Thanks oldtimer....it's because of you, "Make Smiles Happen":xf.smile: can be used commercially for profit with the .com, and altruistically for the benefit of others using the .org extension.

As for how I "happened" to register the name MakeSmilesHappen:xf.smile:, I've owned the domain MakeSomethingHappen.com since September 1, 2001. I've just used it for my personal email address for the last 19 years, and it's boldly displayed on my personal business card. Occasionally I check GD's valuation of the name, and when I checked last Friday, I saw where they'd bumped the valuation to $3,018. Then checking GD's comparison sales I saw where the domain MakeThingsBetter.com sold for > $25,000 and a host of other similar domains starting with the first word "Make" sold for amounts > $2,500. So what do I do? Like usual, I start playing/testing other word combinations, and Voila!, I come up with "Make Smiles Happen"O_o. It's really that simple, and this is the same way I've created most of my domains. I barely know what a "drop list" is, and I've never participated in an auction here on NP or anywhere else. Hard to believe isn't it?

oldtimer...my goal is to shake things up in the domain industry like I'm doing with 9Time in the golf industry. I believe in the business philosophy there is ALWAYS a better way, and that's called PROGRESS(y)
 
Last edited:
1
•••
Thanks oldtimer....it's because of you, "Make Smiles Happen":xf.smile: can be used commercially for profit with the .com, and altruistically for the benefit of others using the .org extension.

That's great, best of luck with both ventures.

That's the ideal situation to be able to make some money and at the same time to do some good for the Humanity (and or the Environment).

IMO
 
0
•••
I barely know what a "drop list" is, and I've never participated in an auction here on NP or anywhere else. Hard to believe isn't it?

...my goal is to shake things up in the domain industry
Rich, in order to shake up an entire industry, don't you think it might be important to first fully understand all aspects of that industry?
 
1
•••
Rich, in order to shake up an entire industry, don't you think it might be important to first fully understand all aspects of that industry?
Joe...in all due respect, one doesn't have to be a genius to know how screwed up the domain industry is:xf.smile: I know a lot of non domain industry professionals, and without exception, everyone agrees with me as does Verisign seen here; https://blog.verisign.com/domain-na...om-price-caps-were-passed-along-to-consumers/

Joe, from the above blog post, when Verisign stood up to the plate and virtually trashed the secondary domain market, it only encouraged me more. Is this too hard for your to understand:xf.rolleyes:
If it is, far be it from me to teach you something new:xf.wink:
 
0
•••
Joe...in all due respect, one doesn't have to be a genius to know how screwed up the domain industry is:xf.smile: I know a lot of non domain industry professionals, and without exception, everyone agrees with me as does Verisign seen here; https://blog.verisign.com/domain-na...om-price-caps-were-passed-along-to-consumers/

Joe, from the above blog post, when Verisign stood up to the plate and virtually trashed the secondary domain market, it only encouraged me more. Is this too hard for your to understand:xf.rolleyes:
If it is, far be it from me to teach you something new:xf.wink:
By all means, Rich, teach me something new. You mention that blog post a lot, but you've never explained how you're going to revolutionize an industry you aren't fully informed about.
 
0
•••
By all means, Rich, teach me something new. You mention that blog post a lot, but you've never explained how you're going to revolutionize an industry you aren't fully informed about.
Joe...like I told you, i'm informed enough about the domain industry to know how screwed up it is. I've explained that to you at least a dozen times....didn't you understand? Keep following me Joe....maybe you'll catch on some day:xf.rolleyes:

You obviously don't understand why Verisign says the secondary market "exploits consumers" The secondary market is you Joe....you mean you don't understand how you exploit consumers?

It's because of your exploitation Joe that I'll be meeting with the likes of NFIB and NSBA at their respective headquarters in Washington, DC in the not to distant future.....doubt me Joe? I wouldn't if I were you:xf.confused:
 
0
•••
Joe...like I told you, i'm informed enough about the domain industry to know how screwed up it is. I've explained that to you at least a dozen times....didn't you understand? Keep following me Joe....maybe you'll catch on some day:xf.rolleyes:
I didn't ask why you think the industry is screwed up. I asked how you're going to revolutionize it without understanding all aspects of it.

You obviously don't understand why Verisign says the secondary market "exploits consumers" The secondary market is you Joe....you mean you don't understand how you exploit consumers?
It's you as well, Rich. Everyone on this forum is part of it. I understand my role. And no, I don't exploit consumers. Do you?

It's because of your exploitation Joe that I'll be meeting with the likes of NFIB and NSBA at their respective headquarters in Washington, DC in the not to distant future.....doubt me Joe? I wouldn't if I were you:xf.confused:
I do doubt you, but feel free to give me reason not to if that's important to you.
 
Last edited:
0
•••
I didn't ask why you think the industry is screwed up. I asked how you're going to revolutionizing it without understanding all aspects of it.


It's you as well, Rich. Everyone on this forum is part of it. I understand my role. And no, I don't exploit consumers. Do you?


I do doubt you, but feel free to give me reason not to if that's important to you.
You doubt me?...I consider your constant badgering of me as stalking and harassment Joe, and it's obvious it's intentional, so take a hint, buzz off and find someone else to continue your charade. Either that or I'll have to get a NP restraining order....see ya!
 
0
•••
Domains only need to be of value to seller and buyer to be of value and only the one time is required so if you register them you only need to wait for a like minded individual.
In all due respect lock...."you only need to wait for a like minded individual." Wait until hell freezes over? I'm not being facetious lock....i'm serious:xf.rolleyes:
 
0
•••
You doubt me?...I consider your constant badgering of me as stalking and harassment Joe, and it's obvious it's intentional, so take a hint, buzz off and find someone else to continue your charade. Either that or I'll have to get a NP restraining order....see ya!
Rich, I'm not sure why you fall back on harassment accusations anytime someone challenges your opinions. You're on a public forum. You couldn't even bring yourself to respond to the questions/answers I provided in response to your own questions.

If you can't handle healthy debate, stop introducing discussion threads.

What charade are you referring to?
 
1
•••
Rich, I'm not sure why you fall back on harassment accusations anytime someone challenges your opinions. You're on a public forum. You couldn't even bring yourself to respond to the questions/answers I provided in response to your own questions.

If you can't handle healthy debate, stop introducing discussion threads.

What charade are you referring to?
Here's a common sense question for you Joe...how do I put you on ignore? I don't think I've done that before, and I would appreciate it:xf.wink: Thanks in advance(y)
 
0
•••
While one can, with various assumptions, calculate sell-through rates.

I wonder what fraction of domain names held today will never sell - i.e. will go unsold for a number of years, be dropped, and if picked up again, will go unsold again. Anyone see an attempt to calculate it? If so please provide the link.

Another interesting question is are sell-through rates going up or down. I plan to repeat the analysis in a year or two to see if they have changed, but are there articles where people looked at it say 5 years ago and now?

Bob
 
4
•••
Here's a common sense question for you Joe...how do I put you on ignore? I don't think I've done that before, and I would appreciate it:xf.wink: Thanks in advance(y)
Wish I could help you, Rich... I've never used it to run away from challenges, so I'm not sure where it is.
 
3
•••
I would caution against putting someone on ignore merely because they disagree with your point of view. Surrounding oneself with a bunch of yes men can be dangerous as one insulates themself against sound criticism. Remember that iron sharpens iron.
 
5
•••
While one can, with various assumptions, calculate sell-through rates.

I wonder what fraction of domain names held today will never sell - i.e. will go unsold for a number of years, be dropped, and if picked up again, will go unsold again. Anyone see an attempt to calculate it? If so please provide the link.

Another interesting question is are sell-through rates going up or down. I plan to repeat the analysis in a year or two to see if they have changed, but are there articles where people looked at it say 5 years ago and now?

Bob
I'd be fascinated to read such an article, Bob. I'm always so grateful to read real sales data and experiences from other NP members, so a complete summary of available info would be fantastic. I'm not sure where one would even begin to obtain that.

Perhaps some simple math could be done based on:
  • total registrations year over year
  • total names listed on the aftermarket (although I wonder how we would find this number?)
  • total reported sales per year
As always, the biggest issue with this kind of study continues to be availability of complete information.
 
Last edited:
1
•••
While one can, with various assumptions, calculate sell-through rates.

I wonder what fraction of domain names held today will never sell - i.e. will go unsold for a number of years, be dropped, and if picked up again, will go unsold again. Anyone see an attempt to calculate it? If so please provide the link.

Another interesting question is are sell-through rates going up or down. I plan to repeat the analysis in a year or two to see if they have changed, but are there articles where people looked at it say 5 years ago and now?

Bob

It is true a large % of a portfolio is likely to never sell, especially passively.
The only real exceptions would be liquid domains or dumping them for a few bucks each.

It would be interesting to see, but it would be very hard to quantify.
I don't think too many people keep highly detailed stats on their dropped domains.

Brad
 
2
•••
While one can, with various assumptions, calculate sell-through rates.

I wonder what fraction of domain names held today will never sell - i.e. will go unsold for a number of years, be dropped, and if picked up again, will go unsold again. Anyone see an attempt to calculate it? If so please provide the link.

Another interesting question is are sell-through rates going up or down. I plan to repeat the analysis in a year or two to see if they have changed, but are there articles where people looked at it say 5 years ago and now?

Bob
Thanks Bob....I'm a statistics guy in addition to being a name guy. I use HosterStats for a lot of my information, and we may want to check with them....great question(y)
 
0
•••
I would caution against putting someone on ignore merely because they disagree with your point of view. Surrounding oneself with a bunch of yes men can be dangerous as one insulates themself against sound criticism. Remember that iron sharpens iron.
garptrader...i can assure you I haven't ignored critique or controversy for that's what makes me stronger:xf.wink: However, you obviously don't understand the difference between constructive criticism and harassment:xf.eek:
 
0
•••
Another interesting question is are sell-through rates going up or down.

I haven't seen any real analysis on this subject, but based on my own observations and gut feelings I believe that the first thing that we need to do is to divide this analysis into several different parts that focus on the many different levels that exist when it comes to domain names as each level might behave completely differently from the others.

For example the sell through rate might actually drop for ultra premium domains when things are going good as every one tries to hang on to their best domains hoping for higher offers, although the ones that do sell might go for a lot of money and make the news. On the other hand when things are not so great people start trying to cash in on their top tier domains and so there might be more activity in the top levels of the market while the lower levels might be experiencing stagnation. Although it's usually the mid level domains that suffer the most as the very bottom levels might still be attracting buyers in the low three figures.

IMO
 
Last edited:
2
•••
I haven't seen any real analysis on this subject, but based on my own observations and gut feelings I believe that the first thing that we need to do is to divide this analysis into several different parts that focus on the many different levels that exist when it comes to domain names as each level might behave completely differently from the others.

For example the sell through rate might actually drop for ultra premium domains when things are going good as every one tries to hang on to their best domains hoping for higher offers, although the ones that do sell might go for a lot of money and make the news. On the other hand when things are not so great people start trying to cash in on their top tier domains and so there might be more activity in the top levels of the market while the lower levels might be experiencing stagnation. Although it's usually the mid level domains that suffer the most as the very bottom levels might still be attracting buyers in the low three figures.

IMO
I just sent John McCormac the CIO and founder of HosterStats an email with this question. His tool is maybe the best tool I use when buying and registering domains. I would think he might know?
 
0
•••
garptrader...i can assure you I haven't ignored critique or controversy for that's what makes me stronger:xf.wink: However, you obviously don't understand the difference between constructive criticism and harassment:xf.eek:
I'm genuinely trying to be constructive, Rich. I contribute to other forum discussions in the same way I contribute to your threads. Is there something I could be doing differently so that you wouldn't view my comments and questions as harassment?
 
1
•••
0
•••
I'm genuinely trying to be constructive,

It's true that constructive criticism helps everyone see their faults and perhaps try to correct them, but if its always just criticism (even the constructive ones) without patting someone on the back when they do something right then it might come across as if you are just targeting someone and it might be interpreted as harassment if it continues to go on that way.

So criticism has to be followed by encouragement and guidance and perhaps an occasional pat on the back in order to be considered fair and balanced.

The fact that your comment was followed by three smiley faces by another member only adds to the negativity.

My suggestion to OP is also to avoid bragging about all your experience in naming companies and instead prove that you are able to come up with good and worthy names like you did with your smile domains.

IMO
 
Last edited:
1
•••
It's true that constructive criticism helps everyone see their faults and perhaps try to correct them, but if its always just criticism (even the constructive ones) without patting someone on the back when they do something right then it might come across as if you are just targeting someone and it might be interpreted as harassment if it continues to go on that way.

So criticism has to be followed by encouragement and guidance and perhaps an occasional pat on the back in order to be considered fair and balanced.

The fact that your comment was followed by three smiley faces by another member only adds to the negativity.
Agreed! I've complimented the OP quite a lot in past threads. @ThatNameGuy strikes me as a passionate person with a lot of interesting ideas and a hunger for life and learning.

My suggestion to OP is also to avoid bragging about all your experience in naming companies and instead prove that you are able to come up with good and worthy names like you did with your smile domains
I personally don't mind if other members want to brag about their accomplishments, as long as they're willing to back it up with factual information that we can all learn from. I make a point of encouraging any such members to provide us with evidence that their claims hold water.

I openly share most of my sales with the forum, offer positive and constructive advice where I think it can be of use, and am gracious toward those members who put so much work into helping me to grow my own knowledge of this industry. I expect no less from other members.
 
2
•••
Back