Hi, I'm Twiki answering your questions today here on NP. AMA

[twiki]

I've just received a bunch of questions from another NP member via DM.

I thought it's more appropriate to reply to them in an AMA post as others NP members might have other questions. Never did an AMA before, here or anywhere else. Anyway, ask me anything below.

Before anything else, please note: I am really not a fan of the spotlight. So please don't put me on a pedestal - like a few folks wanted before. I really don't like / want / need all that. Just got a bit of more performance lately but it's nothing that uncommon I'd say. I'm just yet another domainer here on NP where I have learned a lot. There are many others here much better than me.

OK so here are the questions I've received, and the answers:

- Q: How long have you been in the industry?
- A: This is rather difficult to answer. I'd prefer to say 3 years, because these are the years during which I finally got performance. Which has been visible just as it went here on NP in the sales thread.

But I've been buying and selling domains on a constant basis since 2018. And I also had a few tens of short domains like 15 years ago or so. Unfortunately I let them expire an got out of domaining for a decade, would have been worth some decent money today. But I think it's never too late if you're willing to do the work.

- Q: What is portfolio right now?
- A: I guess you're asking about the size. I have 7400 domains right now, down from 25.000 historical max. I'm reducing the portfolio however and hope to go beyond 4000 so it becomes much more manageable.

- Q: How much would you say you have acquired in drop registered or closeout vs auction at GoDaddy/Dynadot etc?
- A: Again if you're asking about counts: I don't have a statistic, but probably 75% of my domains are drop regs, 15% are hand regs, and most of the remaining are closeouts. Auction buys, less than 1%. However I intend to develop that next but it is more time consuming for me to watch the auctions.

- Q: How much do you spend on average acquiring domains?
- A: If you ask about time, it varies. Sometimes a full day, other times I don't even work on domains. On average at least 2 hours per day. If you're asking about $, most domains are at reg cost OR closeouts which range between 5 and 50$ + reg fee. Auctions I only have bought domains worth $300 or less.

- Q: Looks like you are mostly focused on the dot com? Is that correct?
- A: Yes. I have a much better hand at .COMs. Like 99% of my domains are .COM.

- Q: Do you hand register domains also?
- A: Sure, but not every day. Sometimes I get an idea and will register some based on it. I've sold for example quite a few meta domains which are all handregs. I haven't sold any NFT domain so far. It depends. I tend to not go too deep in hand regs.

Please note that drops are also a form of handregs. Well drops I do daily, and sometimes several depending on the quality available that day.
------

I'm going to add a bit of more insight here as to how I get results:

What I do is simple, I'm working hard each day (really) and got a bit of luck as well. That's all, nothing out of the ordinary. I also try to help others when I can, here on NP and elsewhere (with some limits, of course). I am also a full stack developer and I build my own tools for domaining, that helps as well.

If anyone here on NP has another question to ask, please ask below. If there are none more, that's also cool with me.

Thanks!

 

[Venkatesh Jadhav]

I saw most of your sale as BIN if am right and they are priced from anywhere between $1500 to $2000. But do you also get lot of sales through Afternic broker negotiations for the similar amount range or even higher amount range. I am using NS3 and NS4 as lander and I know you said you are using NS5 and NS6 lander which has the bin option.

 

[Bob Hawkes]

Thanks a lot for doing this AMA, and for all of the great contributions you make to NamePros. Every time I see you have written something in detail, I know I will benefit from reading it. Thank you.

I guess I only have two (related) questions. I follow what you say about shifting interest in the TLDs you handle and in the quality-level of domains. I was interested in your comment about passing up some good names, if they don't fit the sectors you find interesting. Could you please comment on:

1. About how many different sectors/niches do you currently concentrate on?
2. Do you regularly review and drop some sectors and add new ones, or do you stay pretty consistent on sectors over a period of years?

Thank you again, and I am very sorry to hear about the loss of the mother of your daughter due to COVID. It must be hard with that and with your daughter in a different country now. I am glad you discuss names with her sometimes, even if you don't agree. I think many family members don't share our interest in names, and it is nice when family members do show an interest.

Thanks again for everything you contribute, @twiki

-Bob

 

[twiki]

Do you still buy domains which are $50 or less and able to sell them for above $500?

Most of my domains I have are paid reg fee, that's like $9. And my lowest price at this time is $1488 but most are above that.

So yes.

 

[twiki]

I saw most of your sale as BIN if am right and they are priced from anywhere between $1500 to $2000. But do you also get lot of sales through Afternic broker negotiations for the similar amount range or even higher amount range. I am using NS3 and NS4 as lander and I know you said you are using NS5 and NS6 lander which has the bin option.

All BIN. I have frequent sales up to $2.5K and $3k, but perhaps you haven't seen them.

No I don't get Afternic broker negotiations, most of those never resulted in a sale for me. BIN is what works.

NS3/NS4 didn't work for me. BIN lander works (5/6).

 

[Venkatesh Jadhav]

All BIN. I have frequent sales up to $2.5K and $3k, but perhaps you haven't seen them.

No I don't get Afternic broker negotiations, most of those never resulted in a sale for me. BIN is what works.

NS3/NS4 didn't work for me. BIN lander works (5/6).

Thanks !! Sorry to hear about your loss !!!

 

[twiki]

Thanks a lot for doing this AMA, and for all of the great contributions you make to NamePros. Every time I see you have written something in detail, I know I will benefit from reading it. Thank you.

I guess I only have two (related) questions. I follow what you say about shifting interest in the TLDs you handle and in the quality-level of domains. I was interested in your comment about passing up some good names, if they don't fit the sectors you find interesting. Could you please comment on:

1. About how many different sectors/niches do you currently concentrate on?
2. Do you regularly review and drop some sectors and add new ones, or do you stay pretty consistent on sectors over a period of years?

Thank you again, and I am very sorry to hear about the loss of the mother of your daughter due to COVID. It must be hard with that and with your daughter in a different country now. I am glad you discuss names with her sometimes, even if you don't agree. I think many family members don't share our interest in names, and it is nice when family members do show an interest.

Thanks again for everything you contribute, @twiki

-Bob

Hi Bob,

Same here, thanks a lot for your contribution instead. Much helpful.

1) Just 2 niches, finance and tech (startup/SaaS mostly). About nothing else, with the rare exception of certain very good combinations on any other niche's domain hat I have to take. But these are few. I don't even buy crypto names in general. So apart from these two niches, everything else is mostly an exception.

There are countless other niches where good money can be made. I've made my first money with brick and mortar domains, org domains etc. I have to pass on all these. I don't have an unlimited budget, not an unlimited time to manage them.

I'm probably ditching at least 10 or sometimes 20 such other names per day.

2) It depends. If there's a strong trend, I might jump in the wagon. I've made good money with meta domains. I've made no money with NFT domains, these were a flop for me. But they are still in the tech area so these are mostly sub-niches.

I count crypto as a separate niche although it is definitely fintech after all. But the names and buy behavior are wildly different in crypto if you ask me.

 

[blogspotter]

Sorry to hear about your loss brother.

Thanks for the AMA

 

[Denismth]

Thanks for the info.
Dan's nameserver is
ns1.dan.com
ns2.dan.com
What is the Nameserver of Afternic?

 

[twiki]

Thanks for the info.
Dan's nameserver is
ns1.dan.com
ns2.dan.com
What is the Nameserver of Afternic?

I suggest you to ask this question in the beginners sections, thank you.

Or, even better, make use of the free search function at the top of the page. This has been discussed 10.000 times on Namepros already.

 

[Denismth]

I asked because I couldn't find it in my back office. I could find it with more effort though - searching. Thx.

 

[RegDN]

Hello. twiki
Thank you for sharing.

I have a few questions, it would be great if you could answer them

1. you have 7400 domains, which is a huge portfolio, how much does it cost?


2. how do you manage these 7400 domains and when they expire or need to be renewed, how do you avoid them not being renewed in time?


3. How do you price these 7400 domains and how do you manage these 7400 domains?
What markets do you list in, and how many do you sell on average per week?

 

[twiki]

Hello. twiki
Thank you for sharing.

I have a few questions, it would be great if you could answer them

1. you have 7400 domains, which is a huge portfolio, how much does it cost?


2. how do you manage these 7400 domains and when they expire or need to be renewed, how do you avoid them not being renewed in time?


3. How do you price these 7400 domains and how do you manage these 7400 domains?
What markets do you list in, and how many do you sell on average per week?

1. The average domain cost is around $9, now you can do the math. Add a few thousands for the rare purchases and other related costs such as tool subscriptions etc. it's somewhere right below $100k anyway.

2) I use Excel with a bit of extra code to automate things.

3) All this has been mentioned a lot of times here on NP, and also there's lot to say. Please read my posts and you'll find out.

 

[phaethon]

Twiki, with regards to your suggestion for xxxx pricing during this period, I would say that one domainer's selling trends can't express the whole. There are thousands of domainers and I'm sure a lot of them still sell at xxx range.
We could draw some conclusions if we had the selling trends of 100 domainers, let's say, over months.

 

[twiki]

Twiki, with regards to your suggestion for xxxx pricing during this period, I would say that one domainer's selling trends can't express the whole. There are thousands of domainers and I'm sure a lot of them still sell at xxx range.
We could draw some conclusions if we had the selling trends of 100 domainers, let's say, over months.

You are correct. Also it depends on value of the domains. If the value is xxx range, it would be a big error to price 4-fig.

Indeed, I'm sharing my journey but it doesn't mean it's everyone else's journey. Each domainer and portfolio is/are different.

 

[Kenny]

Sorry to hear about your loss brother.

Thanks for the AMA

+1

You have done a remarkable job so far in this industry.
I'm sure your hard work and commitment will continue your growth as well.
Your posts are always thoughtful as well as helpful, and your demeaner is considerate and kind.

Thanks man, you are certainly a refreshing addition to our community.

A True nP'r !

Peace,
Kenny

 

[twiki]

+1

You have done a remarkable job so far in this industry.
I'm sure your hard work and commitment will continue your growth as well.
Your posts are always thoughtful as well as helpful, and your demeaner is considerate and kind.

Thanks man, you are certainly a refreshing addition to our community.

A True nP'r !

Peace,
Kenny

Hi Kenny,

Great words, a bit too big though...? But thanks a lot. It's good to see things are having a positive impact.

I've done okay I think, given the late phase when I started. But by my own measure, it's still just a start.

There are others as well of course on NP that have done even better ( I learn from them too) that probably have started more or less around the same time. But maybe not everyone has time or possibility to write more stuff.

I'm trying to be considerate and helpful, I think we all should be.

My age helps being calmer, I mean I learned how to be as my native personality is actually pretty explosive.

Also I'm past 50 now (nobody asked, well, there you go). But I feel young and I am a very active person on several lines so "bro" might still work. Side note I manage 3 businesses and I can tell everyone, without physical exercise /workout you can't be healthy especially when you age.

But it is difficult to be considerate, though rewarding. Often people are "hitting the door with the boot" and I have to let them know there are certain limits. Trying to be polite in general and I think everyone should. We generally lack this as a society, especially online. It's so easy to burst out and lash at someone for no serious reason.

End note, there is still so much that can be done in domaining, I feel like I'm just barely starting and excited to see the changes and evolution of it. Been quite interesting 3-4 years lately with all sorts of changes.

 

[Mena]

bahaha co a fluke and xyz to stay... I cant believe u have nerve to claim u kown something about domains.. parhetic

I really do wonder how you became a Top Contributor, by contributing this nonsense you post on every thread?

 

[alcy]

I really do wonder how you became a Top Contributor, by contributing this nonsense you post on every thread?

yes correct..so same as twiki here basically making his ego mighty threads and talking about pedestals while really peddling nonsense for amateurs like u to clap at

 

[sellian]

yes correct..so same as twiki here basically making his ego mighty threads and talking about pedestals while really peddling nonsense for amateurs like u to clap at

Lame! You always sound bitter and envious. A very dislikable personality you have..

 

[sellian]

Nice initiative Twiki, your insights are always inspiring!

I have a question. What's the highest price you've ever gotten for a freshly regged domain that's only taken in 1 extension (dot com)? Also, do you have a maximum price tag (not to be exceeded) for this type of domains?

Thank you!

 

[twiki]

Nice initiative Twiki, your insights are always inspiring!

I have a question. What's the highest price you've ever gotten for a freshly regged domain that's only taken in 1 extension (dot com)? Also, do you have a maximum price tag (not to be exceeded) for this type of domains?

Thank you!

Got a few sold at 3k, the latest was a meta reg which I think I have reported here on NP.

No, I don't have a price limit for these but have to be realistic for the domain.

 

[twiki]

Nice initiative Twiki, your insights are always inspiring!

I have a question. What's the highest price you've ever gotten for a freshly regged domain that's only taken in 1 extension (dot com)? Also, do you have a maximum price tag (not to be exceeded) for this type of domains?

Thank you!

Forgot to mention, none of these exceeds $10k and most are under $3k.

But I do have a few in the high 4-fig range. Haven't sold them but will see. Also SH agreed on the price while they were at them (got a second opinion).

For 5-fig, you probably need something better than a fresh reg with no other TLDs registered, but I'd say it is not impossible, just very unlikely. (Edit: I wouldn't put much hope in that.)

Edit: Also thanks for the kind words ! Glad to help with what I can.

 

[william]

@twiki What's your experience with Dan landers? Any idea what performs better, Afternic vs Dan buy it now?

 

[twiki]

@twiki What's your experience with Dan landers? Any idea what performs better, Afternic vs Dan buy it now?

I've said this multiple times on NP, but anyway here you go.

Dan landers never performed for me. They only worked properly for very low xxx range which I'm not interested in. Therefore personally I'm not affected by Dan being bought by GD right now.

The best results I always had via Afternic landers, especially via the NS5/NS6 lander. I believe it's due to phone number available and the GoDaddy name. Even with the extra 11% in fees, I still make more in this way.

Another big advantage is that I don't need to manage thousands of names on 2 platforms, and if something sells I don't have to hurry removing names from the other platform. Less hassle, more time to work on domains, better results overall.

 

[william]

I've said this multiple times on NP, but anyway here you go.

Dan landers never performed for me. They only worked properly for very low xxx range which I'm not interested in. Therefore personally I'm not affected by Dan being bought by GD right now.

The best results I always had via Afternic landers, especially via the NS5/NS6 lander. I believe it's due to phone number available and the GoDaddy name. Even with the extra 11% in fees, I still make more in this way.

Another big advantage is that I don't need to manage thousands of names on 2 platforms, and if something sells I don't have to hurry removing names from the other platform. Less hassle, more time to work on domains, better results overall.

That's a good point regarding the phone number. I never had a big enough portfolio to experiment. Do you mind me asking, what is your STR? (I know you probably don't have an exact number).