discuss What are the "ETHICS" of Domain buying/selling?

As a seller:

• I will actively disclose pricing if it's non-standard (but I never buy premium-priced domains)
• I will make sure the buyer will not run into predictable compliance problems. For example, I once sold a .ca to a Dutch end user. Since .ca has restrictions, I first cleared this up with him. Some ccTLDs like .fr are also restricted. .us too.
  
• I will disclose if there have been TM claims in the past, legal threats, UDRPs won etc (hasn't happened yet)
• I once bought a typo (not TM) by accident. So I put it on Sedo while waiting for it to expire (in case there is some traffic). Somebody bought it for $120. I disclosed to the bidder the fact they were bidding on a typo, giving them a chance to back out.
  
• I don't talk about history. Buyers usually aren't interested about the past, they want to start something new but the domain has to be free of negative 'baggage'. I have done my homework prior to buying the domain.

As for the rest, my usual disclaimer is that the domain is being sold in good faith, and the buyer has to do due diligence. My philosophy is that the buyer has to do research but has the right to ask questions. If the seller is aware of anything bad about the domain, then he has a duty of disclosure.

To me it is common sense, honesty. If you sell a car without mentioning parts that you know are defective and in need of repair, then you are performing a sale that is deceptive and possibly fraudulent. Your actions might even cause an accident and leave you legally liable.

Kate said:

As for the rest, my usual disclaimer is that the domain is being sold in good faith, and the buyer has to do due diligence. My philosophy is that the buyer has to do research but has the right to ask questions. If the seller is aware of anything bad about the domain, then he has a duty of disclosure.

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I agree. This is the guideline: the buyer must be proactive, the seller has to be fair.

i think............ if you're already an "ethical person" then no guide is needed.

you do the right thing, naturally

imo....

In the perfect world would be enough...