question How would you reply to this?

legendarynames said:

Upon engaging in a negotiation with a buyer, they asked me this:

1) How much did you pay for the domain?
2) Was hoping you could answer our question about what you hope to achieve with the sale? Is it just money, or something else?

Some background: the buyer represents a brand new organization with a 'noble' cause. Whether they are legit or not, I don't know. The domain was registered many years ago, but they might somehow think they're entitled to it (that's my guess).

I'm curious how people here would reply to this as it's rather uncommon that a buyer asks such questions.

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This would be as strange as me asking shoe salesman Al Bundy about the shoes he was selling me, but would have more comic effect... and canned laughter.

I like @gilescoley answer a lot, and initially would say only that, but be open to explain more about the economics of domain investing if they really push.

It is possible that in their mind they are looking for something along the lines of what @frank-germany speculates, that they are cash poor but hope to exchange something else in return for a lowering of the price. Whether you would consider that depends on both your position and who they are.

Best wishes for the discussion with them.

Bob

gilescoley said:

I would say the following

We have a company policy that we dont release purchase prices to potential buyers for our names

We are a business so we sell domains for profit but we also love seeing our names being put to great use and companies benefiting from purchasing our names.

Its really none of their business but I'd be happy to answer if they ask nicely like that.

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perfect answer!!!!

Perhaps a non- English speaker using google translator (or another) to pose their questions and the translation context losing some of it's intended friendliness or logical sense. As it appears its from China.

Over the years I've seen all sorts of comments and criticisms in sales negotiations. Some intended buyers are naive enough to believe you are (or should be) offering it to them at Cost, even when they contacted you in the first place to buy the domain.

I wouldn't read too much into their questions - their probably even using Google translator to interpret your answers back to what ever local language they use,

Stick with Factual responses, Price, Payment method, escrow service etc and leave it at that, If they want to buy they will, Seems to me (as mentioned) they are just using a long-winded approach to try and get the price down or offering you some sort of trade-off for the domain.

My advice - Don't start going down the road they want to take you, Just use the single words "Private/Undisclosed/Confidential" Shouldn't be anything lost in translation that way

legendarynames said:

2) Was hoping you could answer our question about what you hope to achieve with the sale? Is it just money, or something else?

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Giving is often the key to receiving, so I hope to achieve with the sale the discovery of a better buyer than you.

There is aboslutely no reason to even address those two questions. Life is short, time is short, time is valuable - reply succinctly and move on. My response would be:

Hello, if you are interested in making an offer to purchase this domain name then you may so do. Otherwise, best wishes in all of your endeavors. Cheers.

I bought it at registration cost. You will be required to pay this fee yearly.
I bought it from another seller but you can list it for a profit if you like once purchased.
This will be a transaction for money I do not accepts trades or services.

legendarynames said:

Upon engaging in a negotiation with a buyer, they asked me this:

1) How much did you pay for the domain?
2) Was hoping you could answer our question about what you hope to achieve with the sale? Is it just money, or something else?

Some background: the buyer represents a brand new organization with a 'noble' cause. Whether they are legit or not, I don't know. The domain was registered many years ago, but they might somehow think they're entitled to it (that's my guess).

I'm curious how people here would reply to this as it's rather uncommon that a buyer asks such questions.

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1. Way more than I am willing to negotiate with you for.
2. We are currently assisting other clients if you want to retain our services please check back later.