SquadHelp - Marketplace

JudgeMind · Jan 26, 2019

Hey Folks,

I've just started using squadhelp.com to list some of my brandable. So far I have 76 domains listed, there is no fee to list. I've had some decent action so far in the way of interested buyers but no sales as of yet. I've only been with them for 1 week now.

A bit of a summary review of SquadHelp:

PROS

No Listing fee
No Logo design fee
Ability to submit your names to end users holding naming contests
Ability to chat directly or send a message directly to end users.
Stats of your marketplace domains are shown in the marketplace dashboard.
Their customer service and support has been great, 24hr a day chat.
Ability to increase or decrease the list price of your domains or to show a discount. You can decrease or increase the price yourself by $200. If you want to lower more, you can contact support.
End users can shortlist your domains before they make a decision on which they want to purchase. The number of shortlists is shown in you marketplace dashboard.
When you submit your names you get to set the price you wish to get. Because their commissions are high I recommend listing at a higher price to offset the commission costs.
Their landing pages are fairly basic but they work. Because the marketplace is fairly new, I'm sure we will see style improvements in the future.
One thing I really like is they accept multiple extensions. I have listed .co and .io along with .com
Each seller gets a direct link to their marketplace portfolio, HERES MY PORTFOLIO. It is handy if your trying to p[promote your portfolio through social media.
I like that their marketplace doesn't have tens of thousands domain listings like BB. They are fairly strict on the domains they accept to list and so this helps keep the number of domains in the marketplace down and gets your listings more exposure.

CONS

Their commissions are very high, depending on the domain name they are usually between 30% and 35%. However, there are no listing fees, no logo design fees, so in the end their commission is very similar to brand buckets.
Their logos are not top quality, in fact I requested to have some of my logos remade.
I think they have a big backlog of logos to design, the wait time for logo design has been around 1 week, but your names are still listed while the logos are being designed.
After your names are accepted you need to agree to their commission rate, at this point you also need to apply your own keywords, descriptions etc. I found this was very time consuming.

karmaco · Jun 15, 2019

Bernard Wright said:
@GrantP I have a premium listing that was given a logo I didn’t care for. I requested a review and a new logo was provided. Honestly, this new one is probably the worst logo I’ve seen on the site. Can I just make my own and send it to you? Such an option might be appreciated by others here as well.

Same here got a revision with an equally ugly logo. Sometimes the fonts they use are super outdated and/or hard to read. My revision was no better than the first. I told them looks matter and this affects sellability. I was told basically in so many words since it’s free minimal complaining is permitted.

Earlier today, someone misspelled the name which they corrected right away when I pointed it out. Free or not if a good name has a cheesy logo it does not help.

Candace · Jun 15, 2019

GrantP said:
@Candace We have a small team of branding professionals who review the names in Marketplace. They have a fairly broad experience in branding, and they work directly with hundreds of companies (startups to large corporations) to assist them with their branding projects. We also take into account quite a bit of analytical information and insights while evaluating the names for approval and pricing. In addition, we've also done thousands of audience tests (where we have tested names with the real end-users - target customers of companies who launch contests with us). These audience testing results give us an additional level of insights regarding what names might resonate with target audiences of our buyers.

Our team analyzes each name from the point of view of an end-user and if they feel that it will resonate with our buyers, they will likely accept it. Having said that, there is subjectivity in the process, and there are probably many examples where we missed out on a good opportunity (and vice versa).

The review process is designed to correct some of those human errors. Once the seller submits a name for another review, and provides some additional rationale for why that name might be a good fit, we take a fresh look at the name, and will gladly accept it if it aligns with our understanding of our customers.

Thanks, @GrantP, very helpful

Can you also address this, please? I believe someone brought it up prior and I'd like it to be addressed also.

Let's say one of our submissions was registered the same day we submitted the domain name to a contest; the submission is highly rated by the CH. The name was registered under privacy. Squadhelp followed up with the CH multiple times until he/she eventually simply said that they didn't register the domain name.

"We are writing to let you know about your Domain Registration report for : "_________.com" in contest "___________________".

We followed up with the Contest Holder to check if they registered that name. We did hear back from the CH, and according to them, this name was not registered by them or any of their colleagues."

That's it? So there's really no protection for submissions then?

Please give Creatives the ability to submit registered names ASAP. This way, if we find/create names that we really like, we'll register it before submitting it.

This protects both Creatives and the reputation of Squadhelp itself. I'm sure we'll all not like SH to become the platform where CHs can steal names/ideas from Creatives. Note well that the current setup of your platform also makes it easy for a CH to choose a winner domain for a contest, but then go back and register all the other names that he/she thinks they might like.

bowskie · Jun 15, 2019

Candace said:
Thanks, @GrantP, very helpful

Can you also address this, please? I believe someone brought it up prior and I'd like it to be addressed also.

One of my submissions was registered the same day I submitted the domain name to a contest; the submission was highly rated by the CH. The name was registered under privacy. Squadhelp followed up with the CH multiple times until he/she eventually simply said that they didn't register the domain name.

"We are writing to let you know about your Domain Registration report for : "_________.com" in contest "___________________".

We followed up with the Contest Holder to check if they registered that name. We did hear back from the CH, and according to them, this name was not registered by them or any of their colleagues."

That's it? So there's really no protection for our submissions then?

Please give us the ability to submit our registered names ASAP. This way, if I find a name I really like, I'll register it before submitting it.

This protects both Creatives and the reputation of Squadhelp itself. I'm sure we'll all not like SH to become the platform where CHs can steal names/ideas from Creatives. Note well that the current setup of SH also makes it easy for a CH to choose a winner domain for a contest, but then go back and register all the other names that he/she thinks they might like.

I totally get where you are coming from regarding this.

To clarify, are you suggesting that SH allows submission of registered names into contests that are not currently listed as Basic, Basic Plus or Premium names?

Would you be happy to receive just the contest winners prize of $100-$500 if your name is selected?

Candace · Jun 15, 2019

bowskie said:
I totally get where you are coming from regarding this.

To clarify, are you suggesting that SH allows submission of registered names into contests that are not currently listed as Basic, Basic Plus or Premium names?

Would you be happy to receive just the contest winners prize of $100-$500 if your name is selected?

Yes. I'm speaking about names that don't quite make the premium cut. For example, let's say there is a contest and I find/create a name that I like, I want to have the option to hand reg it first, then submit it. Of course, from my end, it'll have to be a name that I'm willing to part with for the low $xxx range (if I win the contest), AND that I know would be sellable on other platforms. Not all names are premium names no matter how much a person may like the name. I'm sure that most of us (who are realistic) know which names are $xx names, $xxx names and $xxxx names and so on.

bowskie · Jun 15, 2019

Candace said:
Yes. I'm speaking about names that don't quite make the premium cut. For example, let's say there is a contest and I find/create a name that I like, I want to have the option to hand reg it first, then submit it. Of course, from my end, it'll have to be a name that I'm willing to part with for the low $xxx range (if I win the contest), or that I know would be sellable on other platforms.

It makes sense to have this option available for people submitting names to contests. I am not sure why SH have not implemented this previously.

boker · Jun 15, 2019

Candace said:
Yes. I'm speaking about names that don't quite make the premium cut. For example, let's say there is a contest and I find/create a name that I like, I want to have the option to hand reg it first, then submit it. Of course, from my end, it'll have to be a name that I'm willing to part with for the low $xxx range (if I win the contest), AND that I know would be sellable on other platforms. Not all names are premium names no matter how much a person may like the name. I'm sure that most of us (who are realistic) know which names are $xx names, $xxx names and $xxxx names and so on.

This is possible for a long time already, you can submit your rejected names as basic and you get just the $100-$300 prize, depends on the contest and the CH doesn't need to pay extra, what they will pay for a premium or basic plus names.

Candace · Jun 15, 2019

boker said:
This is possible for a long time already, you can submit your rejected names as basic and you get just the $100-$300 prize, depends on the contest and the CH doesn't need to pay extra, what they will pay for a premium or basic plus names.

Boker.

Maybe I'm missing something here. Squadhelp says that they take 15% of the selling price for a basic listing or $300. So if I reg a name, then list it as a basic listing, how does that work? Are you saying that I can submit it to a contest and if it wins, SH won't bother taking the comish?

ALDaisy1 · Jun 15, 2019

If you win a contest with a basic domain, you receive the contest prize and are required to transfer the domain to the contest holder without requesting any additional fee. You won't be charged a commission, but you will have to pay the 10% withdrawal fee that is standard for all contest wins.

boker · Jun 15, 2019

Candace said:
Boker.

Maybe I'm missing something here. Squadhelp says that they take 15% of the selling price for a basic listing or $300. So if I reg a name, then list it as a basic listing, how does that work? Are you saying that I can submit it to a contest and if it wins, SH won't bother taking the comish?

I think this was explained before by SH somewhere in this thread but I can't find it, but regarding basic , you receive the full amount of the contest prize, if the domain was submitted to a contest. If somebody buys it without being a CH, as in just landing on your domain and buys it, than you get 15% of the selling prize and min of $300. If it;s submitted to a contest and your name is the winner, you are required to hand over the domain to the CH and you get the prize. Regarding basic plus listing, you can submit them in the marketplace and you get the full amount, minus 25% commission or $400, depends which is higher. The cons comparing them with a premium listing is that they don't appear in the main marketplace just in the footer of the page there are some links. The advantage is that you don't need approval and you can delist them anytime. If I'm wrong, somebody please correct me.

myfavorite · Jun 17, 2019

Hello @GrantP, am wondering your greatest source of sales. Whether from contests or direct purchase of premium domains?

Thanks

boker · Jun 17, 2019

myfavorite said:
Hello @GrantP, am wondering your greatest source of sales. Whether from contests or direct purchase of premium domains?

Thanks

@GrantP , in the end, are we aloud to sell SH premium domains privately to other sellers and just use the 'transfer' option from our dashboard to move them to another SH account or we need to go through SH seller marketplace? I think that just a small fraction of sellers will wait days(sometimes up to 10) to receive the payment from SH for $$ amounts., if they use SH seller to seller marketplace.

Aftab Iqbal · Jun 20, 2019

MS-Domains said:
Is there no option to cancel "wholesale prices" ?

There should be.

Please add the option.

Thanks

Just set wholesale value to zero

YairDD · Jun 20, 2019

How do I get my domain to this section?

karmaco · Jun 20, 2019

YairDD said:
How do I get my domain to this section?

Show attachment 121688

Your name gets there by being popular

YairDD · Jun 20, 2019

karmaco said:
Your name gets there by being popular

I'm pretty sure this is incorrect, at least if you base it on favorites. some domains there only have 4 favorites...

boker · Jun 20, 2019

YairDD said:
I'm pretty sure this is incorrect, at least if you base it on favorites. some domains there only have 4 favorites...

You don't know, but you still think that it's incorrect if somebody tells you. I have a few of them, but the best was in the first 10, with no favorites, but with around 300 views each day, from the first day it was listed. It's an algorithm based on views, shortlist, love/likes in contests, how many different ips are checking it, from whey they are, if there are contest holders between them and lots more, but they will not say it exactly, because everybody will try to play the system.

Joakim · Jun 20, 2019

I am struggling with their logos, I honestly am. They have some good logos, but they are not equally representative throughout their site.

Most of my submitted names have logos way below my own standards. I have submitted some review requests, but with only 5 available each month, I run out of options quickly! Pretty horrendous.

I did see a name in a showcase thread yesterday that looked the exact same as one of my recently accepted names. Terrible, but I'm out of review requests. Should not happen. Obviously the person creating those logos was looking to save time.

Why not implement what Brandpa have going? They let us have direct communication with the logo designer for suggestions and reviews before the name goes live. BrandBucket also provides an opportunity for sellers to choose the level of award for designers, which will obviously have an impact in regards to their qualifications and skillset.

Another topic I would like to discuss, and something I don't believe any other platform can provide, is the opportunity to submit names only open for offers. Would that be something worth considering? Lets say I have a name, but are not happy with the suggested price given. Could it not be an option for us sellers to open up for offers only?

Feel free to discuss these topics.

YairDD · Jun 20, 2019

boker said:
You don't know, but you still think that it's incorrect if somebody tells you. I have a few of them, but the best was in the first 10, with no favorites, but with around 300 views each day, from the first day it was listed. It's an algorithm based on views, shortlist, love/likes in contests, how many different ips are checking it, from whey they are, if there are contest holders between them and lots more, but they will not say it exactly, because everybody will try to play the system.

I was just thinking out loud.

Thanks!

trelgor · Jun 20, 2019

BrandsOpen said:
I am struggling with their logos, I honestly am. They have some good logos, but they are not equally representative throughout their site.

Most of my submitted names have logos way below my own standards. I have submitted some review requests, but with only 5 available each month, I run out of options quickly! Pretty horrendous.

I did see a name in a showcase thread yesterday that looked the exact same as one of my recently accepted names. Terrible, but I'm out of review requests. Should not happen. Obviously the person creating those logos was looking to save time.

Why not implement what Brandpa have going? They let us have direct communication with the logo designer for suggestions and reviews before the name goes live. BrandBucket also provides an opportunity for sellers to choose the level of award for designers, which will obviously have an impact in regards to their qualifications and skillset.

Another topic I would like to discuss, and something I don't believe any other platform can provide, is the opportunity to submit names only open for offers. Would that be something worth considering? Lets say I have a name, but are not happy with the suggested price given. Could it not be an option for us sellers to open up for offers only?

Feel free to discuss these topics.

The logos pretty much suck. But they are ”free” and quickly done. With Squadhelp they are not a listing decision plus for sure. I’m hoping other parameters will show to be. Still very much undecided with 480 listed.

BRANDERX · Jun 20, 2019

I see this under "recently sold", its great, means not only $1,200 domains are selling.

YairDD · Jun 20, 2019

MS-Domains said:
I see this under "recently sold", its great, means not only $1,200 domains are selling. Show attachment 121693

Exactly/com was also sold for 120k

BRANDERX · Jun 20, 2019

YairDD said:
Exactly/com was also sold for 120k

oh, so it finally sold, great for the marketplace.. & the seller, obviously..

capybara · Jun 20, 2019

trelgor said:
The logos pretty much suck.

I am curious, do brandable marketplaces keep track on their names endusers – how many actually use the provided logos? Would die to see such stats.

trelgor · Jun 20, 2019

Don Gondon said:
I am curious, do brandable marketplaces keep track on their names endusers – how many actually use the provided logos? Would die to see such stats.

That really doesn’t matter much IMO. The purpose is the initial connection.

bowskie · Jun 20, 2019

MS-Domains said:
I see this under "recently sold", its great, means not only $1,200 domains are selling. Show attachment 121693

I could be wrong, but I am pretty sure they are now recycling older sales and showing them in the "Recently Sold" area.
I saw Blab.com and WhiteGove.com in the featured sales section quite a long time ago, so they have been sold for quite a while now.

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