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The FUTURE of Domain Name Brokers and The Long Tail

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What do you think about the arrival of a vast number of domain brokers into the industry?

  • This poll is still running and the standings may change.
  • This poll is still running and the standings may change.

Rob Monster

Founder of EpikTop Member
Epik Founder
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Some of you will be familiar with the term "The Long Tail". It is perhaps one of the most famous articles ever written in Wired Magazine back in its hey-day. Chris Anderson is the visionary author. The old classic can be found here: https://www.wired.com/2004/10/tail/

upload_2020-2-19_18-38-52.png



What exactly do I mean by "Long Tail" Domains

There is a finite but knowable universe of people who will value the domain name TampaGolfLessons.com. If you can find them and engage them good chance that they value them for some price that allows them to earn a return from switching from what they use now to something better.

To illustrate, these are classic :"long tail" domains:

upload_2020-2-19_18-40-20.png




The Barrier to entry to become a Domain Broker is effectively zero

Why I think it matters to domainers is this: the super-brokers might not have any interest in brokering a 3 figure domain or a 4 figure domain because of the size of prize is too low, even at a 20% commission. Some brokers won't even take on a domain for less than 6 figures, again due to small size of prize.

On the other hand, in some parts of the world, notably in emerging markets, many people have more time and intellect, than they have money or domains. Nevertheless, they absolutely do have much to offer the domain industry by using their time and talent to connect supply with demand.

As we look ahead to the next phase of domaining, I foresee an explosion of Domain Name Brokers. The long-time brokers might perhaps dreading this day because they will up against a dual squeeze:

1. Godaddy, the aspiring monopolist, now has 1 million owned and operated domain names that they will be eager to sell through their channel to a vast retail customer base with a brokerage team who will be under pressure to add value and have access to a large proprietary data set about who buys what domains.

2. Emerging markets are about to serve up an absolute explosion of independent Name Brokers, who can make use of a fast-expanding array of free tools for finding who owns what domains, and can use secure ways to clear those transactions, e.g. through marketplaces and escrow services.


So what is a Boostrapping Domain Broker to do?

The good news is that brokering domains is a capital-efficient way for emerging market participants to bootstrap their way into an industry, even with little or no capital.

One way to get started might be to leverage a domain liquidation service - go find a domain that is newly listed, and try to find a buyer for that domain before the reverse auction ends. After all, the price keeps coming down while your prospective buyers can be bid up.

Many people might look at domain liquidation services on the last day, looking for expiring auctions to find the bargains. However, the contrarian move is a bit different and that is to look at the new arrivals, and not just for the mispriced domains but I think more importantly for the bootstrapper, the arbitrage opportunities.

Examples:

162364_d5f40d2e56b8bdf6521f6e4f327f5a98.png


We plan to add a "Escrow" feature right inside of our domain liquidation service so that domain flippers can essentially send a domain into escrow, cover the transfer fee, and then have a short window to make good on their purchase. If they fail to make good, the auction resumes and the broker is out their transfer fee.

Looking ahead, we have larger ideas for how a fast-expanding pool of domain brokers could leverage a domain brokerage platform. Will share more on that if folks are interested in the topic.


Why a massive increase in the number of brokers is good news for (almost) everyone


The really great news for domain owners is that there will be a vast supply of highly energetic people who will be able to help connect supply with demand, and to get more supply into the hands of end-users. The end result of this is more liquidity in the domain economy, and higher retail prices for quality inventory.
 
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The views expressed on this page by users and staff are their own, not those of NamePros.
If the cost to try to broker a domain in a week is 8.49 non-refundable then this isn't any better than hand-registering a domain for 8.49 and trying to sell it in a year. A week is too short of a term to get anywhere near full outbounding potential.

Technically, couldn't they just hand-register domains and try to sell them in the 5-day registration grace period and if they can't do so, just send them back for free. That to me seems like the total entry level brokerage option...
 
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come on, Rob
is that a non-promotional post????

"just helping other domainers
in leading them somewhere" ????
who knows where.

time = money

mad ideas = time and money spent

welcome in the Adam Dicker's "lets create webpages and sell them to local business owners
buy them from me for only 1.495 USD" club of scammers.

There is absolutely NO WAY to compare @Rob Monster with Adam Dicker, who stole lots of money from me (and many, many others), who LIED to our faces, even had his henchmen lie to us as well, stringing us all along for months over months to the point where it went past the credit card dispute time period. He knew precisely what he was doing to everyone. Money that he promised to multiply ten-fold.

How dare you make this comparison. Holy cow! Rob is growing his business and in exchange for his "promotions" he gives you exactly what he tells you he's going to give you. You get the exact service he promotes. If you dont like it, IGNORE it!!!

Being critical is welcome and its normal but this is beyond critical. Its vindictive. Its poisonous. It contributes NOTHING to the threads. It becomes a time-sink. The constant vinegar and piss is off the chart with you and the same people each and every time Rob posts something, but it seems to be mostly started with you. Y'all seem to have "Rob Derangement Syndrome" if you ask me. This reply, here, and now, has been coming for quite some time.

I have bit my tongue since last Summer and cant anymore. I've even hesitated for days to reply here but I cant anymore. I cant stand to see the anger, the hatred anymore. Its not civil. There ARE some who are genuinely engaging in discussion but there are a small few who cant help but add NOTHING but anger, hatred, negativity. I dont know about anyone else but I have had enough.

ROB started the thread. ROB asked a question. Your first post was to criticize him for promoting Epik again and NOT anything to do with the question. That post should be removed. If its not, it will be (for me) after I ignore your account. Very sad that it comes down to it because I've been a part of this forum since 2005 (my first account is inactive) and I have (now) two people on my ignore list in 15 years. Very sad.

Rob has done nothing less than help me and others, personally, and all YOU seem to do is come to EVERY SINGLE Epik thread and spread your vinegar and piss around. It has been quite noted (just as you seem to think he's promoting Epik around). Of course he is, he's the damn CEO so why the heck would he NOT. Adam Dicker never called people. He hid behind his computer screen like a damn coward and a thief. He did not respond to emails, phone calls, etc. He knew damn well he was scamming people. If Rob ends up scamming people like Adam did then I will eat crow for y'all but these two men are night and day.

Business IS ALL ABOUT promoting. Promotion can be subtle or it can be in your face - and all in between. If you do not like it then get out of business.

Let the mods decide if he's not conforming to the rules. Report his posts and let them do their job. Dont like their response/action then start your own forum and control the message if you think that is good for discussion. The same set of people come out and pounce on him and Epik each and every time and its more than obvious to the rest of us. Thank God for the ignore feature because all these threads turn into pissing matches and there are others who actually are interested in the information posed. Stop hijacking these threads and go do something else. Please. People who have this syndrome cant help but WAIT for the next Rob Monster / Epik post. You're wasting precious time in your life - time can never be recovered.

If you do not like seeing his posts then do to Rob what I am going to do with you right now, turn on IGNORE for his account. I will add more and more to my ignore list because I am sick and tired of these threads going from hopeful ideas to arguments and finger pointing and down right toddler behavior.

To respond to the thread itself now: I, as a seller of a liquidated domain, give explicit permission for 2 dozen people to try to sell my domain, what business of it is of anyone? If I permit others to try to sell my domains then let them sell the names.

Wow. Amazing how these threads devolve so quickly.

No need for you to reply, I wont see it.
 
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There is absolutely NO WAY to compare @Rob Monster with Adam Dicker, who stole lots of money from me (and many, many others), who LIED to our faces, even had his henchmen lie to us as well, stringing us all along for months over months to the point where it went past the credit card dispute time period. He knew precisely what he was doing to everyone. Money that he promised to multiply ten-fold.

How dare you make this comparison. Holy cow! Rob is growing his business and in exchange for his "promotions" he gives you exactly what he tells you he's going to give you. You get the exact service he promotes. If you dont like it, IGNORE it!!!

Being critical is welcome and its normal but this is beyond critical. Its vindictive. Its poisonous. It contributes NOTHING to the threads. It becomes a time-sink. The constant vinegar and p*ss is off the chart with you and the same people each and every time Rob posts something, but it seems to be mostly started with you. Y'all seem to have "Rob Derangement Syndrome" if you ask me. This reply, here, and now, has been coming for quite some time.

I have bit my tongue since last Summer and cant anymore. I've even hesitated for days to reply here but I cant anymore. I cant stand to see the anger, the hatred anymore. Its not civil. There ARE some who are genuinely engaging in discussion but there are a small few who cant help but add NOTHING but anger, hatred, negativity. I dont know about anyone else but I have had enough.

ROB started the thread. ROB asked a question. Your first post was to criticize him for promoting Epik again and NOT anything to do with the question. That post should be removed. If its not, it will be (for me) after I ignore your account. Very sad that it comes down to it because I've been a part of this forum since 2005 (my first account is inactive) and I have (now) two people on my ignore list in 15 years. Very sad.

Rob has done nothing less than help me and others, personally, and all YOU seem to do is come to EVERY SINGLE Epik thread and spread your vinegar and p*ss around. It has been quite noted (just as you seem to think he's promoting Epik around). Of course he is, he's the damn CEO so why the heck would he NOT. Adam Dicker never called people. He hid behind his computer screen like a damn coward and a thief. He did not respond to emails, phone calls, etc. He knew damn well he was scamming people. If Rob ends up scamming people like Adam did then I will eat crow for y'all but these two men are night and day.

Business IS ALL ABOUT promoting. Promotion can be subtle or it can be in your face - and all in between. If you do not like it then get out of business.

Let the mods decide if he's not conforming to the rules. Report his posts and let them do their job. Dont like their response/action then start your own forum and control the message if you think that is good for discussion. The same set of people come out and pounce on him and Epik each and every time and its more than obvious to the rest of us. Thank God for the ignore feature because all these threads turn into pissing matches and there are others who actually are interested in the information posed. Stop hijacking these threads and go do something else. Please. People who have this syndrome cant help but WAIT for the next Rob Monster / Epik post. You're wasting precious time in your life - time can never be recovered.

If you do not like seeing his posts then do to Rob what I am going to do with you right now, turn on IGNORE for his account. I will add more and more to my ignore list because I am sick and tired of these threads going from hopeful ideas to arguments and finger pointing and down right toddler behavior.

To respond to the thread itself now: I, as a seller of a liquidated domain, give explicit permission for 2 dozen people to try to sell my domain, what business of it is of anyone? If I permit others to try to sell my domains then let them sell the names.

Wow. Amazing how these threads devolve so quickly.

No need for you to reply, I wont see it.


 
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Adam Dicker never called people. He hid behind his computer screen like a damn coward and a thief. He did not respond to emails, phone calls, etc. He knew damn well he was scamming people. If Rob ends up scamming people like Adam did then I will eat crow for y'all but these two men are night and day.

I was talking to Adam on skype
and kind of liked him
 
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I was talking to Adam on skype
and kind of liked him

And I am kind of rooting for the @Adam Dicker comeback. He is an innovator, and perhaps comes back wiser and stronger. That's my hope actually. I talked to him via phone earlier this year actually.
 
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There is absolutely NO WAY to compare @Rob Monster with Adam Dicker, who stole lots of money from me (and many, many others), who LIED to our faces, even had his henchmen lie to us as well, stringing us all along for months over months to the point where it went past the credit card dispute time period. He knew precisely what he was doing to everyone. Money that he promised to multiply ten-fold.

look at the idea of "shoot to the moon"
the concept is to buy discounted domains
at epik
either from nameliquidate
or at reduced reg fee

look at the concept of "I like .org"
or
look at the concept of
"I like hyphens"

all this convinces people of buying domains
they haven't been convinced of before

the profit is at is epik.
the risk is yours

you are upset
ok
that's your right

I hope you are not upset that Rob likes Adam
 
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I hope you are not upset that Rob likes Adam

Well, I appreciate Adam just as I appreciate you.

Speaking of Adam, amall world story:

The guy who apparently built the old version of NameBrokers.com for Troy Rushton was Adam Dicker. We acquired it from Troy. I have offered to sell him back the rights to his software but no action there yet.

We are going to use the domain but the software is being properly integrated into Epik as a dashboard for domain brokers and as a central registry where brokers can manage exclusive representations.
 
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OK, so to bring this thread back on topic (since I have finally read through it all):

- Let brokers and flippers pay a "Broker fee" which covers the transfer cost and in return for that, they get a 7 day exclusive at the price at which they "broker-locked" the domain.

As has already been mentioned, it's likely you'll attract the lesser quality 'brokers' with this strategy. Chances are they'll just try and broker the domain without pressing the Broker button (and paying the transfer fee) anyway.

But a real problem here, if they do press the Broker button, is that I might have listed a domain on NL after a domain has expired (while still deciding whether I renew or drop) and depending on how long since it expired the following may occur: A ‘broker’ comes along after a few days and the ‘broker-lock’ is applied. They don’t make the sale. Meanwhile my domain goes into redemption period. Now I am up for redemption fees to renew the domain because the auction was ‘on hold’ for 7 days, where before I would not have been up for redemption fees. OR a buyer swoops in at the end for $9 and grabs it. Is HE then up for redemption fees if it has gone into the redemption period?...

For those who missed it, the plan is to introduce "Broker" feature right inside of the name liquidation service.

What this means is a 3rd button for "Escrow":


Show attachment 145312

So, there are 3 buttons:

- Buy Now
- Place Bid
- Broker

If you press the Broker button, then the following:

- Broker is reserving the domain for 7 days
- Broker pays the transfer fee with a deposit fee sufficient to cover the transfer fee

If Broker does not complete the sale within 7 days, the lose their deposit and the liquidation auction can resume unless the seller cancels the auction having just gotten a free domain renewal for their trouble.

It seems to be full of win. I agree that the broker representation should be EXCLUSIVE and TRANSPARENT. All in favor?

IF you're going to implement this I'd say the ‘broker’ button should invoke an email to the seller saying ‘xxx wants to broker your domain. Are you willing for this to occur?” and from there the seller can accept (name goes to escrow for 7 days) or reject (and auction continues).

However, having said that, I think that the industry needs a whole new brokerage platform unrelated to NL. At least half a dozen people have already suggested it in this thread. And as they have indicated, it's not really rocket-science: seller lists domains they want brokers for, broker selects domain, both parties must agree to terms (%, exclusivity period, etc). It's also key that the seller can add more comments if he wishes: suggestions for outbound, previous enquiries he's had, etc. And of course feedback left for both parties so others can see who they want to work with. Essentially an Upwork type platform for domain brokers. I would definitely have domains to add to that. Seems a perfect candidate for Epik Labs.
 
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OK, so to bring this thread back on topic (since I have finally read through it all):



As has already been mentioned, it's likely you'll attract the lesser quality 'brokers' with this strategy. Chances are they'll just try and broker the domain without pressing the Broker button (and paying the transfer fee) anyway.

But a real problem here, if they do press the Broker button, is that I might have listed a domain on NL after a domain has expired (while still deciding whether I renew or drop) and depending on how long since it expired the following may occur: A ‘broker’ comes along after a few days and the ‘broker-lock’ is applied. They don’t make the sale. Meanwhile my domain goes into redemption period. Now I am up for redemption fees to renew the domain because the auction was ‘on hold’ for 7 days, where before I would not have been up for redemption fees. OR a buyer swoops in at the end for $9 and grabs it. Is HE then up for redemption fees if it has gone into the redemption period?...



IF you're going to implement this I'd say the ‘broker’ button should invoke an email to the seller saying ‘xxx wants to broker your domain. Are you willing for this to occur?” and from there the seller can accept (name goes to escrow for 7 days) or reject (and auction continues).

However, having said that, I think that the industry needs a whole new brokerage platform unrelated to NL. At least half a dozen people have already suggested it in this thread. And as they have indicated, it's not really rocket-science: seller lists domains they want brokers for, broker selects domain, both parties must agree to terms (%, exclusivity period, etc). It's also key that the seller can add more comments if he wishes: suggestions for outbound, previous enquiries he's had, etc. And of course feedback left for both parties so others can see who they want to work with. Essentially an Upwork type platform for domain brokers. I would definitely have domains to add to that. Seems a perfect candidate for Epik Labs.


Thanks @NicTraders

In case not clear, the logic here is that to get the Broker Exclusive they have to fund the transfer. So actually, it is reducing the risk since instead of waiting until Day 7 of the reverse auction to start the transfer, the transfer is already starting immediately. The broker then has 7 days to fund a transaction at the strike price of the option, effectively getting the registrant a higher price in about the same time. Worst case, they get a free year of renewal.

As for the idea of portal for brokers, ICYMI, we have NameBrokers.com under development as a dashboard for brokers to manage their transactions while allowing them to:

- Feature their inventory
- Manage broker profiles
- Manage broker exclusives so there are not multiple exclusives on the same name
- Feedback on brokers (see TrustRatings.com for what that might look like)

@Ala Dadan is working on some mocks. We'll share something soon. There are a few projects in the hopper but this is one that I really get enthused about if we can do it right, and manage those broker exclusives while also enforcing standards.
 
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Thanks @NicTraders

In case not clear, the logic here is that to get the Broker Exclusive they have to fund the transfer. So actually, it is reducing the risk since instead of waiting until Day 7 of the reverse auction to start the transfer, the transfer is already starting immediately. The broker then has 7 days to fund a transaction at the strike price of the option, effectively getting the registrant a higher price in about the same time. Worst case, they get a free year of renewal.
Ah yes, of course, I forgot the transfer was actually actioned immediately.

As for the idea of portal for brokers, ICYMI, we have NameBrokers.com under development as a dashboard for brokers to manage their transactions while allowing them to:

- Feature their inventory
- Manage broker profiles
- Manage broker exclusives so there are not multiple exclusives on the same name
- Feedback on brokers (see TrustRatings.com for what that might look like)
No, I didn't miss NameBrokers, but that's a platform for Brokers, and like all other brokers at present NameBrokers only cares about "high-value digital assets" with the listings starting at 6 figures. The platform I think we are all talking about is a platform that would be for SELLERS AND Brokers (well that's what I envisage anyway). Something much more like Upwork where you can hire a broker for a $x,xxx domain just as easily as you can hire one for a $xxx,xxx domain. Something very different from NameBrokers.
 
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No, I didn't miss NameBrokers, but that's a platform for Brokers, and like all other brokers at present NameBrokers only cares about "high-value digital assets" with the listings starting at 6 figures. The platform I think we are all talking about is a platform that would be for SELLERS AND Brokers (well that's what I envisage anyway). Something much more like Upwork where you can hire a broker for a $x,xxx domain just as easily as you can hire one for a $xxx,xxx domain. Something very different from NameBrokers.

Ignore what is on NameBrokers.com right now -- those are real listings but that is not the final destination of that brand. What you described there of matching talent to task is exactly what we are talking about.

On a related note, I have been discussing with @Pat8 about the need for an Upwork solution. A very crude early prototype exists here:

https://www.masterbucks.com/projects/

You have to login with your Epik login to see it but the concept is there.

In the meantime, there is a pretty vast supply of OpenSource solutions. Two that we found are here:

https://www.agriya.com/products/freelancer-clone

https://github.com/jyyblue1987/upwork-opensource

If someone has a fast-track solution for solving the "Fiver for domainers" requirement, we are looking.

So, yes, in short:

it should be possible to find a broker to do buy-side or sell-side work for your very targeted niche.

It should also be possible to find a specialist to add value to your domains, e.g. add a logo, build a site, etc.

NameBrokers has a product manager in @DanSanchez .

The un-named "Fiver for domains" is as yet still in the planning stage but I would not be surprised if @Pat8 ends up being the champion for it.
 
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Ignore what is on NameBrokers.com right now -- those are real listings but that is not the final destination of that brand. What you described there of matching talent to task is exactly what we are talking about.

Excellent! I look forward to seeing it completed then.

On a related note, I have been discussing with @Pat8 about the need for an Upwork solution. A very crude early prototype exists here:

https://www.masterbucks.com/projects/

You have to login with your Epik login to see it but the concept is there.

That could be very interesting when it's ready to roll.

it should be possible to find a broker to do buy-side or sell-side work for your very targeted niche.

It should also be possible to find a specialist to add value to your domains, e.g. add a logo, build a site, etc.

That's what we need. Well mainly the broker stuff. The other stuff is pretty easy to find now, though having it all in one place wouldn't hurt.
 
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Here is a first look from @Ala Dadan at integrating Domain Brokerage feature into NameLiquidate:

https://www.loom.com/share/1ddb04ad11684820a97e3393e34bdbe3

The Broker dialog is not done yet but you can see the next phase of NameLiquidate.com will include a Broker integration for allowing domains to be taken out for a 7 day broker exclusive.

The broker pays the transfer fee in return for the 7 day brokerage exclusive, i.e. they have 7 days to complete the purchase but the price is locked.

Input welcome there.
 
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Not sure what it means, but it needs to be tested. Finding a buyer in a short period of time is almost impossible, because people ignore, and the reason they ignore: they are suspicious, and even if not they don't have time, and they are not ready.

Maybe it would be better if brokering is done during registration period instead of after expiration.
How would it work: People apply to become a broker for my domain, and I choose one of those brokers, and domain gets locked somewhere for 1 month, and during that time my broker tries to sell my domain within my range, and when the sale is complete, everything should be transparent.
.....
Or coupon method I mentioned 1 year ago: My chosen price for the domain is 1K fixed, and someone applies to become a broker for it, and gets a coupon, and gives that coupon to endusers, and when used it makes the price to drop to 900, and the system knows whose coupon was used and pays a commission to that broker, like 100. I would be happy with 700 at the end. Everyone wins in this scenario.
 
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Not sure what it means, but it needs to be tested. Finding a buyer in a short period of time is almost impossible, because people ignore, and the reason they ignore: they are suspicious, and even if not they don't have time, and they are not ready.

Maybe it would be better if brokering is done during registration period instead of after expiration.
How would it work: People apply to become a broker for my domain, and I choose one of those brokers, and domain gets locked somewhere for 1 month, and during that time my broker tries to sell my domain within my range, and when the sale is complete, everything should be transparent.
.....
Or coupon method I mentioned 1 year ago: My chosen price for the domain is 1K fixed, and someone applies to become a broker for it, and gets a coupon, and gives that coupon to endusers, and when used it makes the price to drop to 900, and the system knows whose coupon was used and pays a commission to that broker, like 100. I would be happy with 700 at the end. Everyone wins in this scenario.

I think once a domain is secured as broker exclusive, we can make it so that during those 7 days, the broker and registrant can be in direct communication in order to work out a longer term arrangement. Some folks here are aware that we are working on an upgrade for NameBrokers.com where broker exclusives can be documented in a public registry so that it is easy to see if a domain is already represented, and by who. There is more to be done in this arena to avert chaos, but the key point is to have a mechanism to save a domain from the expiry stream in a way that creates more value for registrants versus the current default practice of allowing domains to go to an expiry stream that is monetized by persons other than the registrant.
 
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I think once a domain is secured as broker exclusive, we can make it so that during those 7 days, the broker and registrant can be in direct communication in order to work out a longer term arrangement. Some folks here are aware that we are working on an upgrade for NameBrokers.com where broker exclusives can be documented in a public registry so that it is easy to see if a domain is already represented, and by who. There is more to be done in this arena to avert chaos, but the key point is to have a mechanism to save a domain from the expiry stream in a way that creates more value for registrants versus the current default practice of allowing domains to go to an expiry stream that is monetized by persons other than the registrant.

Persoanlly I feel NameLiquidate and NameBrokers should be/need to be two separate things.

If an owner wants to use NameBrokers that's something that imo should be done before expirarion/liquidation.
 
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Persoanlly I feel NameLiquidate and NameBrokers should be/need to be two separate things.

Yup, totally separate brands with separate use-cases. The login credentials are unified by single sign on across Epik brands and tools, but indeed separate user experiences on distinct URLs.

The thinking is to have verified brokers manage a profile at NameBrokers.com to be eligible to take an exclusive as a domain as a broker on a name listed in a marketplace, starting with NameLiquidate.com.

This roots out bad actors and if brokers have a poor sell-through rate, the could be held to a higher standard in terms of up front commit or maximum bid option.

I see this going further than NameLiquidate. For example, earlier today, someone approached me about buying a domain for $2K from Afternic for a flip. It seemed high risk and seasonal. It was election-related.

If we create an open API for NameBrokers.com, it would be possible for any marketplace to add a broker widget to a domain that does not already have a broker exclusive.

So, the code object has to check if a domain is already listed as broker exclusive. If so, the NameBrokers widget shows the avatar of the current broker. If not exclusive, then it invites brokers to engage,

This going to be a bit of crawl, walk, run but the concept is becoming more clear, and that is to help sellers create value with the help of verified broker who want to put skin in the game.

@Ala Dadan is working on some mocks to help make the vision a bit more clear.
 
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So, the code object has to check if a domain is already listed as broker exclusive. If so, the NameBrokers widget shows the avatar of the current broker. If not exclusive, then it invites brokers to engage,

Looking forward to sharing the Broker screens to get the initial reaction. will fast-track as time allows.
 
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Yup, totally separate brands with separate use-cases. The login credentials are unified by single sign on across Epik brands and tools, but indeed separate user experiences on distinct URLs.

The thinking is to have verified brokers manage a profile at NameBrokers.com to be eligible to take an exclusive as a domain as a broker on a name listed in a marketplace, starting with NameLiquidate.com.

This roots out bad actors and if brokers have a poor sell-through rate, the could be held to a higher standard in terms of up front commit or maximum bid option.

I see this going further than NameLiquidate. For example, earlier today, someone approached me about buying a domain for $2K from Afternic for a flip. It seemed high risk and seasonal. It was election-related.

If we create an open API for NameBrokers.com, it would be possible for any marketplace to add a broker widget to a domain that does not already have a broker exclusive.

So, the code object has to check if a domain is already listed as broker exclusive. If so, the NameBrokers widget shows the avatar of the current broker. If not exclusive, then it invites brokers to engage,

This going to be a bit of crawl, walk, run but the concept is becoming more clear, and that is to help sellers create value with the help of verified broker who want to put skin in the game.

@Ala Dadan is working on some mocks to help make the vision a bit more clear.

My point is NameLuquidate should have no connection to NameBrokers besides simply being owned by Epik (SSO and all). Completely different use cases IMO.
 
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NameLuquidate should have no connection to NameBrokers
Exactly. First, 7 days is simply not sufficient for a brokerage. Second, introducing brokers to nameliquidate is almost the same as inviting endusers to nameliquidate. Which is not what nameliquidate was designed for. Domainers are both selling and buying at nameliquidate, and, with domains routinely purchased, domainers in buying mode are expecting and want to make money themselves - so no buyer can appericate decreased inventory, or, to be honest, his potential income going to somebody else instead (to a broker in this case, should a brokerage be added to nameliquidate).

NameBrokers .com (or any brokerage service offered by Epik) is something worth discussing, I for one have a lot to suggest etc. - but not in this thread, which is mostly about NameLiquidate. Maybe @Rob Monster can start a thread dedicated to NameBrokers?
 
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I also believe that they should be kept separate,

another solution is to allow brokers on Name Liquidate only while the domains are above lets say $500 dollars.

IMO
 
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I also believe that they should be kept separate,

another solution is to allow brokers on Name Liquidate only while the domains are above lets say $500 dollars.

IMO

Interesting compromise scenario there though not highly inclusive of the guy with time and talented but less $. I think the solution is to allow domain owners to set upon domain submission whether they allow brokers.

As for the NameLiquidate broker time window, 7 days should be enough for the broker to decide whether to pull the trigger on a domain for a domain prices at up to $1000.

After all, we don't want to tie up the liquidator's asset if their goal is to LIQUIDATE. The only thing the broker gets is a 7 day window to get the seller a decent price.

This thread is about brokerage so fair game to discuss vision for NameBrokers.com. @Ala Dadan will have some mocks to share soon.

The point here is to bring some structure and professionalism to name brokerage as the number of brokers increases quite materially as I believe it will.

In the meantime, for all those guys who are sniping bargains on NameLiquidate, don't worry, as the pie gets bigger, the inventory increases. There will still plenty of deals to be had. I am not worried there at all.
 
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The future of domain brokers is non-existent given enough time. As is the future of any middleman or broker of anything. Ultimately they are replaced by efficient technology. Which is a good thing. Notice how the respected people in this industry seem to be really old people, especially the brokers. It is not like there is industry specific knowledge required to be a domain broker.
 
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@Rob Monster your entire platform is designed to displace brokers. Again, this is a good thing.
 
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@Rob Monster your entire platform is designed to displace brokers. Again, this is a good thing.

Well, not quite.

The platform actually empowers connecting supply to demand. If brokers facilitate in that process then absolutely they add value and should be able to earn a return for doing so.
 
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