discuss How many domains do you need for consistent income?

Depends on so many factors.

What’s consistent + sufficient to you?
What’s the quality of the domains?

I have about 800 domains across BB, BP, SH and I sell 2-3 a month. Some months are better (this year has been good across the board), some are less so, but I’ve consistently made a sufficient monthly income for the past 18 months that I could live off it.
(I choose not to, because even when the income is consistent it’s not predictable. I’ll always treat it as a side investment.)

But 70% of my brandables were not handregs. Last I checked my average cost on my SH names, for example, was $70-80.

Nametree said:

Depends on so many factors.

What’s consistent + sufficient to you?
What’s the quality of the domains?

I have about 800 domains across BB, BP, SH and I sell 2-3 a month. Some months are better (this year has been good across the board), some are less so, but I’ve consistently made a sufficient monthly income for the past 18 months that I could live off it.
(I choose not to, because even when the income is consistent it’s not predictable. I’ll always treat it as a side investment.)

But 70% of my brandables were not handregs. Last I checked my average cost on my SH names, for example, was $70-80.

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Interesting! So around 30 sales a year on 800. Could you provide a breakdown across BB/BP/SH for the folio size and number of sales?

Looks like most of them are made up words. Id say thats a significant factor?

Recons.Com said:

Interesting! So around 30 sales a year on 800. Could you provide a breakdown across BB/BP/SH for the folio size and number of sales?

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currently got 370ish on BP, 270 SH, 120 BB.

sales:
11 BP (in the last year), 17 SH (started listing there about 18 months ago) and 5 BB.

Nametree said:

currently got 370ish on BP, 270 SH, 120 BB.

sales:
11 BP (in the last year), 17 SH (started listing there about 18 months ago) and 5 BB.

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Thank you for sharing! Are your similar quality names at regular landers + afternic showing comparable results?

For me, 2020-2021 non-brandable marketplace names perform way better.

Recons.Com said:

Thank you for sharing! Are your similar quality names at regular landers + afternic showing comparable results?

For me, 2020-2021 non-brandable marketplace names perform way better.

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I’ve only been using Afternic and Dan for higher priced names, and liquidations <$1000 (eg .co bulk purchases at 99c which I almost always list under 1K)

So your brandables sell better on Afternic/Dan? Volume, price, or both? Do you use your own landers?

Nametree said:

I’ve only been using Afternic and Dan for higher priced names, and liquidations <$1000 (eg .co bulk purchases at 99c which I almost always list under 1K)

So your brandables sell better on Afternic/Dan? Volume, price, or both? Do you use your own landers?

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Both. I have only 650+ names with BB/BP/SH and 9000+ at Afternic. I use either my own landers or Afternic PUR.

First to respond to your main question. This is a business about quality over quantity. You could have 100k domains and list them everywhere and not make one sale even if you wait 30,000 years.

Buy quality .com's and list it on afternic. You could part at dan or epik but you must be on afternic and best with fast transfer enabled.

If your asking price is above 3k avoid marketplaces that demand exclusivity. Afternic will beat any marketplace and if you are not allowed to list there you are just fooling yourself into believing that these brandable marketplaces will give you better odds.

Its a tragedy to see how so many domainers with good domains fall in complete love to a point of irrational worship of some of these marketplaces.

The cult is so strong that a lot of people fear talking about their lackluster results. Like in all cults, expect to see some of the worshippers show up here to proclaim the wonders of their marketplace gods.

I cannot stress this enough, afternic will get you the most eyeballs, if they do not let you list on that, just don't use the marketplace. Don't be tempted by the sporadic sales you see reported from those marketplaces. Go look at how many names they have, it's truly pathetic.

AEProgram said:

First to respond to your main question. This is a business about quality over quantity. You could have 100k domains and list them everywhere and not make one sale even if you wait 30,000 years.

Buy quality .com's and list it on afternic. You could part at dan or epik but you must be on afternic and best with fast transfer enabled.

If your asking price is above 3k avoid marketplaces that demand exclusivity. Afternic will beat any marketplace and if you are not allowed to list there you are just fooling yourself into believing that these brandable marketplaces will give you better odds.

Its a tragedy to see how so many domainers with good domains fall in complete love to a point of irrational worship of some of these marketplaces.

The cult is so strong that a lot of people fear talking about their lackluster results. Like in all cults, expect to see some of the worshippers show up here to proclaim the wonders of their marketplace gods.

I cannot stress this enough, afternic will get you the most eyeballs, if they do not let you list on that, just don't use the marketplace. Don't be tempted by the sporadic sales you see reported from those marketplaces. Go look at how many names they have, it's truly pathetic.

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Have you tested the sales conversion rate of afternic VS these market places?

If not, I fail to see how your claim is anymore credible than that of someone who proclaims otherwise.

dave321 said:

Have you tested the sales conversion rate of afternic VS these market places?

If not, I fail to see how your claim is anymore credible than that of someone who proclaims otherwise.

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not just did I test, I pulled all my names from those that required exclusivity

I will not debate this with those in the brandable marketplace cult. Let everyone waste their own time learning.

A little perspective: I would rather own 1 high quality domain, than 100 lower quality domains. If 100 low quality domains cost $1.5k to secure (typical reg fee for 1, say $15 for argument sake)...I would rather spend that $1.5k on one domain that I've bought right, at a respectable investor price

If I've done my homework and bought right, I could make a few thousand on that one domain with an end-user (if I break even, as far as I'm concerned...fine). The lower quality domains, my future is less certain (may not sell, or break even...an all out loss)

The future isn't guaranteed, evening owning 1 high quality domain, may take time...but is less uncertain

I would also say...if you're new to domaining, treat it as a pleasure or hobby - Less emotional. The guys who have done this a good while have done it for years, have sales, have experience, have a market that fits for them, with a budget to buy higher quality names - Its a process

If you are however a new domainer, with a 5 or 6 figure budget...you will have an easier time, not everyone has that privilege. Domaining doesn't require a degree. If you buy high quality at the right investor price, with a little patience...chances are you'll have a smile on your face

I've done "domaining" coming up to 10 years, for me: Pleasure and a hobby

AEProgram said:

First to respond to your main question. This is a business about quality over quantity. You could have 100k domains and list them everywhere and not make one sale even if you wait 30,000 years.

Buy quality .com's and list it on afternic. You could part at dan or epik but you must be on afternic and best with fast transfer enabled.

If your asking price is above 3k avoid marketplaces that demand exclusivity. Afternic will beat any marketplace and if you are not allowed to list there you are just fooling yourself into believing that these brandable marketplaces will give you better odds.

Its a tragedy to see how so many domainers with good domains fall in complete love to a point of irrational worship of some of these marketplaces.

The cult is so strong that a lot of people fear talking about their lackluster results. Like in all cults, expect to see some of the worshippers show up here to proclaim the wonders of their marketplace gods.

I cannot stress this enough, afternic will get you the most eyeballs, if they do not let you list on that, just don't use the marketplace. Don't be tempted by the sporadic sales you see reported from those marketplaces. Go look at how many names they have, it's truly pathetic.

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Quality is key that's for sure. It's also true some just seem to do better at marketplaces I see some post regular success that others don't attain.

Being in the registration path is a key to greater success if you have quality names.

dave321 said:

How many brandable domains do you need for consistent monthly income?

Mainly on BB and SH

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Hi

to me, it's really a bull question, cuz ...

for each name you sell,
it must be replaced in the portfolio...if you want to keep selling domains
and, if you want to keep selling, then you have to keep buying.

as the cost to maintain portfolio increases, along with fees charged by brandable platforms
you'll have to sell more names at lower price or less names for higher amounts, just to balance the books.

how long one can sustain that, consistently, year after year,
depends on what each person brings to the table and what they take away, from it.

the mo-fos that can keep afloat or those who've built a boat, can ride the tide
those that jump in too quick, without a paddle, and no clue how deep this really is,
prolly won't survive.

plus, a lot of y'all call brandable... ain't really brandable at all.

just saying....

imo....

jhm said:

A little perspective: I would rather own 1 high quality domain, than 100 lower quality domains. If 100 low quality domains cost $1.5k to secure (typical reg fee for 1, say $15 for argument sake)...I would rather spend that $1.5k on one domain that I've bought right, at a respectable investor price

If I've done my homework and bought right, I could make a few thousand on that one domain with an end-user (if I break even, as far as I'm concerned...fine). The lower quality domains, my future is less certain (may not sell, or break even...an all out loss)

The future isn't guaranteed, evening owning 1 high quality domain, may take time...but is less uncertain

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I would argue owning 100 $15 domains would be more certain. You are more or less guaranteed a couple sales every year (assuming you’re good). If you own 1 premium domain, it might take years and years to sell. Long term it might be more profitable to own 1, but definitely not more certain.

clarkemarketing said:

I would argue owning 100 $15 domains would be more certain. You are more or less guaranteed a couple sales every year (assuming you’re good). If you own 1 premium domain, it might take years and years to sell. Long term it might be more profitable to own 1, but definitely not more certain.

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Exactly. The best is, of course, mix of both strategies. I have about 500 names that are mid xxx to mid xxxx cost, and over 9000 that are low xx cost. Just different types of baskets.

Just one if you sold insurance dot com you would still be spending.

lock said:

Just one if you sold insurance dot com you would still be spending.

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Wouldn't count as consistent income though.

I have domains but only 2 sales this year and 22 more buys... fortunately those 2 sales will support my renews for a few years

clarkemarketing said:

I would argue owning 100 $15 domains would be more certain. You are more or less guaranteed a couple sales every year (assuming you’re good). If you own 1 premium domain, it might take years and years to sell. Long term it might be more profitable to own 1, but definitely not more certain.

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I respect that. The only thing I have to say to that is with the "assuming you're good"...a lot of people aren't, a lot of trash gets registered...good stuff is generally not available for registration. I would just encourage a less experienced domainer to not take this business as their sole income or as seriously, and own a very small handful of high quality domains (or more, if affordable). Get used to owning high quality, not lower quality. If you're a good domainer with a niche...then sure...be creative, own bulk, price them right, move to the right markets...do your thing (since you're good). Its different, I wouldn't encourage that with the less experienced

Just a perspective, I'm not necessarily right, different for others - Only my 2 cents worth

This is dramatically worded and true. Thanks @AEProgram

AEProgram said:

This is a business about quality over quantity. You could have 100k domains and list them everywhere and not make one sale even if you wait 30,000 years.

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I agree with the point @jhm made that starting out you should set reasonable goals, and while treating it like a business in some ways, view that you are in the starter/hobby stage. Do not expect to immediately and easily jump into a steady substantial revenue stream. I would say if you can manage to be over entire portfolio, with all costs considered, profitable at all in that first year or two, you are doing well.

I personally don't think anyone should consider trying to go full time until they have shown significant roi over an extended time while treating it as a side gig.

Bob

Bob Hawkes said:

I personally don't think anyone should consider trying to go full time until they have shown significant roi over an extended time while treating it as a side gig.

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Hi

when i started, i already had a gig,
so yeah... i treated domaining as a side gig

if one considers going FT as a domainer and quitting an existing job
then depending on current salary and standard of living,
they would have to earn at least twice as much as that job paid.

when you think about healthcare, home maintenance, insurance, taxes and other costs that arise
grown men and women with such responsibilities probably can't afford to just rely on a few domain sales a year to make it.

sure, the youngins who still live at home and don't pay rent, can dabble in the game without such worries.
some still trying to find themselves and just happen to stumble upon domains.

and there are those with expendable cash flow, who can buy from the top down and sit around waiting for nibbles.

but if you do go FT,
better stash some dough for social security, ira, 401k, a roth, an annuity or something that will provide regular monthly income payments, in your senior years.

me, i'm just glad ppc has been sending checks since 2006


imo....