news Alter ceasing operations

[Mkt Sales Leads]

Email received today:

Farewell​ Hi there, First and foremost, I would like to thank each and every one of you for using Alter to sell your domain names. We couldn't have come this far without your invaluable support. Over the last couple years we've been on a mission to transform the domain industry. However, despite all our attempts we weren't able to find a sustainable business model. So it is with a heavy heart I write to you today to say farewell. On April 2nd, all third-party domain listings will be removed from our marketplace. Seller accounts will remain active for the foreseeable future so those with a positive balance or pending installments can continue to cash out. Lastly, we realize this decision wouldn't be fair to sellers who spent money to have professional logos designed on our platform. So we have refunded all relevant payments back to your account balance which can be cashed out at any time. We truly wish you all the best in your future endeavors. It’s unfortunate that this wasn’t the outcome we wanted but we’re thankful to everyone that came with us on the journey. Sincerely, Deven Patel Founder & CEO

 

[MadAboutDomains]

hopefully, I am.

Actually, it's beneficial for me (sellers leaving) as I'll have to decide on whether Alter will be general domain marketplace or just brandable. At this current state it's marketed as brandable, but execution is general marketplace, which doesn't help at all because:
- if I decide to stay on brandable domain marketplace, I'll have to review and probably remove bunch of existing listings, or
- if I decide it's going to be general domain marketplace, I'll have to change front-end (search results, recommendations, marketing side etc) completely.

Once I review everything from a business perspective and start the process, Namepros will be first to know Alter's future roadmap.

Nice one. Are the software devs and designers on retainer going to get a pay rise?

 

[paxy]

One step at a time, but I could tell that I'm in a business of making all partners happy, so I'm sure there'll be room for new opportunities to designers.

 

[Future Sensors]

One step at a time, but I could tell that I'm in a business of making all partners happy, so I'm sure there'll be room for new opportunities to designers.

I hear a lot of plans, but are you actually negotiating with the owner about new plans? Maybe it's better not to post this all publicly on the forum.

 

[tomcarl]

If anyone has contact of this Patel guy, could you please reach him out and ask if he is interested in possible sellout of Alter.com?


If so, please let me know.

You gunna make em an offer he can't refuse?

Try the contact link on the site.

 

[Mr.company]

Please contact me @Deven Patel to talk about alter . I can help you to take you next level if not please contact me privately to negotiate the purchase of it.

 

[LoveCatchyDomains]

Does this have any implications for Nameworth? This appraisal site seems to have a connection with Alter. Anyone have any insights on this?

 

[paxy]

I hear a lot of plans, but are you actually negotiating with the owner about new plans? Maybe it's better not to post this all publicly on the forum.

Negotiations already started, can't disclose much information on that regard. As said, one step at a time.

 

[LoveCatchyDomains]

Negotiations already started, can't disclose much information on that regard. As said, one step at a time.

Wow, you work fast! Go for it!

 

[Arch]

My assumptions are that some domain investors are trying to buy Alter.com for their own portfolios, and not sure if they did already, but I just got it touch with Mr. Patel and if he's willing to sell Alter.com Inc as a whole business, I'll be acquiring it and probably leave things as is for some time, but I do have different vision for it, still in domaining industry.

The whole point of buying the company would be for the revenue. If a domain investor is trying to buy Alter for their own portfolio, it wouldn't make any sense, since they may as well just run their own site because it would be a lot cheaper.

Anyway, if your purchase is successful, I wish you the best of luck with the new vision.

 

[Bob Hawkes]

Does this have any implications for Nameworth? This appraisal site seems to have a connection with Alter. Anyone have any insights on this?

I don’t think there is any relation.

The Biix marketplace and NameWorth appraisal are related (same owner).

Alter developed their own 6-factor appraisal system which is part of Alter.

 

[LoveCatchyDomains]

I don’t think there is any relation.

The Biix marketplace and NameWorth appraisal are related (same owner).

Alter developed their own 6-factor appraisal system which is part of Alter.

Thank you for clarifying that. I've appreciated the free appraisal services of Alter and Nameworth. They both are newer domain-related businesses, and I was hoping to see both thrive and expand their services. Perhaps Alter can spin off their appraisal services? We'll see.

 

[paxy]

The whole point of buying the company would be for the revenue. If a domain investor is trying to buy Alter for their own portfolio, it wouldn't make any sense, since they may as well just run their own site because it would be a lot cheaper.

Anyway, if your purchase is successful, I wish you the best of luck with the new vision.

I can't remember when was the last time anyone acquired company with main goal being to increase profit. All company valuations today are based on growth.

As for the sense, let me give you few reason why Alter.com:
- off-site SEO: backlinks from forbes, yahoo, washington post and others
- established site: already has tons of monthly views
- premium name: Alter.com
- growth potential: reputation in market, trustable name.

And thanks for kind words, I really appreciate it

 

[MadAboutDomains]

You could rename it Falter.com

 

[Altetra]

My assumptions are that some domain investors are trying to buy Alter.com for their own portfolios, and not sure if they did already, but I just got it touch with Mr. Patel and if he's willing to sell Alter.com Inc as a whole business, I'll be acquiring it and probably leave things as is for some time, but I do have different vision for it, still in domaining industry.

Yes, have think the same.
There is a reason why this keyword is special, might be some corp want to acquire the domain.

 

[buydomainnames]

Waiting for @Deven Patel comment

 

[LoveCatchyDomains]

You could rename it Falter.com

Ouch!

 

[Jason Baudendistel]

I dm'd them and asked about doing a fractional COO arrangement , kicking the tires on seeing if I can help them salvage it. Will keep everyone updated.

 

[paxy]

Maybe you should try e-mailing him, but not sure if he's going to do that. Seems that my transparency did brought other interesting parties as well, so I'm assuming decision has already been made.

I'm going to send offer letter tomorrow and we'll see how things are going to move after that, will keep you posted

 

[paxy]

LOI sent to Deven, hopefully transition will start early next week, once Definitive Agreement is final and Escrow transaction processed. Let's shake things up in brandable domain marketplace

 

[koolishman]

LOI sent to Deven, hopefully transition will start early next week, once Definitive Agreement is signed and Escrow transaction processed. Let's shake things up in brandable domain marketplace

Good luck!