Appraisal Firms? Good, Bad, Ugly?

[Grappler]

I know that many forums have an "Appraisal Section", but I would also like to know the major vendors in this space. Also, are there any pitfalls to be wary of when dealing with an appraiser? Any scams or otherwise "bad stuff" that one needs to be aware of when dealing with them?

Thanks for the help!

Semper Fi, Mike

 

[midnight251]

Personally, I wouldn't use a so called "Appraisal Firm". I really don't think you get what you pay for. I like to send a DN out to other actual Domainers, to see what they think in the appraisal section like you mentioned. There are lots of appraisal scams out there. These guys/gals that buy/sell/develop Domains on a daily basis, usually have a good feel for the value of a Domain. But then on the other hand, a Domains value is in the eye of the beholder, one mans garbage is another mans treasure, you just never know. I have seen Domains valued (appraised) at reg fee, to go on a sell for hundreds of dollars. That's what makes this game so interesting.

just my 2 cents.

 

[sirengirl]

Hmmm this is a good question as I had wondered the same thing. Definitely a market ripe for a quick buck on the part of a company.

Example: For $4.95 an instant 2-4 hour turnaround! (Read:A basic computerized algorithm) For that you are better off with a quick response from Leapfish. At least you get archive and search engine stats potential. The dollar value or CVS score (Combined-Value-Score) has changed however as they updated their method.

I had wondered about Zetetic, Afternic and Sedo? Especially the latter two.
(It seems like a computer plus human analysis is better than a computerized one) Zetetic used to offer a free one based on 11 factors but stopped this. Probably becuase most were utilizing their free service and not paid service.

I think if a company utilizes multiple factors including current market domain sales it can be valuable. I had thought of using one myself. What has everyones elses experiences been?


SirenGirl