Flippa Strategies? How Much Do Upgrades Work? Any Tips To Share? Let's Discuss!

[NameFu]

I've hear a lot of things from $1 reserves to setting an auction for no longer than 7 days. Does anyone have any tips that are proven to increase your bids?

One things for sure:

1) The more views you get, the more likely you'll get more bids
2) The longer your auction, the more exposure it *could* get before it closes

But what about the other factors like advertising upgrades? Have any of you had luck with any kind of upgrades in particular? I for one have never tried the premium auction upgrade before, but I'm seriously considering it.

Another factor is how an auction's description is composed. Any tips to share? I'm always an open book and looking for input from others.

One thing that I've seen work over and over again with some of the more successful sellers is listing the past sales history of similar domains with the same keywords. I think this is becoming a popular tactic for a reason, but do any of you believe that doing this can cause harm to your auction's appeal?

Another tactic that I've seen used by some sellers on Flippa is keeping it REALLY simple. And by that I mean max 5-6 sentences. Sort of a take it or leave it approach....letting the domain speak for it's self?

It's worked! But maybe different strategies for different domains? Let's discuss!!

 

[FlippaDomains]

@FlippaDomains
Here is an annoyance for me, you watch a listing. and then the spam starts to appear SEO this to rank that from 3 to 5 different listings I am watching, and that is from the 15-20 I am watching. I would hate to guess how much in total is going on. All I can say is, twice I have reported it and sent details. Yes I get a response saying we will look into the issue, only to find the same person starts on a different listing. Why not have a policy of three same posts on three listings and you are at least stopped from listing pending proof etc. I have deliberately limited the number of listings I watch due to spam. feel for the listers email let alone the negativity.
Rant over, crack another vinho tinto.

That's too bad; I'm sorry to hear that's continually happening. We recently took major measures to limit this sort of thing (basically an auto-stop on all spammers), and I've noticed a 90% drop in such comments. Still, given the nature of our transparency for all bidders and sellers involved, it's bound to happen occasionally.

We have toyed with the ideas of getting rid of comments and messages altogether. Or at least, I have thought about it. Would be welcome to feedback on this. While removing these would be against our M.O. of transparency, I do understand that comments are sometimes superfluous and can overwhelm someone with dozens of emails if they're bidding/watching as many listings.

Anyhow, thanks for your comment -- I can assure you we get rid of these spammers as soon as we find them. And there are less of them this week than there were, say, a month ago...

 

[Archangel]

It's nice to see Flippa taking part in this discussion. Still waiting for a reply to my email though, but it was sent just yesterday I think it was. So I'll be patient :p

Yes, Upgrades are expensive, and must be fine-tuned to work for different types of listings. That's what the staff is here for -- to help with this. Reach out to us and ask questions!

 

[FlippaDomains]

It's nice to see Flippa taking part in this discussion. Still waiting for a reply to my email though, but it was sent just yesterday I think it was. So I'll be patient :P

Did you send to me, or someone else? I'll get it sorted tomorrow, latest -- just let me know.

 

[Archangel]

Sent to domains@flippa. I'm sure it'll be read in due time

Did you send to me, or someone else? I'll get it sorted tomorrow, latest -- just let me know.

 

[HeyNow]

If you change your mind, I'd love to help you sell your domains.

No thanks. Sounds to me as if you've been dispatched here for damage control, considering all of the unflattering but truthful posts. Sounds to me as if your presence here now is no coincidence, but rather the result of the realization that some domainers aren't idiots, but rather intelligent buyers.

A healthy percentage of intelligent buyers aren't going to knowingly participate in an auction where the employees of the auctioneer are possibly bidding against them.

You can have all the sellers in domainland, but without buyers, all those sellers are worthless. Once you and those who sent you here realize that protecting buyers to the same extent as sellers is important, then perhaps your lame attempts at damage control won't be necessary.

You remind me of "jerzygirl" who was Moniker's damage control drone, trotted out to play Whack-A-Mole when all of the complaints started showing up in domain forums. She'd sing the praises of Moniker while making bad excuses for all the abysmal customer service, then a few months later she moved on to some other company.

So like I said, good luck to you.

 

[JB Lions]

No thanks. Sounds to me as if you've been dispatched here for damage control, considering all of the unflattering but truthful posts. Sounds to me as if your presence here now is no coincidence, but rather the result of the realization that some domainers aren't idiots, but rather intelligent buyers.

A healthy percentage of intelligent buyers aren't going to knowingly participate in an auction where the employees of the auctioneer are possibly bidding against them.

You can have all the sellers in domainland, but without buyers, all those sellers are worthless. Once you and those who sent you here realize that protecting buyers to the same extent as sellers is important, then perhaps your lame attempts at damage control won't be necessary.

You remind me of "jerzygirl" who was Moniker's damage control drone, trotted out to play Whack-A-Mole when all of the complaints started showing up in domain forums. She'd sing the praises of Moniker while making bad excuses for all the abysmal customer service, then a few months later she moved on to some other company.

So like I said, good luck to you.

You are aware that bidders aren't hidden? That you can pick and choose who's allowed to bid if you want? That it wouldn't be too hard to do some very basic research to find out who the bidders are? That there is feedback on bidders available? That sales are indeed happening? That many sellers could care less about who's buying their domains, because they like sales? That you don't have any real interest in this platform, GoDaddy, Snapnames, Namejet etc. because of your paranoia? Your interest is more in recruiting more miserable domainers, just have to read your posts to figure that one out. For any new people to the forum reading his posts, he doesn't bid anywhere. Because......there might be a fake bidder somewhere, anywhere.

You're getting on them because they're here replying but if they didn't, you would probably say they're hiding from something. So whatever they do, you would be here complaining. I would rather them be here, in the conversation, getting input. There are posts here talking about them taking action on some shady stuff - https://www.namepros.com/threads/flippa-suspends-large-volume-seller.830775/#post-4682594 and more.

As far as sellers getting friends, family, themselves etc bidding, that can happen anywhere. Some places bidders are just numbers (GoDaddy) or you can't see who's bidding (Sedo). So as a buyer, as always, anywhere, only bid what you're willing to spend on the domain.

Did you send to me, or someone else? I'll get it sorted tomorrow, latest -- just let me know.

FlippaDomains - one of the issues brought up were employees bidding in auctions. There are some, maybe many sellers/buyers that might not like that. Very simple solution. Put a symbol, straight out say employee, something where people can see it very easily. Just like putting VIP under some people's names here, do something like that over at Flippa, signifying Employee.

 

[SimpleDomaining]

Yes there is a difference but that does not mean flippa is driving up the price of that. What are they gaining a 10% fee, it is different if they gained 100% profits but their are not.

10% of 1000 is different than 10% of 100...dont you think?

 

[Chetan]

Flippa Ultra Premium Listing with custom domain logo image Plus Spotlight works like Magic.....
I was also quite active on flippa a while back, but now I am not more active there as I have been not getting enough sales these days and I am feeling that all people are away from Flippa at the moment and not getting good offers for my names there.
what I have noticed on Flippa that only ultra Premium domains are sold for good Prices. Its not a place to sell undeveloped ordinary names

 

[Archangel]

Opinions are opinions, but your 'healthy percentage' claim is your belief, not a fact, thus you shouldn't pass it off as such. It's a known fact the majority of domains would likely do what you claim a healthy percentage wouldn't do. Opinion? Partially--it's a well known fact the mjajority of domainers aren't smart at all.

Aside from that, your argument has 0% point. You can accept these workers bids or reject them.It's in your power. So what is the meaning of your rant? Sorry but I see nothing in it.It's pissing in the wind, arguing for arguing's sake

No thanks. Sounds to me as if you've been dispatched here for damage control, considering all of the unflattering but truthful posts. Sounds to me as if your presence here now is no coincidence, but rather the result of the realization that some domainers aren't idiots, but rather intelligent buyers.

A healthy percentage of intelligent buyers aren't going to knowingly participate in an auction where the employees of the auctioneer are possibly bidding against them.

You can have all the sellers in domainland, but without buyers, all those sellers are worthless. Once you and those who sent you here realize that protecting buyers to the same extent as sellers is important, then perhaps your lame attempts at damage control won't be necessary.

You remind me of "jerzygirl" who was Moniker's damage control drone, trotted out to play Whack-A-Mole when all of the complaints started showing up in domain forums. She'd sing the praises of Moniker while making bad excuses for all the abysmal customer service, then a few months later she moved on to some other company.

So like I said, good luck to you.

 

[FlippaDomains]

G

No thanks. Sounds to me as if you've been dispatched here for damage control, considering all of the unflattering but truthful posts. Sounds to me as if your presence here now is no coincidence, but rather the result of the realization that some domainers aren't idiots, but rather intelligent buyers.

A healthy percentage of intelligent buyers aren't going to knowingly participate in an auction where the employees of the auctioneer are possibly bidding against them.

You can have all the sellers in domainland, but without buyers, all those sellers are worthless. Once you and those who sent you here realize that protecting buyers to the same extent as sellers is important, then perhaps your lame attempts at damage control won't be necessary.

You remind me of "jerzygirl" who was Moniker's damage control drone, trotted out to play Whack-A-Mole when all of the complaints started showing up in domain forums. She'd sing the praises of Moniker while making bad excuses for all the abysmal customer service, then a few months later she moved on to some other company.

So like I said, good luck to you.

Damage control might be how you put it, as you're quite upset over something that has already been addressed.

I'm here extending my role as Domains Manager, as a liaison between our marketplace and those that use it. You're not interested, which is fine, but I am addressing others who are finding this dialogue useful.

Good luck to you, too.

 

[FlippaDomains]

You are aware that bidders aren't hidden? That you can pick and choose who's allowed to bid if you want? That it wouldn't be too hard to do some very basic research to find out who the bidders are? That there is feedback on bidders available? That sales are indeed happening? That many sellers could care less about who's buying their domains, because they like sales? That you don't have any real interest in this platform, GoDaddy, Snapnames, Namejet etc. because of your paranoia? Your interest is more in recruiting more miserable domainers, just have to read your posts to figure that one out. For any new people to the forum reading his posts, he doesn't bid anywhere. Because......there might be a fake bidder somewhere, anywhere.

You're getting on them because they're here replying but if they didn't, you would probably say they're hiding from something. So whatever they do, you would be here complaining. I would rather them be here, in the conversation, getting input. There are posts here talking about them taking action on some shady stuff -

As far as sellers getting friends, family, themselves etc bidding, that can happen anywhere. Some places bidders are just numbers (GoDaddy) or you can't see who's bidding (Sedo). So as a buyer, as always, anywhere, only bid what you're willing to spend on the domain.



FlippaDomains - one of the issues brought up were employees bidding in auctions. There are some, maybe many sellers/buyers that might not like that. Very simple solution. Put a symbol, straight out say employee, something where people can see it very easily. Just like putting VIP under some people's names here, do something like that over at Flippa, signifying Employee.

Thanks for your post. I appreciate you appreciating that I am here, discussing all of this. I actually realize that I've been absent from NamePros (I do have a personal account here that is dormant as well), and that I should be more present.

The seller you are referring to in the other thread was suspended for a discrepancy that I am working out. He is a top domain seller, but the respect and leeway I extend to sellers of all stripes goes both ways, and we're on our way to evening it out.

Moving on, I like your idea about the Employee symbol. I'll be exploring this with our team. Thanks for your thoughts and feedback.

 

[FlippaDomains]

Sent to domains@flippa. I'm sure it'll be read in due time

I'm on it ~ Sorry for the delay, it's on my desk first thing in the morn. Talk to you soon...

 

[HeyNow]

That you don't have any real interest in this platform, GoDaddy, Snapnames, Namejet etc. because of your paranoia?

Gee, thank you Dr. Phil. Just post your therapist/psychiatrist credential here for all to see.

 

[Archangel]

Lion makes sense. You aren't. Are you assuming it'd take credentials from a university to show this fact?

Gee, thank you Dr. Phil. Just post your therapist/psychiatrist credential here for all to see.

 

[ImageAuthors]

@HeyNow,

Even though I have serious concerns about about conflict of interest when it comes to Flippa and nearly every other domain sales venue, I think you're being unfair to Kevin Fink in your comments:

No thanks. Sounds to me as if you've been dispatched here for damage control, considering all of the unflattering but truthful posts. Sounds to me as if your presence here now is no coincidence, but rather the result of the realization that some domainers aren't idiots, but rather intelligent buyers.

@HeyNow

I first met Kevin when he was just like any other domainer and probably hadn't even thought of working for Flippa. He's a lot more engaged with the domaining community than the sort of stooge or corporate PR guy you take him for.

Honestly, I doubt Kevin was "dispatched here". He probably dispatched himself, since the domain side of Flippa's business is Kevin's baby; and he wants to look out for it.

Obviously Flippa / Kevin are interested in damage control. Every human being or company OUGHT to be interested in reputation and answering customer concerns. Why automatically paint this in a bad light? Wouldn't we want Kevin to show up and dialogue with us? Wouldn't we criticize Flippa if they arrogantly ignored public complaints or concerns altogether? Kevin's doing what he ought to do by showing up here, and I know that making domain auctions work well at Flippa is more personal to him than you think it is.

It's good to be suspicious of what happens within the domain industry. However, we shouldn't put someone (individual or company) in a position where they're damned if they do and damned if they don't.

Somebody else said that, "If you're a Flippa seller, then the stank rubs off on you too." That's painting with a very broad brush. First of all, there are a LOT of domainers who list domains for sale on Flippa. I've sold domains there at decent prices; but, statistically speaking, most of my auctions are duds. Many get only $1 or $10 bids, and others get none. Recently, I sold a handful of domains where the minimum Flippa success fee of $10 was actually HIGHER than the winning bid. So apart from the $10 listing fee, I basically paid Flippa $10 to give away those domains for free. Should we conclude that any successful Flippa seller is in league with the company somehow or has rigged his auctions? If Flippa and I were in cahoots, then I'm obviously not very bright to pay out money while transferring domains away!

Some shill bidding almost certainly takes place at Flippa and elsewhere, and I criticize those suspect instances (and some Flippa policies) publicly to the extent that I probably am regarded by Kevin / Flippa as a bit of a trouble maker. But I assume that shill bidding is driven by unethical sellers rather than Flippa management. Personally, I have been asked to place shill bids for other sellers. And friends have offered to place shill bids for me. Let me state for the record -- EMPHATICALLY -- that I turn down all shill bid requests. I have NEVER and will NEVER engage in such practices. Other sellers might. But we should judge people individually.

@FlippaDomains,

Good job jumping into the lion's den!

 

[equity78]

Flippa has been an advertiser on Tldinvestors.com and when I saw the commentary here, I emailed Kevin and told him there was a conversation he might be interested in. So it was no damage control, he got an email from me. Kevin has done a good job answering questions on the recent interview he did and I think he is just on top of his game and does not brush things off, he makes the kind of effort to engage that most other customer service reps would do well to emulate.

 

[The New Guy]

We have toyed with the ideas of getting rid of comments and messages altogether. Or at least, I have thought about it. Would be welcome to feedback on this. While removing these would be against our M.O. of transparency, I do understand that comments are sometimes superfluous and can overwhelm someone with dozens of emails if they're bidding/watching as many listings.

Comments are one of the reasons I won't list on flippa. When I'm trying to sell the domain it's between me and the interested party. Having comments on an auction is like letting a third part come into your art gallery and make random comments to a shopper while they're looking at an item to buy.

It's not amazon and you're not selling a hundred identical televisions where comments / reviews help everybody. There is no point to commenting on a unique name because no one other than the current owner has the item. It can too easily be used to sabotage a listing just for fun, out of spite, or to put down domains that are similar to ones they may be trying to sell with another account.

Why would I list there and why would I pay for promoting a domain if anyone can come in on a listing I paid for and leave bad comments about it?

How does it help me sell a domain if someone can make comments on it? Either someone wants to buy it or they don't - few things will motivate them to buy a domain they are not interested in, but many things can kill their interest in a product or a domain.

 

[HeyNow]

@HeyNow,

Even though I have serious concerns about about conflict of interest when it comes to Flippa and nearly every other domain sales venue, I think you're being unfair to Kevin Fink in your comments.

I appreciate your comments, all of them, not just those copied in this reply to your lengthy post.

A company which chooses to keep buyers in the dark about a potentially fraudulent practice is not worth doing business with, IMHO.

Paranoid? That's what Eric Lyons labeled me. IMHO, he's a fool for labeling me that, considering the Snapnames scandal, Godaddy scandal, and the fact he has no valid credential for diagnosing me as "paranoid" based on a few domain forum posts. After those scandals. we should all be aware of auctioneer policies which optically allow for the wholesale screwing of the buyers/bidders. Oddly, I like Eric. He's got loyalties, however misguided.

 

[equity78]

To be fair the Snapnames and Go Daddy situations were different, Snapnames was outright fraud, the Go Daddy situation cannot be called a scandal as Go Daddy said it was ok just like Flippa, the only thing was when the Go Daddy news broke it got covered in places outside domaining like Wired Magazine, after that Go Daddy changed policy. We cannot like something but if an employee is allowed they did nothing wrong just sol long as they paid for their auctions.

 

[DomainVP]

Flippa is for lazy domain sellers that are okay with only getting a Fraction of what their domain is worth.

I've had domains of Flippa that have gotten $250 - $700 offers, and then sold them independently for $5k+.

I've also spent about $700 with their abysmal 'promotion packages'. I guess I'm the sucker for that one, but I thought I would give their service a fair shot.

If you want to shill bid your name up to an absurd value and maybe phish a clueless end user, Flippa is the place to be. Everyone knows that, and if you didn't know that... your welcome.

In all seriousness, you might as well use eBay; they have stricter controls and failsafes than Flippa and their core business isn't based on a rampant scam of 'promotion packages' sold to domain sellers.

Quote all the metrics you want, it's all B.S.