strategy How to Find Potential End Users?

[shilmy]

Hi,

Do any of you has regularly sell your domain to end users? If so, do you mind share with me in this thread on how find potential end users for your domain?

Regards,
Sjarief

 

[SpareDomains]

Ok. I would like a straight up answer from someone who knows what they are talking about.

Should you reach out to end-users or not? Simple enough question.

I have had so many people tell me that domains don't sell themselves anymore and you MUST go out and find potential end-users.

On the other hand I am hearing more and more of people saying NOT to reach out to end-users because it's SPAM.. I personally feel that if the person your emailing could legitimately benefit from your name then it's not really spam.

I've been selling domains for about 11 years now and 99.9% to end users. Most in the 1-10k range with a few below and a few above that range. Quality domains that make business sense helps keep a natural flow of inquiries on my desk every week. I have listed at Sedo, DomainNameSales, Afternic etc... over the years as well as extra eyeballs never hurt although most deals are done direct as I redirect sales links to my own site which has built me a 11 year old end user database with some repeat end user buyers in it.

When a buyer comes to you first the decision has already been made they want the domain all that remains is negotiations to see if the numbers align to make it happen so a Hot lead with more ROI and a higher success rate.

When you email it shows you are looking to sell and brings it down to door to door sales level as your hitting Cold leads which results in less ROI and a lower close rate. Not only do price negotiations have to take place but you also have to convince them why they need your domain as they didn't get off their couch to come and look for it so even if your hitting related industry leads most have no understanding of the internet, domains, hosting etc... as they just pay someone to handle it.

Can contacting end users work=sure the problem is that so many people spam shit you'll be lucky if it ends up in their inbox, then ya gotta explain why they need the domain, then your price has to be cheap cause your soliciting them, etc...

I prefer the combo of buying quality domains and using the distribution channels that have been created to get the eyeballs on your inventory, DomainNameSales/DomainTools, GoDaddy/Afternic, your own site, etc... as ROI and close rate are both definitely higher when they knock on your door first. I highly doubt I could have sold some of my $8 acquisitions for $6500, $7500 etc... by emailing cold leads, those big returns happened from end users that understood the internet and knocked on my door first as basically 99.9% of the domains I own were all $8 expired pick ups that still clear 1-10k based on quality of the domain/distribution channels and patience. If a domainer owns hundreds of domains and is using distribution channels and never gets an end user knock on their door first the question should be do I own shit instead of should I email end users as domain quality and distribution channels that exist are the biggest factors to natural success.

http://www.business.ftc.gov/documents/bus61-can-spam-act-compliance-guide-business

 

[King Leonidas]

I have found few potential buyers for one of my domains. They are companies and their contact info is hidden on the whois, plus at their website there is no email to contact them just a contact form. Should I use the contact form?

Has any difference the using of form instead an email account for approaching buyers? (just to know).

 

[dream_d]

When nothing is visible, it is worth trying with contact form,no harm in it.

 

[onedomain]

How to allow potential end users to find you

 

[JudgeMind]

After contacting a potential end user about a domain for sale, if they reply and ask how much is it best to throw out a high figure or tell them you are looking for offers?

Someone just contacted me in pm and asked the question above. I replied by saying why would you ask them to make an offer if you contacted them. You should know what your desired sales value is for your name before trying to sell it.

 

[baldonius]

After contacting a potential end user about a domain for sale, if they reply and ask how much is it best to throw out a high figure or tell them you are looking for offers?

Someone just contacted me in pm and asked the question above. I replied by saying why would you ask them to make an offer if you contacted them. You should know what your desired sales value is for your name before trying to sell it.

You can judge based on the size of their business, if they have one. Sometimes that aligns with the price you want, sometimes it doesn't.

Knowing what figure you want and knowing whether it's reasonable is part of the business I guess. I watched a video the other day of a successful domain seller and he was confidently quoting $4k here, $2k there for domains that people might not initially realise are worthwhile.

He was talking about '.com's only and brandable ones at that... and a few highly generic domains. He stayed away from geographic domains because they're too specific.

Basically any catchy and short '.com' domain that could be a brand name for a startup will sell for a few k if you play your cards right.

 

[bazabizo]

Maybe a bit off topic (sorry about that).
But which mass mailing service you use? I tried Turbo SMTP and its not good.

 

[GravityEleven]

Used to work with this one for a while: https://elasticemail.com/ (ElasticEmail)
Quite professional and good value, give it a try

 

[xtmoney]

i receive 1k$ offer via B o d i s . Domain is in real estate niche . Should i count with 5k$?

 

[dream_d]

Yes please do it and when you get a reply negotiate it, I see no harm in it though it depends upon the domain you have.There are few instances where some people send us offers and when we reply they never come back, looks like some game playing or kinda stuff.Good luck!

 

[gilescoley]

Ok. I would like a straight up answer from someone who knows what they are talking about.

Should you reach out to end-users or not? Simple enough question.

I have had so many people tell me that domains don't sell themselves anymore and you MUST go out and find potential end-users.

On the other hand I am hearing more and more of people saying NOT to reach out to end-users because it's SPAM.. I personally feel that if the person your emailing could legitimately benefit from your name then it's not really spam.

Yes, you have to find and email end-users, they wont come to you unless you have ultra-prem names, and even then its better to let relevant companies know the name is for sale to maximize your ROI

 

[vasilisgr]

I am new to namepros but i have to say that this is perhaps the most intresting thread i have run into.
Tons of info here... Really worth reading again and again.

So i have a question: When i want to promote a domain to a HUGE real estate company who is it best to contact?
I have all the contact info in my hands but i want your opinion on who to send the email to.
The CEO? The CFO? The Internet Marketing Manager? The IT director?
The list just goes and goes....

Thank you.

 

[bazabizo]

I have all the contact info in my hands but i want your opinion on who to send the email to.
The CEO? The CFO? The Internet Marketing Manager? The IT director?
The list just goes and goes....

Thank you.

All of them, with different messages. Each one tailored to him, and inform EACH one of them that you contacted the others so that its not by any means get perceived as spam NOR breaking the chain of command! Linkedin will nail it for you here

 

[vasilisgr]

@bazabizo thanks a lot. Linkedin is what i am counting on indeed!

 

[Jeeps]

For those struggling to determine the email address of someone within an organization, this tool may help: https://www.voilanorbert.com

 

[Pattern]

Is this your own tool?

For those struggling to determine the email address of someone within an organization, this tool may help: https://www.voilanorbert.com

 

[Roy Lei]

Good points...
Actually I am doing in this way as well and have sucessfully sold several domain names out.

 

[vasilisgr]

Is it wise to inform an end user about promoting the domain you are trying to sell to one of their competitors?
Has it worked for anyone? I am thinking that perhaps puts more presure on the potential client, so if anyone has some thoughts to share i 'd be glad.
Thanks.

 

[Jeeps]

Is this your own tool?

No, it's not mine (would be cooler if it were though). Forget where / how I found it or who showed it to me though.

 

[highondomaine]

I've been selling domains for about 11 years now and 99.9% to end users. Most in the 1-10k range with a few below and a few above that range. Quality domains that make business sense helps keep a natural flow of inquiries on my desk every week. I have listed at Sedo, DomainNameSales, Afternic etc... over the years as well as extra eyeballs never hurt although most deals are done direct as I redirect sales links to my own site which has built me a 11 year old end user database with some repeat end user buyers in it.

When a buyer comes to you first the decision has already been made they want the domain all that remains is negotiations to see if the numbers align to make it happen so a Hot lead with more ROI and a higher success rate.

When you email it shows you are looking to sell and brings it down to door to door sales level as your hitting Cold leads which results in less ROI and a lower close rate. Not only do price negotiations have to take place but you also have to convince them why they need your domain as they didn't get off their couch to come and look for it so even if your hitting related industry leads most have no understanding of the internet, domains, hosting etc... as they just pay someone to handle it.

Can contacting end users work=sure the problem is that so many people spam shit you'll be lucky if it ends up in their inbox, then ya gotta explain why they need the domain, then your price has to be cheap cause your soliciting them, etc...

I prefer the combo of buying quality domains and using the distribution channels that have been created to get the eyeballs on your inventory, DomainNameSales/DomainTools, GoDaddy/Afternic, your own site, etc... as ROI and close rate are both definitely higher when they knock on your door first. I highly doubt I could have sold some of my $8 acquisitions for $6500, $7500 etc... by emailing cold leads, those big returns happened from end users that understood the internet and knocked on my door first as basically 99.9% of the domains I own were all $8 expired pick ups that still clear 1-10k based on quality of the domain/distribution channels and patience. If a domainer owns hundreds of domains and is using distribution channels and never gets an end user knock on their door first the question should be do I own shit instead of should I email end users as domain quality and distribution channels that exist are the biggest factors to natural success.

http://www.business.ftc.gov/documents/bus61-can-spam-act-compliance-guide-business

just curious, what kind of names did you sell for 6500 and 7500?

 

[Electric-Shadow]

Is it wise to inform an end user about promoting the domain you are trying to sell to one of their competitors?
Has it worked for anyone? I am thinking that perhaps puts more presure on the potential client, so if anyone has some thoughts to share i 'd be glad.
Thanks.

Absolutely, this actually helps to reassure them but at the same time ads a little bit of urgency without being pushy. You don't have to tell them who, just that they're not the only ones you're contacting. It's increased my response rate tenfold, even if they're not interested. It's always nice to get acknowledgment for your efforts.

 

[Alexander Green]

It's been while since I've posted here but I still lurk in the shadows to read now and then. I started like many investing in a few cheap domains then flipping then focusing on trying to sell to end users. I always made it easy for a buyer to contact me be that a good holding page or if the domain was parked it was with somewhere that had a buy now/communication box to make contact.

Eventually I became much more pro-active at contacting traditional endusers actual small businesses to large corporations 4 figure sales became entry 5 figure then 6 figure sales. However I soon decided to expand my company(at this point it was no longer a hobby for extra cash) to brokering with a small team I had under me and we help others close 6-8 figure deals and for the most part I do the majority of the leg work. So I hope those reading will understand this is no rookie advice.

I feel it's very wise to make yourself seem professional as possible when reaching out to endusers. If you treat the sale of your domain with the integrity and respect it deserves more often then not you will get it back even if it's just a one line response.
While I can't share all tactics I can mention the basics. Your emails should be short and to the point. Introduce yourself briefly and then the domain and the price. Feel free to mention if other parties have been contacted or even state you'd like a response even if its for them to say "not interested" many will do that.

Leave contact details of yourself in a signature in the email preferably with a contact number too.
It's always good to look for a companies CEO, CFO, Markerting Director/Manager, CTO/IT Manager and if the company is very large look for their General Counsel/IP Lawyer and message the highesr ranking person and CC the others 4 people max(including the main) these are the targets you should hit up.
Avoid "for sale" in your email subject or the price. " urgent: bla.com " can work well. Don't sound "spammy" in your email. Be Confident, Firm like this is just another day and the sale isn't that important to you if THEY buy you just want them to know.

Zoominfo, Domaintools, Linkedin and Mailtester.com will become your best bookmarked friends and that's just the start there are many other ways to find your marks.

One of them will read it and pass it on tho who needs to deal with a transaction like this or they may simply ignore it and not reply. Move on if there's never a reply within 1.5 weeks you can always state you need a reply within 5 business days if there is ANY interest in the email to stop "waiting".

Be firm with your asking price. Large companies are generally not scared of seeing a $10k asking price you'd be surprised. If you feel your name is worth $100k REALLY worth it deep down then don't be afraid to state it just make it clear you are open to counter offers if you are fishing for any offer. If they want it you'll know. They may indeed haggle but if you've inflated the price enough you'll have room to get what you wanted.

Don't get greedy unless you don't need the sale/money then feel free to play but know they can walk and never return.

Don't ignore any inquiry you get for your domains even if it starts low unless it's an appraisal scam. You'd be surprised how many emails that start with a $500 offer can turn into $300k with a little investigation and actually taking the time to reply. Working with a lot of investors with killer portfolios I know all too well how often they are tired of "fake buyers" that they ignore offers presuming them the same routine unless it mentions high figures. THAT is a mistake, you should treat every bidder with respect and politely decline and set them straight on what YOU want. You have no idea who they are or what they can REALLY offer.
If your domain is not WIPO bait then you can be "open to serious offers in x range".

Be prepared to move some deals to calls. Know what you are talking about because often they wont have a clue how a domain sale goes down apart from the fact at some point money is exchanged and so is a domain. Escrow for anything over $1500 imo unless you trust the buyer to use other methods of payment.

Be prepared to help buyers with transferring and payment process with step by step instructions if they are clueless.

I like a post someone else said about ideal times to email. Many staff members at companies get flooded by emails daily. Aim for their morning reads. Avoid contacting places on Friday you'll more than often be forgotten about. Mon-Wed is ideal.

The truth that needs to be said is many here are not cut out to ever hit it big selling domains. You need to take the time to go to that next level. I've read posts now and then on someone involved in this industry for 10+ yrs and they've never sold a domain over $2000. I and others did that in their first few sales within a few months and that was the start and we wanted more and we got it. We didn't stick with buying $20 names and hoping to flip for $500 (which is still great I wont take that away from you) but eventually you realise those names you see selling for 6 figures in DNjournal weren't bought for a few dollars. Not anymore.

Some of you will get lucky though. The few who spent under 1000 will get a lucky 5 figure deal or more randomly. It does happen.

Eventually you have to get your feet wet and spend a few grand on something you KNOW you got for a steal. Spending $5k on a name you know can get $50k for any day of the week and to some that's a tall order. To much of a risk.

So you play it safe or maybe all you can afford is a $100 to invest in a name and you hope to get $1k-5k and be content and you have your main 9-5 and again that's fine but if you want more then you need to see what the big boys are willing to do and what they're often willing to lose because you can lose.. badly.

Often you will need thick skin. I have been called a vulture , a thief, a crook by those who don't understand what you're doing.. "domains are $10 scammer" You can argue or just link them a dnjournal year to date top public sales and a polite reply that you'll stick with your crazy industry for your dignity. Keep it professional in my opinion and then move on never reply again to the next potential buyer. Often the person insulting COULD actually come back after mulling it over what's sad is sometimes these can be the actual CEO's. It's OK though I'll still take their money if they change their mind we're not here to be friends.

Don't let anyone get you down not even me. However if you've been in this game a long time and you're not making money or you need to copy someones methods word for word and can't have it fit your own style and your not in the black year in year out with your domains? Then consider stepping out of the game for your own good.

Good Luck. I mean that.

 

[highondomaine]

It's been while since I've posted here but I still lurk in the shadows to read now and then. I started like many investing in a few cheap domains then flipping then focusing on trying to sell to end users. I always made it easy for a buyer to contact me be that a good holding page or if the domain was parked it was with somewhere that had a buy now/communication box to make contact.

Eventually I became much more pro-active at contacting traditional endusers actual small businesses to large corporations 4 figure sales became entry 5 figure then 6 figure sales. However I soon decided to expand my company(at this point it was no longer a hobby for extra cash) to brokering with a small team I had under me and we help others close 6-8 figure deals and for the most part I do the majority of the leg work. So I hope those reading will understand this is no rookie advice.

I feel it's very wise to make yourself seem professional as possible when reaching out to endusers. If you treat the sale of your domain with the integrity and respect it deserves more often then not you will get it back even if it's just a one line response.
While I can't share all tactics I can mention the basics. Your emails should be short and to the point. Introduce yourself briefly and then the domain and the price. Feel free to mention if other parties have been contacted or even state you'd like a response even if its for them to say "not interested" many will do that.

Leave contact details of yourself in a signature in the email preferably with a contact number too.
It's always good to look for a companies CEO, CFO, Markerting Director/Manager, CTO/IT Manager and if the company is very large look for their General Counsel/IP Lawyer and message the highesr ranking person and CC the others 4 people max(including the main) these are the targets you should hit up.
Avoid "for sale" in your email subject or the price. " urgent: bla.com " can work well. Don't sound "spammy" in your email. Be Confident, Firm like this is just another day and the sale isn't that important to you if THEY buy you just want them to know.

Zoominfo, Domaintools, Linkedin and Mailtester.com will become your best bookmarked friends and that's just the start there are many other ways to find your marks.

One of them will read it and pass it on tho who needs to deal with a transaction like this or they may simply ignore it and not reply. Move on if there's never a reply within 1.5 weeks you can always state you need a reply within 5 business days if there is ANY interest in the email to stop "waiting".

Be firm with your asking price. Large companies are generally not scared of seeing a $10k asking price you'd be surprised. If you feel your name is worth $100k REALLY worth it deep down then don't be afraid to state it just make it clear you are open to counter offers if you are fishing for any offer. If they want it you'll know. They may indeed haggle but if you've inflated the price enough you'll have room to get what you wanted.

Don't get greedy unless you don't need the sale/money then feel free to play but know they can walk and never return.

Don't ignore any inquiry you get for your domains even if it starts low unless it's an appraisal scam. You'd be surprised how many emails that start with a $500 offer can turn into $300k with a little investigation and actually taking the time to reply. Working with a lot of investors with killer portfolios I know all too well how often they are tired of "fake buyers" that they ignore offers presuming them the same routine unless it mentions high figures. THAT is a mistake, you should treat every bidder with respect and politely decline and set them straight on what YOU want. You have no idea who they are or what they can REALLY offer.
If your domain is not WIPO bait then you can be "open to serious offers in x range".

Be prepared to move some deals to calls. Know what you are talking about because often they wont have a clue how a domain sale goes down apart from the fact at some point money is exchanged and so is a domain. Escrow for anything over $1500 imo unless you trust the buyer to use other methods of payment.

Be prepared to help buyers with transferring and payment process with step by step instructions if they are clueless.

I like a post someone else said about ideal times to email. Many staff members at companies get flooded by emails daily. Aim for their morning reads. Avoid contacting places on Friday you'll more than often be forgotten about. Mon-Wed is ideal.

The truth that needs to be said is many here are not cut out to ever hit it big selling domains. You need to take the time to go to that next level. I've read posts now and then on someone involved in this industry for 10+ yrs and they've never sold a domain over $2000. I and others did that in their first few sales within a few months and that was the start and we wanted more and we got it. We didn't stick with buying $20 names and hoping to flip for $500 (which is still great I wont take that away from you) but eventually you realise those names you see selling for 6 figures in DNjournal weren't bought for a few dollars. Not anymore.

Some of you will get lucky though. The few who spent under 1000 will get a lucky 5 figure deal or more randomly. It does happen.

Eventually you have to get your feet wet and spend a few grand on something you KNOW you got for a steal. Spending $5k on a name you know can get $50k for any day of the week and to some that's a tall order. To much of a risk.

So you play it safe or maybe all you can afford is a $100 to invest in a name and you hope to get $1k-5k and be content and you have your main 9-5 and again that's fine but if you want more then you need to see what the big boys are willing to do and what they're often willing to lose because you can lose.. badly.

Often you will need thick skin. I have been called a vulture , a thief, a crook by those who don't understand what you're doing.. "domains are $10 scammer" You can argue or just link them a dnjournal year to date top public sales and a polite reply that you'll stick with your crazy industry for your dignity. Keep it professional in my opinion and then move on never reply again to the next potential buyer. Often the person insulting COULD actually come back after mulling it over what's sad is sometimes these can be the actual CEO's. It's OK though I'll still take their money if they change their mind we're not here to be friends.

Don't let anyone get you down not even me. However if you've been in this game a long time and you're not making money or you need to copy someones methods word for word and can't have it fit your own style and your not in the black year in year out with your domains? Then consider stepping out of the game for your own good.

Good Luck. I mean that.

gonna study this post

 

[xtmoney]

Tardisx - awesome knowledge. U have my respect
Thanks

 

[KDN]

Thank you, Tardis. That's easily one of the best posts I've read.