Looking to buy a domain on the secondary market

[kamolahy]

I just started a business and I need to get the domain name for myself. I realize it's taken and probably have to buy it.

Any suggestions on how to go about this? I can call the guy, but I was looking for tips on how to approach it and succeed in getting it. I'm a startup, so essentially I have no money to throw away. If it's unreasonable, it's going to be a real problem for me.

Any tips at all?

 

[Dannoth]

Try to abvieviate the domain slightly, if you cant think of anything other than the domain which is taken, phone or email him asking if he has any plans for developing the website, or if he would sell it for a cirtain price to you.

 

[Charley]

Can you give a suggestion for the word you are looking for .... I can help you.

 

[Jo]

Some registrars will give you suggested terms if the one you are looking for isn't available. Try godaddy.com with the exact name you want and see what suggestions come up. Much much cheaper than paying the outrageous $$ someone may want for the name. There is also the option of using dashes in the name. Very good for search engine placement...for example: if your business is PrecookedFoods.com you could go with Precooked-foods.com

 

[GreenGambler]

I say never settle for less...

If you can not afford the sellers asking price and you really want that particular DN ask if a rental agreement can be made. Then after you business picks up you can buy the DN. Just be sure there is a contract, the DN owner is reputable and read the contract very, very carefully.

 

[TestCase]

Is it taken and parked? Or is it taken and actually being used for business?

If it's already being used for a going business (especially if it's in the same business niche as you), it will likely be VERY difficult and expensive to get the owner to give it up.

Good luck!

 

[Spirix]

One thing I learned, is never seem like the domain is extremely important to you. Then the guy knows you really need/want it and will up the price a bit. Just my 2cents.

Also, there was topic around here somewhere where people posted topics on how they wanted to sell their domains. Maybe someone should create one on what they use to approach someone for buying. Or maybe there is already one around here somewhere.