Need advice on domain acquisition approach for personal use

[happycat]

Hi Folks

Firstly let me say I've come from a tech/programming background so I do have a bit of understanding about domains, but not a pro like you guys and no trading experience.

I have my eye on two nice 6+7 letter domains, both dictionary and brandable. (and would look at others as well to keep options open)

One is privately owned, and the other by Reflex Publishing. This is specifically what I want advice on. I researched their company and (they may even be around the forums) but are clearly more clued up than me and do this fulltime, so the balance of power is on that side of the table.

Budget: Max $10k

I'm not made of money and recently quit my job to work on this, but I want a nice little domain to build a pet project around.

I don't want to low-ball but at the same time don't want to be taken for a ride and cleaned out. Also have very nice ".me" is available for much less so I have fallback.

Can you guys help?

What's a fair price?
What approach should I take? (use sedo, contact directly?) etc.

Would really love and appreciate any advice I can get !
Thanks, Keith

---------- Post added at 02:05 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:34 AM ----------

PS let me add that I really don't want to play games, just take an honest and fair approach as opposed to being overly opportunistic. Or do you think I'm being naive?

I'm a serious buyer and don't want to mess about, but also not attached to one domain, so can take my money elsewhere if I start getting pushed too hard.

 

[bmugford]

Reflex is a huge company with an incredible portfolio of generic domains. Unless you are going to put out a lot more cash, I don't think that one is happening.

It is impossible to give out advice without knowing the domains, but if these are usable dictionary word .COM in general $10K is not that much.

When buying domains I don't think there is any benefit to playing games. When I buy domains I approach the owner with my real information and make a fair offer. If we reach a deal that is fine, if not well I tried.

Brad

 

[happycat]

Reflex is a huge company with an incredible portfolio of generic domains. Unless you are going to put out a lot more cash, I don't think that one is happening.

It is impossible to give out advice without knowing the domains, but if these are usable dictionary word .COM in general $10K is not that much.

When buying domains I don't think there is any benefit to playing games. When I buy domains I approach the owner with my real information and make a fair offer. If we reach a deal that is fine, if not well I tried.

Brad

Thanks Brad, appreciate the feedback. I want to be as honest an fair as possible. Do you think my budget is not enough?

I realise you guys know much more about this, but I am trying to do my homework and be fair. eg.

Denied.com $8,000 Jun 11 Sedo
Unsure.com $5,000 Jun 11
Uprise.com $10,500 Dec 10
Bolted.com $10,200 May 10
Submit.com $35,000 Feb 11 M
Cashed.com $11,000
Lookup.com $17,500
Podium.com $12,333

etc

Maybe I'm clueless though?
Has anyone actually here actually bought from Reflex successfully?

 

[bmugford]

Appreciate the feedback. I want to be as honest an fair as possible. Do you think my budget is not enough?

I realise you guys know much more about this, but I am trying to do my homework and be fair. eg.

Denied.com $8,000 Jun 11 Sedo
Unsure.com $5,000 Jun 11
Uprise.com $10,500 Dec 10
Bolted.com $10,200 May 10
Submit.com $35,000 Feb 11 M
Cashed.com $11,000
Lookup.com $17,500
Podium.com $12,333

etc

Maybe I'm clueless though?
Has anyone actually here actually bought from Reflex successfully?

Without knowing the names there is only so much info anyone can give you.

The value depends on potential commercial use, traffic, branding, and many other factors.

In general companies like Reflex have no motivation to sell a good domain for $10,000.

Make the offer. All they can do is say no.

Brad

 

[happycat]

In general companies like Reflex have no motivation to sell a good domain for $10,000.

This makes sense. Out of interest has anyone bought something off them... ever? I'd imagine if so, it wouldn't be very public and certainly not in sites like namebio etc.

In the meantime, I'll pursue the private domain.

Thanks