It is a scam. I just got the same exact letter - but signed by a Gilbert Reuter from BON Office Group.
I simply told him to make an offer. Then the second letter -
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Dear Mark,
Upon careful consideration with my partners, we feel that 15000 USD is a good price for your domain. What do you think?
Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name?
Domain without content is ok with me. Web site is not necessary.
Have you had your domain names evaluated in the past? I mean domain appraisals. Without valuation we cannot be sure in the sale price. It's very
important for me in terms of reselling too. But we must engage a valuation company with REAL manual service. So I will only accept valuations from independent sources I and my partners trust.
To avoid mistakes I asked domain experts about reputable appraisal companies.
Please check this blog with suggestions from other sellers and buyers:
Domain Talk
If, for example, the valuation comes higher you can adjust your asking price
accordingly. It will be fair. I also hope you can give me 12% - 15% discount.
After you send me the valuation via email (usually it takes 1-2 days to obtain it) we'll continue our negotiations.
What is your preferred payment method: Escrow.com, International wire transfer, PayPal.com or something else?
Hope we can come to an agreement fast.
Looking forward to your reply.
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I was tipped off immediately by the second line, 'Do you sell domain with a web site or just the name?'
Had he taken 5 seconds to check he would have noticed that there is no site. I would have checked at least to see a bit of history and if it were listed.
I didn't even open the 007sites.com - I wrote ----
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Hi Gilbert,
I'm sorry but this seems a little too complicated for me. I would put the domain in an escrow or something but I wouldn't hire some company to tell me the value of the domain.
Sorry, Mark
_________________________----
He then wrote
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It's a standard practice to show independent valuation to buyers/resellers. Nobody will do business without it. I'm a businessman and have no intention of changing rules which help both parties to avoid additional risks.
Of course, investors never take into account auto-generated valuations. So manual valuation is a "must" too.
I read the following information about appraisals at:
Domain Talk
Thank you for understanding. I'm looking forward to do business with you.
Hope we can come to an agreement fast because I'll be on vacation soon.
___________________________________________
I wrote
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I guess that I'm not in such a rush to sell the name.
Thank you and have a good vacation, Mark
