New Company, Which domain and how?

[Barrybomb]

Thank you everyone for your input on my recent posts,this site has been very helpful.
I have formed a new construction company,I have chosen a catchy name,had an attractive logo designed,have obtained a toll free number which combines my area code with a 4 letter phrase relating to our work,NOW it is time for a domain.Our future website will be an online portfolio,possibly video,and additional info to prospective clients.
I would rather not give it away,so I will give a parallel EXAMPLE:
Let's say you have a plumbing business called Hot & Cold Contracting (catchy,right?).You also have a toll free number: 888-988-HEAT (988 is your area code,easy to remember,right?).Now for the domain!
You search whois data base for the following:
hotandcold.com,.info,.net,etc. - all taken
hotandcoldcontracting.com-available
All variations of the phone number are available.
Now this:handc.com ,it's short,easy to remember,however it is registered.You google handc.com and find there is no website and no further information,You do a whois search and find handc.com is registerd to man named Henry Collins.Henry has had this registered since 1998.But there is no website.Whois lists his email as [email protected] . I would have to believe that Henry Collins has this domain because of the "H" and "C" and is not dealing domains.I do a google on Henry Collins and can't find any info on him,so I think he's a regular guy.
Should I make a run at handc.com? Is this a good domain?Should I contact Henry? How do I negiotiate?How much would that site be worth,what should I offer? Do you have any other domain suggestions?

 

[fonzie_007]

I think handc.com is preferrable to the other domains you listed. Try sending him an email. Ask if he is wililng to sell the domain and how much he would like for it. Include your name, email address, and phone number.

Don't let on that you want the domain for a company otherwise he may want big bucks for it. There is also a possibility that he may not want to sell.

 

[peter phillips]

There is a possibility that he might not wish to sell the name. I would say approach him and ask him whether he intends to sell it, if yes ask him whats his offer. At the same time I would suggest you to look for a few more alternative names and don't just rely on one.

 

[Barrybomb]

Does anyone think that handc.com is a good domain in my case?I could go with 988heat.com or 888988heat.com to keep the continuity of the toll free number.You know, I could probably find a catchy domain like bestheat.com or whatever,but I don't see the wisdom in introducing a 3rd,almost seperate identity,I like the idea of the domain relating to the business name or phone #. Does that make sense?

 

[cache]

handc sounds good.
(nowadays, you should choose the domain BEFORE you have your company setup.)

Does anyone think that handc.com is a good domain in my case?I could go with 988heat.com or 888988heat.com to keep the continuity of the toll free number.You know, I could probably find a catchy domain like bestheat.com or whatever,but I don't see the wisdom in introducing a 3rd,almost seperate identity,I like the idea of the domain relating to the business name or phone #. Does that make sense?

 

[dan_Vt]

Does anyone think that handc.com is a good domain in my case?I could go with 988heat.com or 888988heat.com to keep the continuity of the toll free number.You know, I could probably find a catchy domain like bestheat.com or whatever,but I don't see the wisdom in introducing a 3rd,almost seperate identity,I like the idea of the domain relating to the business name or phone #. Does that make sense?

Personally I would stay away from using your phone number. I think it's easier for people to remember a domain related to the actual name of a business rather than its phone number.

Imagine if you make bumper stickers for your business and someone in their car notices it on a truck in front of them. I think they would have an easier time remembering something like handc.com over a string of numbers until they get to a computer.

 

[Barrybomb]

I think they would have an easier time remembering something like handc.com over a string of numbers until they get to a computer.[/QUOTE]

The toll free number is easy to remember,it combines the local area code and a 4 letter phrase that is easy to remember that relates to our work.I have regged the number in all of its forms,numbers only,number and letters,with toll free prefix,without prefix,etc. I have also regged the full company name(about 24 characters) and a couple of common spelling errors and about 10 others that involve the 4 letter phrase that someone else could try to compete with(doubtful).
You know,I don't think the phone# domain is bad.If someone were to call us,after talking,answering questions,making appointments,etc. I could always say "If you would like to see photos and get more info about us,go to your computer and type in the phone# you just dialed,dot com,and check out our website."
However I would prefer the "handc.com",I will contact the domain holder to see what happens.Others have suggested not to mention it is for a business,as the holder may figure its time to cash in,but what else could I say?I'm leaning toward being truthful and saying I would like the domain for a new business,but I have registered several others that I believe would work just fine. xxx is my limit and I need an answer in 5 days as I am about to have business cards and stationery printed (the truth). If you have some negotiation suggestions I'd love to hear them!

 

[floatingworld]

service-heat.com
heat-service.com

 

[dan_Vt]

The toll free number is easy to remember,it combines the local area code and a 4 letter phrase that is easy to remember that relates to our work.

I'm giving you my opinion based on experience. Letters are better than numbers unless you've got something magical like mp3.com.