Newbie’s Beware!!!

[Zutroy]

Hi folks

I am a total noob and probably have not been taking enough of my bipolar medication and have got a bit carried away buying domain names, yes I went a bit manic (you have no idea how much money mania has cost me over the years) and have brought a load of names that are probably totally worthless and yes I feel a total idiot, I should have done my research, spent a bit longer on forums like this and got a better idea of what these names were actually worth, instead of listening to things like estibot and valuate (now pretty much the same thing since estibot has been upgraded) and getting carried away, the reason that I placed any faith in them at all was that I pasted many names that were sold in sedo auctions into valuate.com (even I knew that that the old estibot was ridiculously over valued) and a lot of its estimates were fairly close to what they actually sold for, I don’t know maybe it was leaching these results and changing it’s estimates a bit to make them look credible (or am I just been paranoid?) LOL, no what was probably going on, the mistake I was probably making was comparing the names that it was displaying on its recent market activity page, I now realise that these were probably selected for having sold for a very good price and were not reflective of the kind of prices most domains actually sell for, I have since looked at some of the results from sedo’s premium domain auctions and these usually don’t reach the kind of values valuate/new estibot gives them.

Anyway I feel like a total doofuss and wish I could turn back the clock, but and perhaps this is the one potential glimmer of hope, there may be some that are worth at least something, I got an offer of $299 for touchscreenpad.com, I wasn’t sure if I should sell it or not and got it appraised on DNF and a couple of people answered and said no we don’t know how successful apples touch screen ipad and any other pad imitations will be yet and advised me to hang on a bit if I could, I agreed so I declined the offer. Anyway like I say there may be some others that have at least some value and may be worth hanging onto at least for their development value if nothing else, believe it or not I have actually developed other successful websites in the past, the most active of which got up to 20,000 uniques a day, it’s not ecommerce that I am totally new to just domaining, but my problem is I am finding it hard to tell which I should hang onto and develop and which I should just ditch and write off due to another manic episode, I have been looking at the domain appraisal forum to see what sort of value you guys give domains, but it’s hard as a total noob to tell what my names may be worth, an experienced domainer could go through my list of 200 domains in five minutes and have a pretty good idea of which ones, if any had at least some value and which ones didn’t and they would probably be pretty close, I only really want to develop the ones that have a value over say $25-$50 or something like that, the rest I will probably just let expire and put down to experience. But my problem is I can’t afford to pay $25 for each to get a professional appraisal and from what I have read they are a load of rubbish anyway and tell you your name is worth way more than they actually are, I know the appraisal forum here is wonderful and free of charge, but many of the names people post don’t get a response, I am not criticising it in any way it’s an amazing service for free and I am really grateful to those who have replied, I think it’s great that such a thing exists at all, but what I could really do with is to pay an experienced domainer or two to very quickly go down my list and give each one a very very rough value, I bet they could do the lot in less than ten minutes, so I would know which are worth holding onto and developing and which aren’t, I was wondering does anybody here offer that kind of service?

Anyway just so you know just how silly the newbie has been, here is the list of what I have brought, I have put them all on sedo with the option for people to make offers, but so far have only had the one offer, maybe I should have took it who knows? And I know I have set their buy it now prices way above what they are probably worth, although I don’t think I am the only one to do that, touchscreenpads.com incidentally is listed for $7000, LOL. Anyway I am not going to be so cheeky to ask anybody to go through the lot and tell me which I should or should not keep for free, like I say if there are experienced domainers who do that sort of thing I will happily pay, but been as I am so desperate if anybody can be bothered to look at, at least some of my list and there’s any that do stick out as worth keeping and developing, I would love to know, I am more than grateful for any advice at this bleak and early stage.

Anyway thanks for reading assuming you didn’t get bored and give up long ago, I don’t blame you if you did and I hope this may be of warning to other noobs out there in my position, remember beware the estibot.

Thanks again and take care.

Yours humbly

John


32tv.org
3dPlaying.com
3dPrintingMachine.com
3dRolePlaying.com
42InchTv.org
42tv.org
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AgriculturalSoftware.net
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AnxietyBlogs.com
AromatherapyOilBurner.com
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AutomatedProgram.com
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BabyPregnant.com
BadMoney.org
BahrainManama.com
BeachBedrooms.com
BeautifulCologne.com
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BuyADigitalCamera.net
BuyTrainer.com
CamelCoats.com
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CheapestAlcohol.com
ChildrensKites.com
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ChildToddler.com
ClassicCologne.com
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ClothingMen.info
ClothingShopping.info
CoatsOuterwear.net
CologneLotion.com
CompareFridges.com
ComputerComputing.com
ComputerDesktopPc.com
ComputerHumanInterface.net
ConfectioneryBoxes.com
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ConvertibleTablet.net
CouchSofas.com
CoupleCostumes.net
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DeafPeople.org
DeliverFlower.net
DesktopDefence.com
DisabledElderly.com
DiverDiving.com
DogsIllnesses.com
DollMakingKits.com
DollsBabies.com
EcommerceBusiness.org
EducationTeaching.net
EnterData.net
EnvironmentalBlogs.com
EquityReleaseScheme.net
ExecutiveComputerDesk.com
ExpensiveCologne.com
ExpensiveTies.com
ExpensiveUnderwear.com
ExternalEnvironment.com
ExtravagantHotel.com
FarmingSoftware.net
FarmingTechnology.net
FashionVideo.org
FlatScreenTvs.tv
FlexibleLcdScreen.com
FlexibleTelevision.com
FreerideMountainBiking.com
GadAnxiety.com
GamesComputer.org
GardeningGardener.com
GenomeProject.co.uk
GenomeSequence.co.uk
GenomicDrugs.net
GenomicMedications.com
GenomicMedicine.co.uk
GirlRpg.com
GogglesGlasses.com
GoodCologne.com
GraphicDesignCareers.org
GraphicDesignWork.net
GreenCouches.com
GuyanaGeorgetown.com
HairStraightenerIrons.com
HatsForToddlers.com
HeroinAddicts.org
HikingClimbing.com
HindiVideoSongs.org
HolographicComputer.net
HolographicProjectors.net
HowToMakeAGirlWantYou.com
HowToMakeAGuyWantYou.com
HumanComputerInterfaces.net
HumanGenomeSequencing.net
HybridLaptop.net
HybridPc.net
InfraredEnergy.net
IntegratedProgram.com
IplLaserTreatment.com
ItFinance.org
JewelerySilver.com
KenyaAfrica.net
KenyaNairobi.com
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LaptopForSale.info
LaptopReview.tv
LaptopsOnSale.info
LaptopTabletComputers.net
LargeDress.com
LargeHoliday.com
LatestProcessor.com
LoansAfterBankruptcy.net
LoansWithPoorCredit.net
LowestHomeEquityLoan.net
LuxuriousAccommodation.com
MindControlHeadset.net
MoneyTransferFrom.com
MoroccoRabat.com
MortgageWithBadCredit.net
MoveThis.net
Nanoparticles.tv
Nanotubes.tv
Necessary.tv
NeuroHeadset.net
NewMagazine.org
NewZealandWellington.com
NotebooksCompare.com
NScaleModelRailroading.com
On30ModelTrains.com
OrchidsFlower.com
PeopleOnline.org
PerfumeToilette.com
PetrolRemoteControlledCars.com
PhdPhysics.com
PhiladelphiaCity.net
PhilippinesAsia.com
PlumbingPiping.com
PopDanceMusic.com
PortAuPrinceHaiti.org
ProcessorRating.com
ProgrammingC.net
ProgrammingPrograms.com
PsychologicalAnxiety.com
QuantumEncryption.net
Quiet.tv
RcModelHelicopter.com
RefinancingEquityLoans.net
RoboticLegs.net
RpgOnlineGames.org
RtfRcAirplane.com
SavingsAndMortgages.com
ScarfTies.com
SeatChairs.com
ShoesOnSale.org
SideBySideFridge.com
SingingActing.com
SneakersShoes.info
SpecializedBmxBikes.com
SpeechToSpeechTranslators.com
StylishShoe.com
SuvNew.com
TabletPcComputers.net
TabletPcLaptop.net
TabletPcNotebooks.net
TeenIssues.org
TeenKids.org
TelevisionPc.net
TouchProjector.net
TouchProjectors.com
TouchScreenPad.com
TouchScreenProjector.net
TouchScreenProjectors.com
TouchScreenSlate.net
TouchscreenTabletPc.net
TradingTraders.com
TrainersForSale.com
UkGdp.com
UlaanbaatarMongolia.com
UnusualOrnaments.com
VeganIngredients.com
VideoVirals.com
WantTo.org
WatchesBand.com
WatchesCompare.com
WebSheet.co.uk
WebSheets.org
WelshRugbyShirts.com
WhatComputer.net
WhatLaptop.net
WhichReviews.com
WhyResearch.com
WomanCologne.com
WoollenJumpers.com
WoolyJumper.com
WoolyJumpers.com
WorkstationDesk.net
XlCondom.com

 

[Zutroy]

How should you appraise a domain?

Hi again folks, so I am still thinking what to do, trying to figure out which if any I should keep and develop and which I should not, but to help me do that I think I need to be able to appraise the domains value or at least it’s potential value a little bit better. I still don’t really know how to do this properly, so this is what I need to learn more about, I know the following factors are important when it comes to appraising a domains value:

* The extension
* Name length (usually the shorter the better)
* The amount of exact searches
* The keywords cpc
* Brandability and Overall Appeal
* Trends
* Any traffic, PR, backlinks and website if developed.
* Revenue being made

But I still don’t really know, how to put all this together and how much weight I should be applying to each, dtagr has advised me to keep the names that get a cpc of higher than $1 and more than 1000 searches, so let’s take an example that has done well on this score like mortgagewithbadcredit.net, it gets 2900 exact searches and has a cpc of $18.36, which if you multiply the two together gives you a figure of 53244, I have done this to give me a relative idea of its overall potential value in regards to this particular factor, like I say please say if this logic is flawed, so bearing this in mind what kind of value would you experienced domainers put on a name like this. I know it’s only a .net and fairly long, how much will this lower its potential value, I know you also have to take things like competition into account too, like I say what kind of weight should I be applying to these various factors. By the way please ignore the last list I posted on what I am thinking of keeping based on this criteria, it was late I was tired and one of the columns I multiplied the searches by was the wrong one, I realised this when I looked at it again the next day.

Let’s take two more examples, deliverflower.net gets 12100 exact searches and has a cpc of $5.08 which multiplied together gives a figure of 61468, again I know it’s only a .net and isn’t a particularly nice sounding domain, it would sound a lot better if it was the plural, but taking these figures into account as well as all the other necessary factors what would you appraise this at?

For one last example let’s take ipllasertreatment.com, this gets 3600 exact searches and has a cpc of $2.63, giving a multiplied figure of 10368, this is a .com and is the exact name of the product/service, so I think it sounds ok in that respect, what kind of figure would you put this at?

So as you can tell I am trying to figure out what I should consider when appraising a domain and what sort of weight I should apply to each factor. What are your golden rules for appraising a domain name? What are your thoughts on the above examples? How should you appraise a domain?

Once again may I thank you in advance for any advice.

Yours humbly

John

 

[Jaco]

* The extension
* Name length (usually the shorter the better)
* The amount of exact searches
* The keywords cpc
* Brandability and Overall Appeal
* Trends
* Any traffic, PR, backlinks and website if developed.
* Revenue being made

ALl of those things are important, however, you need to hone your perspective a wee bit finer (I will reiterate that if you registry date is reflective if when you started doing thing, you are CONSIDERABLY better at it than a lot of people here who've been sucking at it for years. You are one of the ones who pretty much 'get it' from the outset)

First, the extension. This isn't a 'factor' in the name: it's the most important part. It is the "neighborhood", while the keywords are the "house"

Given where you are in the learning curve, I'd say the most important piece of advice you can be give at this stage is to avoid the temptation to drift into alternate extensions, disregarding the TLD and placing all your emphasis on the keyword. Whether you're developing or reselling, this is bad medicine. For resales, backwater TLD's only equate to domainer-to-domainer sales, which equal pittances. For development they can be fine, however the catch to that is the "great domain name" in a backwaterTLD is usually going to be a keyword so generic that competing in the keyword space for those searches (for example, if you own Laptops.cx) would take a massive investment of time and money, plus, you're only going to enjoy a meaningful SERP advantage with eponymous searches originating from the Christmas Island IP range. So, in short, yes, TLD. Big deal. Just stick with .com, but understand that .nets and .orgs are worth profoundly less. ccTLD is OK later on, but since you;re on the upslope of the curve, my advice would be to stick with the legacy TLD's. This can be hard because it's difficult to find quality there- again, the temptation arises to start buying great keywords in terrible TLDs- avoid this, be patient.

"Name Length: The Shorter The Better:" Well, kinda. It isn't really 'shortness' that's the goal, as it is keyword purity relative to succinctness. For example, mortgages.com is worth a helluva lot more than mrtgs.com. Poker.com is worth a helluva lot more than PKR.com. In the year 2010, this "rule" is kind of pointless for people in your position, as it largely applies to one and two word, category defining names that are light years gone from the existing registry.

"Shortness" is relevant for resale in that shorter names are generally more category defining and in turn, more appealing to end users, but for keyword targeting, it isn't the end-all.

CPC is a fast, crude snapshot of a names rough earning potential, however, there are better ways. IM me.

Brandability and Overall Appeal: Epic for end-user sales, yes. It's also the thing that's impossible to quantify using search engine metricities alone. This is where the salesman/poker player comes into play. This is where you have to be able to asses the impulses of other people in advance of their actually having them. You might be able to articulate a case as to why your name is great based on Spock'ish search engine metrics that they will barely understand, but are the keywords 'inspirational' enough to make an end-user come off the cash? Category defining names are generally the ones that do this. If you're in the business of selling fans and someone comes to you with fans.com, that's inspirational. If they come to you with FanStore.com, that's inspirational. If they come to you with FansForSaleInBirminghamAlabama.com, making a pleading case about how "powerful" exact keyword domains can be, that is not inspirational. In this regard, this is kissing cousin you your earlier question about TLD. The reason .com has so much inherent value is because .com is what inspires the laymen.

Trends: Yes, but only if you're speculating or planning on developing. If you're buying names to sell to interested businesses (a reseller), then how those keywords are trending in Google isn't nearly as important as your ultimate skill as a domain name salesman. Same goes for Traffic, PR and backlinks. The "value" there is largely to 'domainers' and sham-developers more so than businesses. The fact that a site existed 3 years ago on that same domain name means nothing to someone who wants to own it anew.

Revenue is important in a few regards: chiefly, type-in revenue usually portends of keywords with enough gravity to inspire people to type them in. Just because a name doesn't get a lot of type-ins doesn't necessarily mean it's "bad", however, all great names get type-ins and the best amongst them get type-ins that convert. You cannot really value domains based on their parking revenue. It's like valuing a house based on how much energy is created by the solar panels on the roof.

But I still don’t really know, how to put all this together and how much weight I should be applying to each, dtagr has advised me to keep the names that get a cpc of higher than $1 and more than 1000 searches, so let’s take an example that has done well on this score like mortgagewithbadcredit.net, it gets 2900 exact searches and has a cpc of $18.36, which if you multiply the two together gives you a figure of 53244, I have done this to give me a relative idea of its overall potential value in regards to this particular factor, like I say please say if this logic is flawed, so bearing this in mind what kind of value would you experienced domainers put on a name like this. I know it’s only a .net and fairly long, how much will this lower its potential value, I know you also have to take things like competition into account too, like I say what kind of weight should I be applying to these various factors. By the way please ignore the last list I posted on what I am thinking of keeping based on this criteria, it was late I was tired and one of the columns I multiplied the searches by was the wrong one, I realised this when I looked at it again the next day.

Let’s take two more examples, deliverflower.net gets 12100 exact searches and has a cpc of $5.08 which multiplied together gives a figure of 61468, again I know it’s only a .net and isn’t a particularly nice sounding domain, it would sound a lot better if it was the plural, but taking these figures into account as well as all the other necessary factors what would you appraise this at?

For one last example let’s take ipllasertreatment.com, this gets 3600 exact searches and has a cpc of $2.63, giving a multiplied figure of 10368, this is a .com and is the exact name of the product/service, so I think it sounds ok in that respect, what kind of figure would you put this at?

So as you can tell I am trying to figure out what I should consider when appraising a domain and what sort of weight I should apply to each factor. What are your golden rules for appraising a domain name? What are your thoughts on the above examples? How should you appraise a domain?

What is your objective as a domain buyer?
Sounds like a stupid, readily apparent question, but you'd be amazed how many long time participants are halted by those words and need to think long and hard about it when asked that simple question... The answer to all of the above hinges on your answer to that question. You strike me as someone who's intellect might run faster than your common sense, which is both a blessing and a curse. It's a blessing in that you're new at this yet were able to compile enough fragments of information to attain a degree of modest proficiency almost immediately (which takes dumber people years- several never get it all together), however, that same dynamic can be a curse in that people like you can be hard to reverse course once you start off on a tangent, even if that tangent leads to failure. So, clarify your objectives here. Why are you buying domain names?

 

[dtagr]

The best advice I can give you is my own experience. I peaked at 327 names in my first year. Right now I'm down to 250 and will be below 60 by October of this year. Of those 60 half will be a roll of the dice on marginal names, leaving me with roughly 30 names which I have a realistic expectation of getting a return.

That is an expensive lesson. Don't be afraid to show the shit the shovel. Dollars wasted on renewal can't be used to develop good names (which you have some),buy better names, or market existing names.

Three questions: Why do you like heroinaddicts.org? What can a viewer purchase to recoup your cost of development,hosting,registration/renewal? Who can you sell the name too?

You don't have to answer me just answer yourself.

I still think you are on the right track - but be BRUTAL when assessing which names to renew.

 

[Zutroy]

Ok so extension is extremely important, although I already knew this perhaps I wasn’t giving it as much weight as it perhaps deserves, I love the analogy of the keywords been like the house and the extension been like the area, so it has to be a pretty dam good .net to have any considerable value.

So in order to hone your perspective further, is it possible to approximate maybe even in terms of percentages what kind of weight each factor carries, does the 2900 exact searches x $18.36 cpc for a name like mortgagewithbadcredit.net carry enough weight for the name to be worth at least something due to that particular factor alone? Can you in a very rough approximate way say for example keywords and extension will determine %60 of the names value, brandability %20, cpc x searches %10, length %5, ect. Although I appreciate viewing it like this is probably way too simplistic and not appreciating the way in which they interact with each other and fit together as a whole, but can you put a very rough percentage on how much weight each factor can carry, if so what would you put these at. Excuse me if this question appears ignorant or maybe even a little absurd, but I am trying to get down to the nuts and bolts of understanding how to appraise and trying to be as scientific as possible about something which even as a noobie I appreciate is not an “exact” science and probably a much more fluid and intuitive art, even so I can’t help but suspecting that understanding the one as much as possible will at least help when combined with the other. I will shut my trap there and eagerly await to hear from people who actually know what they are talking about.

Thanks for all your advice it is truly invaluable.

 

[MattheP]

Sorry, I didnt have time to read entire post, but I like those 2 domains (and those therms has good overture/cpc):

3dPlaying.com
3dRolePlaying.com

Looks like 3d gaming could be a nice niche in the future.

 

[dtagr]

Ok so extension is extremely important, although I already knew this perhaps I wasn’t giving it as much weight as it perhaps deserves, I love the analogy of the keywords been like the house and the extension been like the area, so it has to be a pretty dam good .net to have any considerable value.

So in order to hone your perspective further, is it possible to approximate maybe even in terms of percentages what kind of weight each factor carries, does the 2900 exact searches x $18.36 cpc for a name like mortgagewithbadcredit.net carry enough weight for the name to be worth at least something due to that particular factor alone? Can you in a very rough approximate way say for example keywords and extension will determine %60 of the names value, brandability %20, cpc x searches %10, length %5, ect. Although I appreciate viewing it like this is probably way too simplistic and not appreciating the way in which they interact with each other and fit together as a whole, but can you put a very rough percentage on how much weight each factor can carry, if so what would you put these at. Excuse me if this question appears ignorant or maybe even a little absurd, but I am trying to get down to the nuts and bolts of understanding how to appraise and trying to be as scientific as possible about something which even as a noobie I appreciate is not an “exact” science and probably a much more fluid and intuitive art, even so I can’t help but suspecting that understanding the one as much as possible will at least help when combined with the other. I will shut my trap there and eagerly await to hear from people who actually know what they are talking about.

Thanks for all your advice it is truly invaluable.

I can't help you with that. Factoring it out is beyond my limited abilities. Perhaps more experienced domainers have a formula they would share.

 

[labrocca]

You seem to understand keywords fairly well imho. It's a decent starter portfolio and you're probably in the 95th percentile for noobs. Keep at it and take advice well. Dongsman probably gave you the best advice in this thread and I'd probably just repeat most of his posts.

There seems to be some dancing around development. Be aware that it's a beast being a developer but ultimately it's more rewarding and imho easier to sustain income once you get the hang of it. Sites with zero parking income can become $x,xxx income sites from adsense. If you can master the mini site you'll have all the income you need from grade B domains.

 

[Zutroy]

Hi folks

So where am I now, well I have been doing a bit of reading up, still trying to get my strategy together and still trying to get my head around how to appraise domains, which is why I was wondering what makes the one domain that a lot of domainers have said is definitely worth keeping touchscreenpad.com, what makes that particular domain the best out the lot? Is it mainly the domains potential future value with the arrival of the touch screen ipad, which is mainly why I bought it, I would be very interested to know why more experienced domainers think it may be of value.

Many thanks

John

 

[biznews]

John,
The value (right now) is in its retention. Once you know that your name is valuable, go and acquire the skills to get optimum price for it. This (the latter) is where, the good and the mega successful get separated.

 

[Sparhawke]

The main issue I have with your list, quite apart from it being quite hard to pick anything out due to being too clumped together is that you have too many domains that are like hikingclimbing.com or SneakersShoes.com and others that have 2 words that are pretty much the exact same thing...no one searches for things like that in the grand scheme of things so they aren't really of great value, however...I do like these and they have potential:

ComputerDesktopPc.com (obviously)
ClassicCologne.com (small niche site)
3dRolePlaying.com (one for the future)
AromatherapyOilBurner.com
BikesEquipment.com
BmxRaceBikes.com
CamelCoats.com
CatsDiseases.com
CheapestAlcohol.com
ChildrensKites.com
ClassicCologne.com
CompareFridges.com
ConfectioneryBoxes.com
DanceMixMusic.com
DeafPeople.org
DogsIllnesses.com
DollMakingKits.com
EnvironmentalBlogs.com
ExecutiveComputerDesk.com
ExpensiveCologne.com
ExpensiveTies.com
ExpensiveUnderwear.com
FlexibleLcdScreen.com
FlexibleTelevision.com
GamesComputer.org
GirlRpg.com
GreenCouches.com
HairStraightenerIrons.com
HatsForToddlers.com
JewelerySilver.com
LargeDress.com
LatestProcessor.com
NotebooksCompare.com
OrchidsFlower.com
Quiet.tv
SavingsAndMortgages.com
StylishShoe.com
SuvNew.com
TouchProjectors.com
TouchScreenPad.com
TouchScreenProjectors.com
UnusualOrnaments.com
WelshRugbyShirts.com
WomanCologne.com
WoollenJumpers.com
WoolyJumper.com
WoolyJumpers.com
XlCondom.com

Obviously some others would have value but these are the ones that jump out at me straight away.

Also no one can tell the future so the holographic ones could be interesting, who knows though?

---------- Post added at 06:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:17 AM ----------

John, touch-screens are still in their infancy right now, as more and more people start buying and searching that is where the value will jump out.

You are right at the ground floor with it so good job on that

 

[cache]

John,
If those names were hand regged, then you have not lost much. Many of us may have more junk domains, but it only takes one good sale to pay off. At the low end of hand regged domains, it is about the theory of probability, you can't expect all the domains will fly high.

Any successful person may have the story of the initial failure. A few thousand dollars learning is not a big deal. I think you are learning pretty quickly.

 

[verbster]

Ok so extension is extremely important, although I already knew this perhaps I wasn’t giving it as much weight as it perhaps deserves, I love the analogy of the keywords been like the house and the extension been like the area, so it has to be a pretty dam good .net to have any considerable value.

So in order to hone your perspective further, is it possible to approximate maybe even in terms of percentages what kind of weight each factor carries, does the 2900 exact searches x $18.36 cpc for a name like mortgagewithbadcredit.net carry enough weight for the name to be worth at least something due to that particular factor alone? Can you in a very rough approximate way say for example keywords and extension will determine %60 of the names value, brandability %20, cpc x searches %10, length %5, ect. Although I appreciate viewing it like this is probably way too simplistic and not appreciating the way in which they interact with each other and fit together as a whole, but can you put a very rough percentage on how much weight each factor can carry, if so what would you put these at. Excuse me if this question appears ignorant or maybe even a little absurd, but I am trying to get down to the nuts and bolts of understanding how to appraise and trying to be as scientific as possible about something which even as a noobie I appreciate is not an “exact” science and probably a much more fluid and intuitive art, even so I can’t help but suspecting that understanding the one as much as possible will at least help when combined with the other. I will shut my trap there and eagerly await to hear from people who actually know what they are talking about.

The theoretical monetary prognosis equation you are trying to find is the holy grail of automated domain appraisals.

 

[Zutroy]

I have been a bit naughty and acquired another couple of names, what do you think of tspads.com and tstablet.com am I learning from my experience or am I still wasting my money?

 

[Zutroy]

Actually I think they were a bad decision, it was taking a gamble that the term touch screen will get abbreviated to TS, but that probably won’t happen, let’s face it the words touch and screen are not that big and probably won’t get abbreviated, a silly move I think, I have asked godaddy if I can grace delete them, incidentally what’s the grace delete period with godaddy I have read it’s 5 days but some people say it’s longer, I emailed them and asked them to do it well within the 5 days, but so far they are not answering me other than the email they sent to confirm my 4 digit security pin, I think they may be trying to drag it out past the point I can do it, anyway even if they don’t play ball it was only $14 thanks to the discount codes, but still $14 wasted. Anyway no more silly gambles, try to think a bit more sceptically.

Thanks for all the help from everybody who has advised, I think some of it is starting to sink in slowly. I am starting to learn the hard way that especially when you are a newbie it pays to be a lot more sceptical.

 

[Zutroy]

Yeah Godaddy deliberately didn’t answer my emails and dragged it out so I went past the period of which I could qualify for a refund, still at least they answered me after 4 emails over a three day period, the time before when I requested the same thing I sent them 3 or 4 emails and to this day which is a good few months later they never answered any of them, I just gave up in the end. I am using godaddy at the moment mainly because I have been told it’s what most other domainers use which makes it easier to push any that you sell, but I have to say I have found namecheaps customer service to be way better.

Anyway bitching about godaddy aside, I am sure I am not the only one to do that, I think I have got pretty dam lucky with one of my names, CoupleCostumes.net has sold on afternic for $599, yes $599 I could not believe it either, pretty sweet hey what do you reckon? It’s all gone through, the buyer has confirmed the transfer and afternic have released the money which is now sitting in my pay pal account. I have also sold another 5 for a couple of hundred dollars combined and have another buyer in the pipe line who wants to buy a dozen for a few hundred dollars, although that’s yet to happen and I now know touchscreenpad.com is worth a bit, so all in all things are not looking quite as bad as I first thought when I first posted.

Thanks again to all those who have advised, you really have been extremely helpful.

 

[jo w]

lol I must be playing it safe! I have only got three names that I am GOING to buy!...soon! Yes, I am a newbie!

 

[Vash]

Very useful post. Thanks for sharing it. I would argue the other thing that you should do when looking at your cost per click analysis * search is to look at the top 20 results in google and see how hard it is likely to be to rank for those terms.

I hate godaddy, but good to learn about the Grace period!

 

[Sparhawke]

I can barely read your opening post, next time instead of posting a lump of text can you try to split it up so it is easier on the eyes?

Anyways, for the most part I see what is wrong with your domains, you tend to get domains that have terms in them that have no reason to be there.

For example, if you were getting a domain about joggers why would you buy runningrunners?

We have already established that running is the theme so do not need the extra word.

A perfect example of this is GogglesGlasses.com ... what exactly where you thinking when you decided not to grace delete? :p

 

[Zutroy]

I can barely read your opening post, next time instead of posting a lump of text can you try to split it up so it is easier on the eyes?

Anyways, for the most part I see what is wrong with your domains, you tend to get domains that have terms in them that have no reason to be there.

For example, if you were getting a domain about joggers why would you buy runningrunners?

We have already established that running is the theme so do not need the extra word.

A perfect example of this is GogglesGlasses.com ... what exactly where you thinking when you decided not to grace delete? :p

I am afraid I had gone past the grace delete period.

 

[Doxy]

I am afraid I had gone past the grace delete period.

Did I miss it or how many thousands did you use on buying domains because most of them where bought?