Set it and forget it?

[cmason]

As I am still relatively new to the business, I wanted to spark a discussion on something I have have been doing with some of my best domains. Basically, I have been shelling out renewal fees so that they don't expire for 2+ years. My thought regarding this process is three fold:

1) I can transfer the domain to my register of choice (adds 1 year there, but I generally go for the deuce)
2) Pressure to sell before a given date is removed
3) Domainers and end-users* (check below for a cool convo about this one) will notice that the domain is not "expiring" anytime soon so they will need to act if interested

* Just yesterday I had a conversation with my uncle, who has bought domain names (mostly LLL.com's) for various companies he has worked for over the last 15 years - I had NO idea he did this, but he gave some end-user insight into expiration. If he is looking for a domain (including LLL's) and he notices the expiry is sometime later that year he will wait to see what happens. Then, if it is renewed he will approach with an offer. I should note that he did not fully understand the LLL market (and how they RARELY drop and if they do, they are caught for auction), but this is interesting insight into end-users and their thoughts on expiration dates.

Well, that is all I have to say...let's up a great conversation picks up from this.

 

[DotWeekly]

If a buyer is watching the expiration date of domain names they are interested in buying, they better fully understand the drop process, partner registrars, domain auctions etc. or they will be without that specific domain until they place an offer.

It is very likely that not many people do this and are successful at getting the domain.

It is always best to contact the owner and show interest with an offer.

 

[cmason]

If a buyer is watching the expiration date of domain names they are interested in buying, they better fully understand the drop process, partner registrars, domain auctions etc. or they will be without that specific domain until they place an offer.

It is very likely that not many people do this and are successful at getting the domain.

It is always best to contact the owner and show interest with an offer.

I completely agree, but from my chat with my uncle, he knew he was going to have to pay $5K+ for the domain, but there was just that glimmer of hope that he could have it for $8. It is always best to contact the buyer as the drop process is not simple, but it's that glimmer that some undoubtedly hold on to.

 

[DotWeekly]

Hope is a great thing to have but when reality kicks in, hope turns to nope!

Consider lost time, lost business and the ever bigger chance that somebody beats you to the domain that also wanted to purchase it. It's not like you can run to Walmart and pick up another exact domain.

If end user X beats you to the purchase punch for the domain name you wanted and decided to wait due to the expiration date on the domain... then what! Your going to pay A LOT more for that domain IF you even have the chance to buy it!

Again, if you really want / need the domain name, contact the owner and do not wait.