Swapnames - The Domain Name Swapping Marketplace.

[holdem8]

"Is It Time For A FREE "SEDO-like" Domain Swapping Maketplace For All Domainers?"​

Hello to all NPers!

My name is Al, a "domainer next door" just like many of us here. I have been trying my luck at the domain business for more than a year now, where I learnt most of my stuffs mainly here at Namepros and a few other forums.

A few months back, I came across an idea to trade up domain names at OneUglyDomain which was inspired by the brilliant "One Red Paper Clip" project.

The very moment I discovered this idea, I knew that this business is really in need of a "platform" for people to swap their existing domains. Most domainers have some domains which are "not good enough" to sell or auction off and is just left gathering digital dust. If these domains are put on a marketplace to swap, it is another alternative for everyone.

The closest option I had to swap my domains was at OneUglyDomain where I offered 30-40 names to the owner. Disapointingly, they were all turned down and I was left on the sideline, not able to play the "domain trade-up" game as much as I wanted to. After that, I had to rely on the forums to succesfully swap some of my domains.

Now, I imagined a safe and free marketplace where EVERYONE can have their very own "OneUglyDomain" listing... in fact everyone can have their WHOLE portfolio of "OneUglyDomain" listings. My goal is also to build a very niche domain swapping community for all.

I have put my toughts into action and have started the development of SwapNames.com a few months back.

The purpose of this thread is to gather constructive feedback and ideas for my humble project and hopefully it will succeed with all your support.

I hope to "Beta" launch SwapNames in Mid April 2007, so post away with all your suggestions and comments so that we can have our very own "user-suggested" Domain Swapping Marketplace soon!

Ciao,

Al

 

[astroman]

When's the beta test? Can you PM me when it starts?

 

[johnny6]

Hey, cool idea! I love these niche sites, let's hope they all take off. Good luck!

 

[holdem8]

Beta test..

Hi all..

I am so anxious with the beta launch. The dedicated server is already set up and we are waiting for the the deployment. There are some final ajax controls tht need some testing by the coders... at least thats what they told me

The beta test is just for about 1 week where we will be just populating the site with "dummy data" and "dummy transactions". After that, we will delete the database and officially launch SwapNames.

I apologise for being a tad bit late but I hope its worth the wait. Supposedly, we were to launch last month but after some usability tests, we found out that there were some issues we had to iron out and its a blessing in disguise we found out early!

Anyway, I sincerely thank all the volunteers and cheers to all!

Talk soon,
Al.

 

[*AllThings.tv*]

Cool concept and the same reason I started www.FreeNameExchange.com. I wanted a place to give fellow domainers a free place to buy/sell/lease domains.

 

[holdem8]

Finally deployed!

Hi all!

Just an update... the complete Swapnames.com site is deployed onto the dedicated server yesterday and the coders are tweaking the SMTP (whatever that means??) for final QA testing. We should be opening the private beta test phase up for registered volunteers.

So, any more volunteers would be much appreciated and get ready with all those constructive feedbacks!

Thanks and talk soon!

Al

 

[Archangel]

Hey, I think I can squeeze a little time in for testing. PM me any info needed and I'll see what I can do

 

[mirrorcube]

Good luck with your venture. When its up and running i have a look. All the Best.

 

[TOXX]

This is a truly novel idea and what's been missing from the domain world!
Best of Luck!

 

[Archangel]

This is a trully novel idea and what's been missing from the domain world!
Best of Luck!

I considered this exact same idea months ago but decided not to do it. I hope this site becomes a Fortune 500 site lol so at least I'll know how well my idea was :D

 

[Malaysia]

this is really interesting n i like the domai nname swapnames.com

 

[holdem8]

Private Beta Test..

Hi All!

After some weeks of frantic tests, we are now open for our private beta test! I will have to say that, it is definitely not easy to build such a platform and my main concern has always been the "usability" aspect of the site.

This means, every member of SwapNames MUST take on to the domain swapping easily and the process must be a breeze in order for the idea to take off. As of now, I am not really happy with the user-friendliness of the swapping process in SwapNames, so my fellow test volunteers, do critique away!

I have instructed the coders to rework the swapping feature in SwapNames but I will still open up the Private Beta test to volunteers just for you guys to spot any gaps, errors before it is Beta launched publicly. Like I mentioned many times before, the platform is a realization of an idea which will benefit all domainers and I need you to give all suggestions that will make this idea sucessful.

I will be personally messaging all volunteers for the info, any other NPers who are interested to volunteer , please PM me.

Talk soon!

Al.

PS: Again, thanks for all the encouragement given, it is really ripe for a swapping platform now, for all domainers. Happy domaining, peeps!

 

[holdem8]

Beta 2.0 Launched.

Hi NPers!

Since we officially launched SwapNames on the 4th of July, we had some constructive feedback on some functionality issues. We were all ears and took to the reworks immediately.

Today, we would like to announce that we have launched a new improved SwapNames Beta 2.0. Pls check it out and give your valuable feedback!

Those issues that we got from version 1.0 are mostly sorted out and it is even more functionable now. Even the homepage is changed...check it out!

Thanks,

Al