The Art of Inquiry/Response

[Spade]

I wanted to share an "inquiry" that I recieved and my response with everyone as an example, and to see if anyone has any suggestions or thoughts about my actions...

Here is the Inquiry recieved:

Hellp,

I understand that you are the owner of the domain name: www.example.com. I am writing to inquire if you might be interested in selling it and if so, for what price.

Best Regards,
(First Name)

Ok. Now, before I respond back, there is a little homework that needs to be done. Here is my checklist:

1. Check TLD's to see if anyone registered .net,.org, ect
2. Review history of domain name. (archive, ect, pr, links, traffic)
3. Search email address of the individual inquiring
4. Search the name of the individual inquiring
5. Review how offer was submitted (Broker, Auction, Forum, Parking, Whois)
6. Check the email for any additional "clues"

Alright... so, lets go down the list.

1. I own the .com of this domain name, the .net and .org are previously registered. This domain was picked up as a fresh registration when it dropped. The .net version of this name dates back to 2002 and is developed with Asian language on it. The .org is also a simple one page site with information about some music.

2. The site has an Archive history that dates back to 2001, and at the time was some kind of Dance instruction site. The site doesnt have any real major traffic.

3. A search of the email addy returned no results

4. A search of the individuals name (a unique name) revealed some search results, found this person held a high position in a small organization.

5. The offer was submitted through email. Which means the person looked up the whois, and chose to submit it that way.

6. Although this could be simply a typo, the word "hello" was spelled "hellp", more than likely a typo, but this could potentially indicate the individual is outside an english speaking languge.

Conclusion:

This is more the likely a saavy end-user. The email was well written as to force me to repsond with a price, as oppose to making an offer. The inquirer has not picked up any of the other TLD's, but this is likely because the others are already taken. This may but the original owner, but this seems unlikely. Although we recieved some results as to the name of the individual, there is no way to confirm this is that person, this information is almost useless at this time. More than likely the Hello was a typo and this is an english speaker.

The email was well written. It expressed interest, but did not want to give up the advantage of presenting an initial offer. If I was inquiring to a domain name, I would use a very similar email.

Here is my response:

First Name,

Thank you for your inquiry. The domain name example.com was in fact
acquired initially for development after it expired this year. That
project has since been put on hold indefinitely. At this time we are
more than willing to consider any serious offer that is presented.

Sincerely,
Justin Allen

My response does several things. First, it is a timely response, showing some interest. It explains that although I am willing to sell, I do have other interests for the domain name. It also asks that the peson inquiring, makes a "serious" offer. It is my belief that the first person to settle on an asking/offering price is already at a disadvantage. I will update the thread with more details as the unfold.

 

[ginge133]

I think that he spelt Hello wrong means he probably wasn't emailing multiple people about their domains as if he was using a sort of template he would have checked the spelling first,

I think your reply was pretty much perfect, as long as he replies, sometimes it may be better to put a price on the table, but then your leaving yourself open to selling yourself shorter than the buyer was willing to go to, so yeh great reply

 

[gazzip]

Great research and reply Justin, the only thing I would have included (which may not be applicable in this case) in a reply would have been that the name was purchased in an auction.

Saying it was aquired after it expired may give the potential buyer the impression you got it for $7 ??

I think the majority of endusers seem to think that domains still just sit there waiting to be reg'd for $7, many are not aware of the whole domaining process going on.

great thread, I will be watching to see how it plays out, good luck with it


.

 

[Spade]

the only thing I would have included in a reply would have been that the name was purchased in an auction.
.

Ironically, I do often times consider this. However, in this case I opted not to, due to a slight issue caused by NP. The name was listed in an expired list, and is one of the first results when searching it on Google.

Normally, I would include this in my response. Good advise!

Justin

 

[Ronald Regging]

I agree with Gazzip here. Obviously don't lie or be shady about it, but I would definitely not mention that the domain was picked up after it expired. This probably would give the buyer the impression that it was picked up for next to nothing and that you'll be making a nice profit either way, so you'll probably be willing to let it go for a lot less. I'd simply say that it was acquired for development purposes and that the project is still being reviewed.

Other than that, I think this is a spot on perfect example of both buyer and seller responses. The buyer definitely knows what they are doing, as the key to an inquiry is to offer as little information as possible and put the burden of the offer onto the seller. Also, as I mentioned in another thread, I think it is also important to give a sense that this domain is only one of many you are considering purchasing, this way the buyer is left with the impression that you're decision to buy will be largely based on the price. If it's a domain that they haven't received tons of offers for, they may be more willing to offer it at a lower price to offload it.

Very good post Spade, rep added. (oh, apparently NP thinks I'm too fond of you, sorry mate!

 

[gazzip]

:hehe: I bought {DOMAIN REMOVED DUE TO AN SUDDEN INCREASE & UNATUAL AMOUNT OF CLICKS WHICH WILL LIKELY GET ME IN TROUBLE, PLEASE DON'T ! } in a drop and did'nt notice it was'nt {REMOVED}.....oh well, maybe I will keep it as its had a few €0.98 clicks lately

would much prefer {REMOVED} which is what I thought I was buying at the time :lol: it took me a while to figure out why it went to another parking company instead of where I had parked it !!!

Thats what you get for staying up till 3am :zzz:



.

 

[Lasher]

I did the same thing with 'EnergySavingsTips.com' ... wasn't until later on I realized there was an extra "s" in there. I'm sure we all have our typo "oops" stories

 

[Name Trader]

As the buyer, I probably would have included my last name also, unless it was obvious from my email address. Other than that it was a great opening email.

As the seller, I probably wouldn't have mentioned why/when I bought it or that development plans had been shelved indefinitely. I'd have left that dangling... something like the development plans are currently on the backburner due to other more pressing projects, hence...

However, also a great response.

 

[Carlton]

As the buyer, I probably would have included my last name also, unless it was obvious from my email address. Other than that it was a great opening email.

As the seller, I probably wouldn't have mentioned why/when I bought it or that development plans had been shelved indefinitely. I'd have left that dangling... something like the development plans are currently on the backburner due to other more pressing projects, hence...

However, also a great response.

Agree with Stub's comments. I generally do not respond to first name only requests for status/info without other identifying information. A buyer needs to be more forthright if serious about the domain. I know there are exceptions to that rule.

 

[Spade]

For clarification, the last name was in the Email Addy. Also, I have recieved a response with an offer. I will post that email in a bit, with my response to that email, and my thoughts as to why I did it.

Justin

 

[Dotmainer]

domainspade :great:

ok, i'm newbie but i'm learning quick

suggestions about research before replaying some :

1. search similar domains around
1.1. example: if your domain is cobit.com, -> look about domain kobit.com
maybe they are wanting your domain.

2. search in TM-Database
If you have searched that domain before you bought it,
you have to do that again, maybe there are new entries
-> so you have an idea who want to buy it, maybe its cheaper for them to buy it before they decide to try to sue you.

3. Research about visitors:
3.1. Are there visitors to your domain ? Why ? From where (that give you suggestion from where is buyer)?

3.2. If your domain is on hosting or redirected to hosting. And you have not many visitors:
-> look in Logfiles -> trackback ! The one who want your domain, he sure visited it before going to inquire !

 

[Spade]

domainspade :great:

ok, i'm newbie but i'm learning quick

suggestions about research before replaying some :

1. search similar domains around
1.1. example: if your domain is cobit.com, -> look about domain kobit.com
maybe they are wanting your domain.

2. search in TM-Database
If you have searched that domain before you bought it,
you have to do that again, maybe there are new entries
-> so you have an idea who want to buy it, maybe its cheaper for them to buy it before they decide to try to sue you.

3. Research about visitors:
3.1. Are there visitors to your domain ? Why ? From where (that give you suggestion from where is buyer)?

3.2. If your domain is on hosting or redirected to hosting. And you have not many visitors:
-> look in Logfiles -> trackback ! The one who want your domain, he sure visited it before going to inquire !

Ok... Let me answer your points.

1) I do often times search for potential buyers that have similar names, or the same name in another TLD, this is when I seek out a potential buyer. I dont have enough time to thoroughly exhaust each option, I have a domain portfolio in the 3-4 hundred range, so I do this typically for the best of my portfolio.

2) The TM database is usually searched before I acquire a domain name, so this point is mute.

3) Most domains are parked, and thus I only have traffic stats, not reffering traffic. So again, this point is mute.

I do appreciate the input thus far, and I hope my experiences can assist you when you are in this situation.

Only a few hours after my email, I recieve the response:

Justin,

I can offer $400 for the domain and can execute on the transaction immediately.

Please let me know if that is acceptable and how you would like to conduct the sale.

Best Regards,
First Name

So, I began to analyze the email I recieved. I wasnt too quick to respond, As I did not want to make the writer believe I am overly eager to sell. The individual making the offer is good. He is focusing on a quick sale, and making a fairly reasonable offer. He wants me to focus on a quick transaction, leaving little time for counter. This is creating the feeling of accomplishment, and money already made. A nice play.

Now, after slowing down the excitement of recieving an offer, I have also determined that the buyer is eager to get their hands on this domain name. Now, several things typically happen when an offer is presented. When I make an offer, I typically expect the seller to make a counter. The initial offer is carefully considered by the buyer. He must consider what the potential counter will be and where a potential negotiation could end up.

A reasonable domainer may simply counter for a little more or even double. If he offers 400, and I counter at 800 - we will more than likely end up at 600. That is why the number 400 is such a good offering price. It makes the domain still reasonable when negotiated.

I have been through this strategy before, and have even made offers of $400 on some domains because of this. However, I have opted to ask for $1600 as a "counter" . Here is my response:

First Name,

Thank you for your offer. We believe your offer is a good one but is
lower than our expected sales price of $1,600. I think there may be
some room to wiggle, but you must be able to come closer to our asking
price. If we can come to a reasonable agreement, we are able and happy
to complete the transaction quickly and recommend that Escrow.com be
used.

Sincerely,
Justin Allen

I have done a few things in my counter. I have first established an asking price of 4x what the buyer has offered. If negotiated properly, the final price of the domain name should be right around $1,000-$1,200. By adding the comment "wiggle" I imply that I am willing to come down, but not neccessarily a lot. I dont want him under the impression I will meet him at $800, which I think is done at this point.

I have also given him the idea that a deal is likely and very possible. I have included how to conclude the sale and it shows that I am seasoned and familiar with the process. If he had any intention of trying to lowball my counter, he may consider making a more reasonable offer.

Your thoughts on my actions are welcomed and encouraged.

 

[jeffusa]

Great research and reply Justin, the only thing I would have included (which may not be applicable in this case) in a reply would have been that the name was purchased in an auction.

Saying it was aquired after it expired may give the potential buyer the impression you got it for $7 ??

I think the majority of endusers seem to think that domains still just sit there waiting to be reg'd for $7, many are not aware of the whole domaining process going on.

great thread, I will be watching to see how it plays out, good luck with it


.

I think you make a great point. In fact, until quite recently I was relatively unaware of this whole domaining thing and I have been working in IT for 10+ years. Now if a techie has not been aware of what has been going on you know that Joe Public does not have a clue.

 

[shockie]

Ironically, I do often times consider this. However, in this case I opted not to, due to a slight issue caused by NP. The name was listed in an expired list, and is one of the first results when searching it on Google.

searching expired lists now...

btw, nice posts and thread (rep+). but i think that multiplying an offer by a factor of an exact integer (in this case 4) is not always the best idea. using your current example, a counter of $1500 might have been better if it would convey that you actually had that sales price in mind. if you could convince the seller of this, you might actually be able to settle on a higher price than if you were countering at $1600.

maybe?

 

[Name Trader]

This thread is an excellent learning curve for both new and old domainers. Best thread I've read in a long time.

 

[networkmsia]

I enjoyed reading this thread. thanks for sharing about this "Art" :D

 

[Dotmainer]

2. search in TM-Database
If you have searched that domain before you bought it,
you have to do that again, maybe there are new entries

2) The TM database is usually searched before I acquire a domain name, so this point is mute.

i hate when ppl ignore me!
however, nice thread, i'm not more active in this thread

 

[Dave_Z]

So far so good, Justin. It's really a judgment call based on what you know and
gather so far, but I'd say you did what you could under the circumstances.

I look forward to reading how this one turns out.

 

[Spade]

searching expired lists now...

btw, nice posts and thread (rep+). but i think that multiplying an offer by a factor of an exact integer (in this case 4) is not always the best idea. using your current example, a counter of $1500 might have been better if it would convey that you actually had that sales price in mind. if you could convince the seller of this, you might actually be able to settle on a higher price than if you were countering at $1600.

maybe?

Shockie, thanks for your input on this one. I do understand your point, and although it turned out that way, I didnt choose $1600 because it was 4x the asking price, Rather It was chosen because if negotiated at a half way point between the offer and the counter - it resulted in a sale of $1,000 dollars. It just happened to be 4x the original offer.

i hate when ppl ignore me!
however, nice thread, i'm not more active in this thread

Zoki, a new entry for a TM is irrelevent in this situation. If I own a domain name before a TM exists, I am not "cybersquatting" as I am not doing it intentionally to profit on their product. I appreciate your input regardless, but this is not an issue.

 

[Dotmainer]

i know i told i will not be active here,
but sometimes it come such )/%&%$§§" out that i decide to do it.

-> however maybe if there is a new TM, then TM holder try to buy it,
so you can find out how big company is
(i know now you are going to tell something like "i have to much domains",
i just hope it helps others)

-> and if there is a new TM then you should look about your parking,
and developing plans. Sure you got domain first, but undeveloped,
if someone take TM then you decide to develop or run same ads -> which are like their product, that will be point for UDRP.
(i know ... "you have to many domains")