The Art of Inquiry/Response

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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.
 
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These are the type of posts/threads i find inspiring, a similar post by Gene was very educational as well.

Thanks for sharing Justin, i wish posts/threads like these where done more often. Even if it's not current and sales from years ago, it's insight in the process that is of value and how we can use experiences from other members in our own negotiations with potential end users.

Tip of the hat to you Justin :tu:
 
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zoki said:
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 understand your point, and this very well may have some validity. However, a vast majority of my domains are keywords, very little are company names. An example:

AlabamaUsedCars.com - This 3 Keyword Domain is straight forward and to the point, its directed and geared towards Used Cars, and In my mind, is too generic to be TMed. Although your advise is good, in this example it doesnt matter.

Thanks,
Justin
 
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well, it all depends on luck I think.

Last year I got an offer for

ZuneUS.com from someone named "Chris".

With some little research, it did not take me long to know that I was dealing with Mr Zouzas alias Mister .US

I remembered from an article on DNJournal that he claimed to buy domains from a minimal of $500

So, despite $400 were good for that name undeveloped, I asked him $500 and he did no reply in days. Once I contacted him again in a week, he told me he was no longer interested. So, for raising a mere $100 I lost $400 and now I`m selling the name for $100. Go figure... :(
 
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I have recieved an additional counter from the buyer. I will post this afternoon with my response to him.
 
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Hey Justin,

Nice to see how this is progressing.

A great thread for newbies like myself.

Keep us updated!

Skinny
 
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The Counter / Wrap Up

Alright, this morning I recieved his counter (to my counter).

Hi Justin,

I can offer $800 for the domain name.
Let me know if that works.

The current offer is now double his original. Clearly he is still interested. Now, although I had hoped to hit the 1k mark, its still possible at this point. But I am going to change the venue of communication.

My response:

First Name,

I think we are just about in reach of a deal. Would it be possible to
discuss/conclude this via a phone call?

Sincerely,
Justin Allen
(My Phone Number)

Why a phone call? Simple. I can guage and judge his reaction, when I tell him that if he can meet me at 1k, I can open up escrow this afternoon and begin the transaction. I want to put him on the spot, and its only 200 dollar more. Considering Ive asked for $1600, the logical end point would be 1k, and I believe he still has the room to wiggle.

I want him to have the sense of a deal is pending, I want to leave him with the sense that we are only a few dollars away from an agreement, and with this email I do.

If I do get a sour response from him, I can backtrack and say let me consult a partner and see if he would be ok with an $800 sale price. Its always nice to have a imaginary "partner" this way you can get off the phone to think and not to give too much information away to the potental buyer.

So... now the stage is set. Durring our phone call I will most likely use the line "Well, I think we just about have a deal, if you can come up to 1k, I can open up escrow almost immediately". That should be a powerful enough line to push him into agreement, as long as its within budget. I will keep you guys informed what occurs from this point forward.

Justin
 
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Nicely played.

Great techniques here.

Skinny
 
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Responses

Alright... With my last email specifying that I would like to close the deal via email, I recieved a response last night from the buyer.

Justin,

I just saw your email now... I'll call you tomorrow.

I'm happy to hear we are in reach of a deal. Lets talk tomorrow and hopefully we can conclude.

FirstName

This being a positive email, he recognises that although a deal is likely, we are not yet there. He is positive that we can conclude a deal and it looks like were on our way to closing it. I responded last night with the following:

First Name,

I think we are pretty close, and definitely within a reasonable
range. I look forward to our phone call tomorrow.

Sincerely,
Justin Allen
Phone Number

I wanted to re-affirm in my email, that we are "close" not spot on. I want him to think that there is a little left to negotiate, and then we can lock it in. I think so far, the negotiations have gone as according to plan. I will respond later with how the phone call goes.

Justin
 
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Excellent thread and negotiations Justin! Look forward to the conclusion.
 
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And the Result?

Just what I predicted. I gave them the line "If we can settle on $1,000 dollars, I can open up escrow today".

I think it suprised the guy on the other line, he said,

"hang on one sec........ ok, we can do that"

And the deal is completed. Now comes escrow. I advised the buyer to open up escrow through escrow.com - He has opened it up, the terms are correct, and I have agreed to them and decided to have an ACH into my account.

Is the deal done? No. I still need him to make payment. Although I believe he will, no deal is completed until the money is in your hands.

Although I will not publish the domain in this thread due to the nature of the thread as a whole I will say it was a fresh registration for me back in April. It was an expired domain name that someone listed here on NamePro's, and I will definetly give a tip of the hat to that person, and more than likely a few NP$s......
 
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Well done Justin.

Glad you've (pretty much) wrapped this one up.

Skinny
 
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great deal, and you are a fair one

may i ask:
- so you go then just do a registrant / owner change,
or how do you handle 60 days rule ?
(i always wait before offer domain :(

- how long is then inspection period on escrow ?

thx,
zoran
 
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I have already explained the "push" to the buyer, and they are good with it. I will move the domain into another GoDaddy account.

The "inspection" period is 2 days, but most transactions I do, the buyer doesnt wait the 2 days to accept merchandise. Its a little uneccesary when it comes to domain names.
 
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Well done Justin, and of course, thank you for sharing your experience.
 
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domainspade, this is totally fascinating. thanks for sharing.
 
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Thanks guys, Im only glad to share.... I hope this helps some newer domainers, or even if someone has a suggestion as to a better way to handle it with the perameters the same.

Justin
 
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Great thread! Rep added.
 
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Update

Funds have been secured at escrow. Domain push has been initiated. Transaction is just about complete. I will call the buyer to congratulate them on a fine pickup, and will ask that once they are satisfied, to release the funds at escrow.

Just about home free....
 
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Excellent, very smooth operator and a very interesting thread !! I'd luv to know what the name was :blink:

(ps - If you can sell a few of mine for $4,000 each I'll give you 25% ;) )


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Excellent thread! + rep domainspade.
 
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