My time to edit ran out? @moderator, can delete the above
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Delayed, but as promised:
http://flippa.com/blog/changes-to-flippas-domain-appraisals-tool/
@FlippaDomains said in a different thread last December that they would be removing the appraisal incentive. It is odd that it took this long and they chose not to announce the change on their web site.
At moment, we're working on some really big things, as such this has been pushed down the list for now. I am interested in keeping the discussion going.
I hope that they are killing it off as that would mean less crappy names listed in auctions because everyone that was listing with their free flippa credits will now stop and think twice before listing because they will actually have to pay for the listing..
Of course it contributes to the poor inventory.
I think the appraisals tool is useful but the free credits are not. I've read countless articles over the years about Flippa's business mantra of having 'barrier to entry' fees to keep the junk out, yet here we are with a system that removes that barrier.
My take on this: if an auction is listed and goes on a merry-go-round, never selling, then either it's (a) priced too high, (b) is not being seen by the right buyers, or (c) shouldn't be up for auction, but rather in the seller's Flippa Portfolio to await offers (free, BTW).
We're working on (a) by way of Account Management, mentioned below;
and we're working on (b) by way of visibility and exposure overhauls, also mentioned below.
For you guys,
@silgro12 +
@silver_hawk4
Also, me as a newbie sold domain on flippa with free listing and if I hadnt have it (free listing), I woludnt listed domain
But I think It's all ultimately moving in the wrong direction. Earning Free listings are one of the features that keeps me aboard as well as others.
I understand that it's not "just $9" at stake. You want to be sure of a sale. See below for how to reach out to us ahead of time so we can assist.
We know without the $100+ premium upgrades our auctions get shuffled into the DomName Forrest with the hopes of interest(or more importantly bids) falling onto our name and getting a good sale.
If you don't intend to change the system, maybe you could add a search filter to define whether a listing used 'paid' or 'free' credits. Anybody with the time to look for a needle in a haystack can jump into the free section.
Our priority is now full-steam improving our search and layout, which will cascade some needed change in regards to our premium / exposure package. The changes are going to be a shift away from where we're at now, with far greater outcomes for both buyers and sellers.
I think the appraisal section has a place, and I see from Flippa's side how it is useful in driving engagement. I think it could be improved by highlighting a users credentials a little further - i.e how many sales they've made, how long have they been registered, how many of their appraisals came close to the final selling price etc.
It should keep some incentive but only members with selling and buying experience should be allowed to give their input in the Domain Appraisal system.
For example: To avoid new spammers they can introduce a rule that the members with minimum $100 transaction can provide their input in the Domain Appraisal system..
It's never going be perfect, but no appraisal service is. I personally don't have an interest in using it, but I wouldn't take it away from those who do. It makes people feel involved and feel like they're contributing, and that generates the kind of enthusiasm that motivates newcomers to learn.
...the vast number of those that benefit from this tool are seeking validation from others: whether they should maintain ownership, sell (and if so for how much), or any other thoughts (uses, ideas, etc) they never thought they could use the domain for. That is useful.
Many still find this tool useful; engagement is mostly "new" account holders, and something tells me that it's many beginners in this space. We have a vast opportunity to help new buyers find what they are looking for, as well as to help educate or at least steer new sellers in the right direction.
And second, an algorithm to rank members based on their correct estimation should be done. It can be something simple, like rank better those members who hit the median, but will definitely make some abusers who do a copy paste string and put always a 5000$ value reconsider.
I love this idea in theory, but am terrified it would lead to a gambling/gamification effect that would become a breeding ground for people to influence auctions.
I think that everyone for free listing can make some simple job whihc everybody can do, like social media promotion or contact end users for some domains listed on flippa. For example, someone buy flippa promotion for 349$ and he also get a 20 or more random promotion from flippa sellers, a seller who want free listing need to contact 20 end users and tell them about some domain at auction or promote via his social media and so on. And for appraisal tool. I think it would be great if only experienced sellers can do it (like only members who have 50 sales) and for return they get free email promote or twiter promote and free listing. What do you think about that idea?
I think these ideas are kinda cool, but I do not foresee them implemented into Flippa's platform.
How about appraise it and find me the buyer?
Domain Account Managers. They now exist (I used to lead a Team of 1 when interacting with all of you) but we are hiring more. Primary objective is to help gauge whether your asset is a good fit for an auction, paid visibility or brokerage.
Domain Holdings are best in the game at this (appraising and finding a buyer). We have been working very closely with their awesome team since we acquired them in May.
Reach out to us. We want to work with you.
I am still not truly convinced that Flippa is a better place than Bido for domains.
Are we there yet?
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