This is part one of a new series about selling domain names.
Every week I receive e-mails from Domain Name Wire readers asking about the best way to sell domains. The truth is there’s no “best way”; it depends on your domains and objectives.
This is the first in a new series on Domain Name Wire about selling domains. As the first article, we’re going to start with the basics by defining some terms:
Domain Aftermarket – web sites that allow you to list your domains for sale, typically in an auction format. Examples include Afternic and Sedo.
Domain Forum – a forum for discussing domains. These also allow members to list domains for sale.
Domain Broker – think of this as a real estate broker, except the broker’s job is a lot tougher. A good domain broker agrees to help market your domain to his extensive network of potential buyers. There’s no MLS for domains! Brokers typically work on contingency and only for premium domains.
End-user Sales – requiring a lot of work, this is when you approach a likely buyer for your domains. For example, you might approach a pharmaceutical company about your medical domains.
Unsolicited Offer – this is when you receive an unsolicited offer on your domains. You might receive an e-mail, phone call, or certified offer from Network Solutions.
I’ve sold domains on aftermarkets, through forums, and unsolicited offers. This year I’ve sold dozens of domains, ranging from $100 to $10,000. Over the coming weeks I’ll write about all of the domain sales methods. I’ll also write about how not to sell your domains.
basicity says
This is great! Thanks Andrew for taking the time to put this Selling Domains 101 series together. I am very excited and look forward to the next piece. Again, thanks.
DomainEditorial.com says
[…] Andrew over at Domain Name Wire has kicked off a new series on How to Sell your domains. The first part focusses on the lingo used on domain name sales websites and forums. Great start! […]
Stephen Douglas says
Nice article and start of an obviously anticipated series, Andrew. I think the next focus should be on the seller being realistic about the prices for his/her domains, and learning to appraise their portfolio or hire someone to do it. Appraisal prices range from $99 per domain to $10 for bulk domains by specialists (I provide a bulk appraisal service).
My advice for all domain sellers is to assess your strongest domains (by keyword popularity, traffic stats, rev, branding and other factors) and set them aside. Then you’ll know which domains you will want to hold out for the best price after you have them appraised.
However, for most domainers’ portfolios, the quality of the majority of domains will be good to standard to — well– a loss. However, if you want to move them quick to gain cash to buy better domains, sell them for cheap, don’t lose a sale for $70 a domain that’s giving you a 1000% return on your $7 investment. Do 100 of those a month, and you’re netting $6,000+. Then shop around for a better quality domain that has high resale or decent traffic rev.
Stephen Douglas
Successful Domain Management™
http://www.domainrelevance.com
Editor says
Stephen, valuation is certainly an issue that I will cover.