Everyone Has a Price

No matter what the object or asset is, I think the old adage of “everyone has a price” is applicable to domain names. If you keep this in the back of your mind when you are trying to buy domain names, it will serve you well.

I think that everyone has a domain name they covet. For some, it is the exact match domain name for a topic they are passionate about, and for others, it is a domain name in a field they know they can make a lot of money with if they had the opportunity to develop the domain name. I would bet that most of us have at least tried to purchase our ideal domain name if it’s not actively used, and I would also bet that most of us have been turned down.

If there is a name that you really want, I don’t think you should take “no” or “it’s not for sale” for an answer. Everyone has a price for their assets (well, almost everyone), and if you can get to that price and relay that price to the decision maker, you can probably get a deal done.

For some people and companies, that number may be very high. For others, it might be more reasonable. You need to use all the tools at your disposal to try and figure out what it will take to buy the domain name, and if you can afford that and know you will be able to build a successful business, perhaps you should make the acquisition.

I don’t think you should spend beyond your means to make it happen, but if there is the perfect domain name that is attainable for you, try and buy it.

Many negotiations of mine have started out where the domain owner says the domain name is not for sale. If the domain name is exceptional, it is almost certain the domain owner has been bothered by lowballers and scared bidders who offer much less than it’s worth. If you can open up a dialogue and figure out what it will take to buy the domain name, you’ve probably gotten further than most others.

The value of the perfect domain name for you is probably priceless, so always keep in mind that everyone has a price when you are trying to buy your perfect domain name that isn’t for sale. Just realize it will probably be expensive, but it could be a one time opportunity.

Elliot Silver
Elliot Silver
About The Author: Elliot Silver is an Internet entrepreneur and publisher of DomainInvesting.com. Elliot is also the founder and President of Top Notch Domains, LLC, a company that has closed eight figures in deals. Please read the DomainInvesting.com Terms of Use page for additional information about the publisher, website comment policy, disclosures, and conflicts of interest. Reach out to Elliot: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn

11 COMMENTS

  1. I would say always start by checking the Whois. If the domain owner has hundreds of domains to their name than you are much more likely to strike a deal but if he/she has a small list of names than chances are you are dealing with someone who covets his names but this could also work in your favor because they may not know their true value.

  2. @Elliot,

    I read this post thoroughly, and find it to be profound. Can you tell me where the tension is coming from? Is there anyone arguing the contrary point, regardless of product or service? It appears all the points you made here are obvious. What am I missing?

  3. Elliot is simply saying don’t give up trying
    even when told a name is “not for sale”.

    Everything is for sale at the right price.

  4. Some domains are priceless. I own a few. I will not sell at any price. I don’t even respond to the unsolicited offers that come in on a regular basis.

  5. Being that ‘tenacious’ is my middle name I rarely take “no” or “it’s not for sale” for an answer. Persistence, in the nicest possible way, has served me well and I’ve been able to buy a few domains that otherwise weren’t for sale. My most satisfying acquisition involved a year of tracking down a domain owner and three years of ‘gentle’ nudging that finally resulted in the sale to me. The domain is my most valuable asset. I’ve been approached by some big brands to sell it. I can’t ever imagine selling it. Although, as you say…everyone has their price. 😉

  6. Hey Domenclature, there is no argument or tension man. Elliot was simply reaffirming a point, just reminding us. Lighten up.

    Thats a great story Deb. I have been “nudging” a guy to sell me my perfect name since 2008. I email him maybe 3 times a year. We are good internet friends now but we will be better friends when he sells me the name lol.

    • “I have been “nudging” a guy to sell me my perfect name since 2008. I email him maybe 3 times a year. We are good internet friends now but we will be better friends when he sells me the name lol”.

      @OB,

      So, you’re saying everyone doesn’t have a price? You may have created the tension.
      🙂

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