I inquire about purchasing many domain names, and the majority of these offers are made to people who aren’t involved in the domain space. Since I am generally making cash offers rather than simple inquiries about availability (probably 80% of the time), I receive a wide range of replies from domain owners.
Because I am not offering end user prices in most cases and because it’s almost essential to counter offer in my opinion, I receive all sorts of replies – from simple one word replies to extensive replies. The replies are either an attempt to get me to pay more, not contact the owner again, or tell me that my offer is far too low for some reason. Some people are better at crafting effective replies than others.
One thing I like to do is think about the reply emails I receive to see what I think is effective and what doesn’t seem to work, and then I use them for my own inquiry replies when I don’t send them to the brokers at DNS.
On occasion, I will receive a reply that I think is exceptional. Usually, it’s a pushback in an attempt to get more money for a particular domain name, and it makes me think, “hmmm, the owner has a good point.” When that type of thing happens, I remember it for the next time I am faced with a similar situation (but with me as the domain owner receiving an offer), and I modify that reply to fit my own negotiation.
A domain negotiation is sort of like a chess match. There are two sides and both are making maneuvers and statements with the hopes of getting a better position on the other party. As much as I’ve learned about the art of negotiating over the last several years, I know enough to know that I am not an expert, and I am always open to learning more. By analyzing how other people respond to your inquiries, you’ll help improve your own negotiation strategy.
so if i get what you’re saying… you’re looking to sell your domains for a lot of money… hmmmm… me too.
Berkens taught me one of the simple replies when I sell names to him.
“pass” throws buyer off and can go either way. Its helped me, sold my highest sale by this, 24k. Makes buyer more emotional at times, more needing the domain name throws prospect off with wtf as well.
Ricks replies I am sure are as good as Berkens.
Good post Elliot, a bit vague though and showing examples and quotes be even better. 3 examples and keep the domain name out of picture. Maybe a part 2 to this?
Whole different ball game as well when inquire is received vs shopping name out IMO. Your core holdings, you love them.
Fred once told me, once its gone, its gone for good. So make it count!
Nice topic Elliot, but where are the examples? I’ll give one out. As many of you know I am wheeling and dealing all day, all the time. One domain that I really wanted for a crazy popular French term here in Canada had a back and forth negotiation. Finally we agreed on the price….but the seller had one condition. He would only accept BitCoins. I was like WTF is BitCoins Bro?
Calvaire, tu sais pas c’est quoi? 🙂
A propos, j’ai plusieurs noms francais a vendre et calvaire.com est un de ceux-la!
Cmmon Guys! What’s it that you dislike about my comment?
🙂
Thanks for the tip — buying low from non-domainers.