Domain Ownership & Acquisition
Have you ever seen this type of page when you type in the domain name you want?
Chances are someone owns the domain name and is attempting to make a profit on it. Their goal is simple. Get the highest price. Your goal; Pay the lowest price. Remember, they are going to buy a $10 domain and try and sell it to you for anywhere from $1000-10000 US dollars. Don't ever take that price.
How can you get the domain name?
2 ways. Hire a domain name agent or do it yourself.
1. Domain name agent
This route is great if you are not quite sure about the domain name holder or think they may try and up the price because you hold that domain name as your official business name. It may be in your best business interests to hire a personal/professional domain agent or domain buy service like Godaddy.com's service.
What does a domain agent or domain buy service cost?
In the above link, Godaddy.com's Domain Buy Service costs $69.99 per domain name + commission. The commission is 10% or $10.00 fee will be charged (whichever is greater) if the name is successfully purchased. The fee is non-refundable.
Their Domain Agents will:
- Complete a Certified Appraisal within 2 business days of service purchase.
- Attempt to contact current domain owner, to determine interest in selling their domain.
- Negotiate the sales price of your desired domain (if the owner is willing to sell their domain)
- Help facilitate the sales transaction (if a sales agreement is reached).
2. Negotiate with the domain name owner
Use your negotiation skills and get it for a good price. How do you agree on a price? Haggling over email is common until you agree on a price. After you agree on a price use a service that specilizes in domain name escrow so you don't lose your money. Here's a example of a domain name escrow service or use Escrow.com.
Afterwards and the Money Spent
Think about how much a few hundred or a few thousand dollars to have your brand or the domain name you want is worth. It's worth more than you think and can generate you tons of money over the long run.
