Click to See Complete Forum and Search --> : Cost of buying a domain name (that is in use)
Jimeda Fork
08-04-2006, 04:19 AM
I have a specific domain name that I want. The problem is, it's already in use.
I've contacted the owner, and let him know that I want to acquire the name.
He's currently not using it, but says he may start using it someday.
Here's his email back to me:
"At the moment I am undecided what to with the name. I have two companies and one of them is called (XXX), so you see, it may be of importance to me. However, my other company it doing better at the moment, so I may be willing to sell the (XXX) name at some point. Please let me know what terms you had in mind, as it may help to hasten my decision."
I'm not a huge corporation with tons of money, so I can't pay a lot.
How much is a fair offer?
Red Kittie Kat
08-04-2006, 04:20 AM
Well since domain names are cheap .... it depends on how much you want to pay this guy ...... seems like as long as he knows you really want it .... he is gonna milk it for all its worth.
cmont
08-04-2006, 04:22 AM
Be like... you know what it's not a big deal but I could toss a money order your way for 200 bucks and we can call it a day.
don't feed the squatters!
just work out whether it's really WORTH that much to you.
try one of the web 2.0 alternatives such as
you.rdomainnam.me
just register the www.rdomainnam.me bit and then register a sub domain on it
or www.domainnam.me
saying he might start using it someday is just a way of saying, i want you to think it's valuable to me and up your offer.
Ryan8720
08-04-2006, 02:15 PM
Decide how much it's worth to you. Then offer 70% of that. See what he does. Looks like he doesn't know how much it's worth and is just fishing to see what he has.
cornfed
08-04-2006, 02:19 PM
When does it expire from his ownership? You could just watch it ever so carefully and see if he slips up and forgets then snatch it!
When does it expire from his ownership? You could just watch it ever so carefully and see if he slips up and forgets then snatch it!
BAM!
don't feed the squatters!
just work out whether it's really WORTH that much to you.
try one of the web 2.0 alternatives such as
you.rdomainnam.me
just register the www.rdomainnam.me bit and then register a sub domain on it
or www.domainnam.me
saying he might start using it someday is just a way of saying, i want you to think it's valuable to me and up your offer.
Exactly.
When does it expire from his ownership? You could just watch it ever so carefully and see if he slips up and forgets then snatch it!
Doubtful, it's the other way around now to try and stop squatters moving in, registrants will automatically renew unless you put a cancellation on it.
If it is that important to your business, and you have a right to it (i.e. we've been trading with that name for over a decade) then there is some way of levering it out of the grubby mits of those that aren't as entitled to it as you are, but it does involve law.
mimitho
08-16-2006, 01:33 AM
Squatters suck, but domain names are not trademarks, no matter what Network Solutions says. They are addresses, and it's long established in trademark law that addresses cannot be trademarked. A trademark has to be on your product.
If you do persue it legally, all you can really do is stop the other person from using the domain, it doesn't mean you "win" the name.
In my experience, domain names are worth a bunch or not much. I know personally of domains selling outside of registrars for $100 - $30,000. I've heard of more expensive ones, but I've never personally seen the evidence.
Decide what percentage of your income is that perticular name worth. Otherwise, start getting creative with your domain name - you might find something even better is still available.
Good luck!
Jimeda Fork
08-16-2006, 02:56 AM
I really want this name. However, I'm not going to get taken to the cleaners over it either. I sent this guy an email and asked him directly, "How Much".
We'll see.
colonel5
08-16-2006, 01:50 PM
It's insane what some people want for their domains. I was helping a friend get his web presence up and running and his first choice for a domain was taken. The guy wanted $17000 for it... insane
patkennedy78
08-16-2006, 02:12 PM
Same thing happened to me, only it was $18,000. And that was probably 4 years ago. And STILL there is nothing at the address.
I'm not sure how I feel about the squatting issue though. I tend to think it will make people come up with more interesting domain names, but don't see a lot of it in action. One I did see is www.girlswhowearglasses.com It’s catchy and memorable, and maybe because janedoegraphics.com was taken, they had to think harder and take it that extra step to make it great.
Anyway I think you can play it two ways. 1. Play it off like no big deal; offer him $50 or whatever. See if he counter offers and go from there. or 2. Be honest, say "I got no money here, I'd like the domain, take me as a charity case" Plead and beg, cry if you have too. :) Heck, maybe say I'll give you $100 now and $100 in 6 months. See what their open to.
Jimeda Fork
09-06-2006, 02:05 AM
Welp, I'm gonna need to come up with a more creative domain name. This sum bitch wants 3g's for the name.
Ain't happen'n.
I do have alternative options, .net, .biz, etc.
I just really wanted the damn dot com.
Sh!t
Jimeda Fork
09-06-2006, 02:12 AM
Ooooh. I need a taco. Where's that cute cat?
Red Kittie Kat
09-06-2006, 02:59 AM
Ooooooooh Congratulations on the 500 Jimeda!!! ...... sorry on the domain name deal tho.... that stinks :(
I'm not the official taco giver ... But........
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/RedKittieKat/bunny.jpg
budafist
09-06-2006, 03:07 AM
No that's ridiculous. There are a lot of people out there that just look up businesses that don't have sites yet and nab the site name. Then they wait until they are contacted and sell it off...
Red Kittie Kat
09-06-2006, 03:10 AM
I hate squatters :mad:
Jimeda Fork
09-06-2006, 03:37 AM
This guy actually has a business in the UK with the same name. He even sent me a pdf of a press kit/portfolio of work showing the name in use.
His reasoning for the high cost is for rebranding his business if I were to buy the domain name.
Samakimoto Graphics
09-06-2006, 08:13 AM
Well Jim, just settle for the .net or .biz. it's no biggy really.
That guy already has his teeth in...
Malaclypse
09-06-2006, 05:38 PM
This guy actually has a business in the UK with the same name. He even sent me a pdf of a press kit/portfolio of work showing the name in use.
His reasoning for the high cost is for rebranding his business if I were to buy the domain name.
Offer him a discount on a rebranding package.
BJMRGTIVR6
09-07-2006, 12:01 AM
Yeah, i know what you mean, I looked into a business name and saw the person has a site full of unique domain names and is offering the one I want for $7000. he has had it for quite some time and nothing. it bugs me but I have moved on. that is what you need to do or get a slightly better name.
Ryan8720
09-07-2006, 09:17 PM
If his business is in the UK, he should be using .co.uk, not .com.
BJMRGTIVR6
09-07-2006, 11:09 PM
That is because this person's real business is selling domain names.