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Ask HN: What is the most you've paid for a domain name?

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Re: Ask HN: What is the most you've paid for a domain name?

#61

Post by TaylorGood »

jaredandrews wrote: post #15

There is a domain I really want right now that is being squatted. Any advice HN? I already own the '.net' version so I don't really _need_ the '.com' version but I want it. I doubt it is a high value name and I am considering just sending the the admin listed in the WHOIS an email like "Hey, I will give you $50 for .com, let me know." Is this a good approach or should I try to go thru an 'appraiser' or something like…

Fred Wilson's blog post, but more specifically the top comment is gold. There is a template in there which may work for you: http://avc.com/2011/04/finding-and-buying-a-domain-name/

Subject Line: Whatever.com ($2,500?)

Hi,

I see you are the owner of Whatever.com. I'm in the process of trying to find a domain name for a client I am building a web site for and think your name could be a good fit. I am contacting different domain owners as we have it in the budget to buy a cool name and Whatever.com is on the list we came up with.

Would you be interested in selling it for $2,500?

Let me know and I can have the funds wired to you next day or PayPal'd to you. Just let me know your PayPal address.

Thanks for your time.

-YOUR NAME

Re: Ask HN: What is the most you've paid for a domain name?

#62

Post by TaylorGood »

Maybe 5-6 years ago I bought tgood.com for $300, negotiated down from $3,000. In 2014 I sold it to TGOOD Electric Co. out of China – their market cap at the time was ~$7B and a co-founder messaged me via Facebook. I was set on never selling it; that TGOOD was to become my VIRGIN brands. Over the years I tested different blog concepts on it. However, their offer was one I couldn't refuse and has provided a nice personal runway. My cousins law firm handled the dialog and it took 3-4 months from start to finish… since this nickname was originated by my birth name, I gave my parents about a third of the proceeds.

Re: Ask HN: What is the most you've paid for a domain name?

#63

Post by Gustomaximus »

For a company I organised a $5k AUD purchase. The owner didn't counter offer and took the initial offer. I had $20k initial limit, and could have likely taken an increased premium back to the company successfully. If you get an offer treat that as an opening, not what someone is willing to pay.

Re: Ask HN: What is the most you've paid for a domain name?

#66

Post by Killswitch »

giarc wrote: post #25
Killswitch wrote: post #4

Never paid much for domains, but the biggest loss was exgfs.com I registered it in 2005ish before that whole niche in porn took off, some dude offered me $100 3 days later, being young and naive I took it thinking it was a great flip. Year later I watched him sell it for $100,000. I learned my lesson that day.

How did you find out he sold it for $100K?

I had worked with the guy, and a year later he was like "you remember that domain you sold me for $100? I just flipped it for $100k"

Re: Ask HN: What is the most you've paid for a domain name?

#67

Post by hackerboos »

TaylorGood wrote: post #61
jaredandrews wrote: post #15

There is a domain I really want right now that is being squatted. Any advice HN? I already own the '.net' version so I don't really _need_ the '.com' version but I want it. I doubt it is a high value name and I am considering just sending the the admin listed in the WHOIS an email like "Hey, I will give you $50 for .com, let me know." Is this a good approach or should I try to go thru an 'appraiser' or something like…

Fred Wilson's blog post, but more specifically the top comment is gold. There is a template in there which may work for you: http://avc.com/2011/04/finding-and-buying-a-domain-name/ Subject Line: Whatever.com ($2,500?) Hi, I see you are the owner of Whatever.com. I'm in the process of trying to find a domain name for a client I am building a web site for and think your name could be a good fit. I am contacting differ…

What happens when you wire the money and get no domain?

Might be worth mentioning Escrow.com/Sedo upfront.

Re: Ask HN: What is the most you've paid for a domain name?

#69

Post by jotux »

jaredandrews wrote: post #15

There is a domain I really want right now that is being squatted. Any advice HN? I already own the '.net' version so I don't really _need_ the '.com' version but I want it. I doubt it is a high value name and I am considering just sending the the admin listed in the WHOIS an email like "Hey, I will give you $50 for .com, let me know." Is this a good approach or should I try to go thru an 'appraiser' or something like…

Here's an email exchange I had with someone who bought a domain from me:

    Buyer
    Hi there,
    Is the domain-name.com domain for sale?
    Cheers

    Jotux
    I have future plans for the domain but I'd considering selling it. Make me an offer.

    Buyer
    Hi Joe
    How about $500?
    Cheers
    
    Jotux
    That works for me. You can paypal or dwolla money to me, I'll give you the auth code to transfer the domain.
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