Selling/Auctioning Domain Names

Ted posted this at 12:44 — 29th April 2000.

Joined: Apr 2000

When registering a domain name for the sole purpose of selling it, should this impact what registrar you go with? (I currently pay $40, after commission, per 2yrs for registration-although there are cheaper ones, I am happy with the co.) Also, what dns info should you use - the dsn info of the "auction house" perhaps?

What's a good place to sell a name? I know of http://www.afternic.com (low traffic it seems) and http://www.greatdomains.com (they seem expensive - 10% of the sales price plus $250 for escrow fees). What other places are there?

What are the pitfalls or risks associated with selling domain names?

Thanks for any help.

Justin S posted this at 13:48 — 29th April 2000.

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quote:What are the pitfalls or risks associated with selling domain names?

The people who want that domain but don't have the money to pay for it will hate you, because you bought it just to sell.

quote:When registering a domain name for the sole purpose of selling it, should this impact what registrar you go with?

Yes, 'cause some don't allow you to change the owner (IE: TotalNIC).

quote:What's a good place to sell a name?

Ebay. Also- AfterNIC is very good.

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Ted posted this at 21:00 — 30th April 2000.

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quote:Yes, 'cause some don't allow you to change the owner (IE: TotalNIC).

Geeze, I didn't know that. IDR is the one I currently use, I better check w/ them.

quote:Ebay. Also- AfterNIC is very good.

I suppose using an escrow service is necessary? To ensure both parties live up to their side of the bargain? Thats what I like about Great Domains... they have an escorw service... but $250 for escrow fees? Seems off the wall to me.

[This message has been edited by Ted (edited 30 April 2000).]

Justin S posted this at 00:55 — 1st May 2000.

They have: 2,076 posts

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Yeah, if the domain is worth enough (maybe $1000+) then I'd go with an escrow service. Otherwise I'd just make them send the money before you change the ownership. Or maybe pay half before, and half afterwards.

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Is this signAture short enough?

Darn- I can't even spell right...

Justin Stayton - [email] [icq]

fairhousing posted this at 05:04 — 1st May 2000.

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Joined: Mar 1999

as for some places to sell domains. i know of a few folks that have sold domains via ebay for 10k or less with good results.

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Ted posted this at 04:29 — 4th May 2000.

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quote:Otherwise I'd just make them send the money before you change the ownership. Or maybe pay half before, and half afterwards

Hmmm.... I am not being confrontational or anything.... but who in their right mind would send money first... even half? I wouldn't send money to ANYBODY I don't know unless there is a signed contract, and even then, additional conditions would have to me met. (Maybe it's just me?

)

Anybody know if there is an escrow service, other than the one offered by greatdomains, that can be used for this purpose? I believe iEscrow can only be used for tangible products that can be shipped.

[This message has been edited by Ted (edited 04 May 2000).]

Brian Farkas posted this at 00:35 — 5th May 2000.

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Isn't that what usually happens on eBay? When I've used ebay a few times or sold something on it once, I always sent the person the money first or the person sent the money to me before they/I shipped the product.

Brian

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Denmark 3 posted this at 00:48 — 5th May 2000.

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Yes, that's what eBay does.

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Ted posted this at 01:35 — 5th May 2000.

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quote:Isn't that what usually happens on eBay? When I've used ebay a few times or sold something on it once, I always sent the person the money first or the person sent the money to me before they/I shipped the product.

Well, that's what happens on eBay if you choose not to use an escrow service. That's fine if you are dealing with an established eBay seller with a positive user history. I doubt that when I sell a domain name I am going to find someone I know, or a place with an extensive user reporting system like eBay. Besides, the $ amounts I am thinking are potentially in the thousands. Did you send $thousands for your eBay purchases, with no escrow service?

On the otherhand, I run an autoparts classified ads site and will never consider sending any money without using iEscrow (unless I know the person).

If I am the one receiving the money, I give the option for people to send me the money first, and I wait for the check to clear BEFORE shipping. If they have any reservation, I remind them that I am the administrator of the site and I am not going anywhere and my trustworthiness can be vouched for... that usually persuades them to just send the money which avoids the iEscrow fee.

BTW, fraud is a big problem on eBay. It's their dirty little secret. Their user rating system has helped to avoid many instances, but its still a big problem.

But, I digress , I'm still wondering if there are any escrow services other than greatdomain's that handles "intangible" items such as domain names.