Where to get recognized domain appraisal?

MODERATOR NOTE: Let's talk appraisals, not specific appraisal services

[mattm136]

Good evening. I have a domain name that I would like to get appraised. Which of the companies would carry the most weight as far as value and reckognition.

Thanks
Matt

[Webwork]

Hi Matt. Welcome to WebmasterWorld.

Please take a look at the Domain Forum Library [webmasterworld.com] as there are a few interesting threads in the library (archive) about domain appraisals and placing a value on domains.

By Charter [webmasterworld.com] we don't allow threads that ask others to recommend services. The reason is that allowing such threads would soon turn WebmasterWorld into one more giant promotional spamfest. By cutting out the spam-promo reflex we do a much better job at helping people by discussing the criteria by which to make effective choices. Once you read a few of the library threads I believe you will better understand what I mean.

I'm going to let your thread stand but with the understanding that we "don't do company recommendations".

Anyone care to chime in about domain appraisals without endorsing any company, directly or otherwise?

[edited by: Webwork at 2:54 am (utc) on Jan. 5, 2007]

[mattm136]

Thanks for the info and help.

I really like the forum, a lot of great info is here.

Matt

[stu2]

None of the domain appraisals are worth a hoot, in my opinion. There are just too many variables, including actually having a buyer who is willing to spend some of their hard earned cash on your domain. A domain is only worth what a willing buyer and seller agree it is at the time of sale. A seller can wait forever for the "right" buyer to come along. The experts reckon that the rate of turnover for a portfolio selling to an end user is only 2% p.a.

[kncmultimedia]

Not to talk in cirles but the domain is worth what someone who wants it is willing to pay for it. You can get an idea based upon recent sales postings at some of the domain parking companies looking at comparables and some of the domain forum users will give you an opinion on a ballpark estimate if you post the domain there. I tried some of the appraisal services a few years ago and was waste of money IMO. Also of course you will get the occasional spam email "Hi, I want to buy your domain but want an certified appraisal, I use this company aksdjskdappraisals.com " of course owned and/or affiliate of the spammer;> good luck.

[stu2]

To expand a tad on kncmultimedia's thoughts. DNJournal keeps a record of the larger sales. this might not be relevant for a low value domain but they do make an interest read.

[shallow]

None of the domain appraisals are worth a hoot

Seriously, why do you say this? There are appraisers for real estate property, cars, antiques, coins...etc, etc. I can't believe there aren't legitimate places that give legitimate appraisals.

I recetnly tried some online domain appraisal calculators. Now they may not be worth a hoot. But if they are even close, I'll be looking for a professional domain appraiser.

[Lobo]

In my experience, appraisal makes little if any difference to your domain name, it is not like land property which has an inherent value.

You can send the domain for appraisal and they will get back with a figure and you will say, " but my domain is worth more than that, because" and they will say tough that's what we think, thanks very much.

and in the end so what..

It is only as valuable as anyone is prepared to pay for it and having some appraisal to back up your claim will make little difference.

[shallow]

It is only as valuable as anyone is prepared to pay for it and having some appraisal to back up your claim will make little difference.

You made very valid points. Thank you.

But what, then, does someone do who is seriously considering selling their site and doesn't have a notion of what it's worth? Are there brokers who sell on your behalf and, if so, I assume somewhere along the line an appraisal has to be done to determine an asking price?

I'm seriously thinking of trying to sell my site and not sure where to begin.

[Leosghost]

I'm seriously thinking of trying to sell my site and not sure where to begin.

are you talking about an existant site ..or just a name ..the two things are not the same ..a developed site on a domain has a very diffrent value compared to the same domain name which is merely parked or owned but not hosted ..

most domain name appraisals ( wether or not one considers the concept of such a service as valid ..and how does on become qualified as an appraisor ) offer just that ..appraisal of a name ..not a site ..

[Quadrille]

Seriously, why do you say this? There are appraisers for real estate property, cars, antiques, coins...etc, etc. I can't believe there aren't legitimate places that give legitimate appraisals.

There may be one or two that do their best.

Problem is, every domain name is unique, there's nothing to compare with.

If a site is successful, how much is the name, how much the site, how much dumb luck? No way to tell, except in the broadest of estimates. And sites that 'auto-appraise' can only possibly be scams.

The only appraier I've seen is ebay - true market assesment.

[reprint]

I have seen domain name appraisals that go like this : $1000-$2500 or even wider gaps in valuation. If you were selling your house and someone came in and valued it at $100,000 to $250,000, how would you feel? Even if you were buying an undeveloped piece of land, would you accept that kind of valuation?
Does having a valuation cert on a domain name in hand control the expectations of the seller? Probably not because there are no agreed credentials forthe appraiser or set appraisal procedure.

[shallow]

So the only true way to find out what it's worth is to put it up for sale? But then how does one determine a fair asking price?

Taking the house example, my house may have a fair market value of $250,000. But I can ask a million for it! People who look at it will laugh.

I can ask $250,000 for my site and/or domain name. But that may be way too low or way to high. Where does one start to get a fair price? There has to be more than a simple crap-shoot.

are you talking about an existant site ..or just a name

An exisiting one.

[Leosghost]

in which case you are asking for a site appraisal ..not a domain name appraisal ..
and you are in the wrong forum ..

[Lobo]

rather than try and work out a going rate, where there isn't one..

ask yourself how much would i like? how much do I want? and how much am I prepared to let it go for?

Put it up for your like price, if you are lucky you'll get your want price and if you get close to what you are prepared to let it go for then don't feel bad, it's a good deal as you're happy..

if someone subsequnetly goes on to make more from it.. so what you made the deal and all was / is well

of course the chances are you will be waiting for that price and continue to pay the renewal price like the rest of us.. re-evaluate over time or hold on to it. I believe that's your options

[edited by: Lobo at 7:46 pm (utc) on Jan. 24, 2007]

[shallow]

in which case you are asking for a site appraisal ..not a domain name appraisal ..
and you are in the wrong forum ..

My apologies; it started out as an inquiry about a domain.

Thank you everyone for your helpful input.