One a .com
One a .org
Both generic, descriptive, highly commercial intent, high market demand/activity. Sorry, but probably no further specifics on this area will be offered.
One a single word domain. One a two word domain. Don't ask which. ;)
One was a so-called "hand reg". (Not a bad day at the office.) The other was acquired during the dot com bust, for a modest sum.
Both deals involved middlemen operating in the domain name acquisition business. Both very professional.
In one case the middleman was a bit less forthcoming about his role but I was able to sniff things out. I usually don't fuss about knowing who I am dealing with as I don't price a deal based upon the buyer's identify. However, I do like having identifying information so I know I am dealing with a person or company that will be able to close a deal. (I recently failed to close another high $$,$$$ deal allegedly due to "cash flow" issues. C'est la guerre.)
In the other the middleman announced his/her presence.
In one case the initial inquiry was by email. No offer, so I ignored it. (Both domains received a number of inquiries so I don't bother responding until I have a concrete and reasonably reliable looking offer.)
In both cases the ball got moving when I received a phone call. In one case I almost didn't pick up the phone since the caller's identity was unknown. In the other, after ignoring a series of emails, a call was left that made a cash offer.
In one case the initial offer was a bit of a low ball, as in "We're testing to see how stupid or desperate you are". Low, but not a total insult low, i.e., thosands of dollars but below 5 figures.
In the other case the middleman expressed his/her ideas as to value. I disagreed. I also wasn't an interested seller as I had already begun significant behind the scenes development.
Both involved mutual NDAs, so don't ask me about the domains, the parties, the broker/middlemen, etc.
Both were cash deals.
Both utilized escrow.
Both deals, as per the NDA, were not reported to the domain name media. Outside the brokerage houses reporting their sales, for no better reason than boosting the perception that they made the sale happen, I'd say most deals are not reported. It remains my belief that good domains sell themselves and that brokerages add little value - outside of also offering escrow services and also sending a clear "this domain IS for sale" message. Either can easily be accomplished without using a domain listing service. However, for many the brokerages - Sedo, Afternic, GD, etc. - appear to be the answer.
Any questions about the process?
