Don't email me about a domain without a price

If you want to buy a domain, offer a specific amount

[beren]

You know what bothers me? When I get emails from people inquiring if they might be able to buy one of my domains and no offer price is included. And then if I respond yes, I would be willing to sell, when they come back and ask me how much I want for the domain. Hey, if you're contacting me, tell me how much you want to pay! Don't expect me to name a price.

Lately, I've taken to responding to the initial query: yes, I might sell, but will talk to you only if you make an offer with a number. This seems to kill any interest because they never email back.

I suspect that some of these email inquiries are made by flunkies told to go out and find out how much a bunch of domains cost, for presentation to a decision maker who will then decide which ones to buy. Please don't email me if that is how you operate. I am not a domain broker. I have some domains for websites, and I will sell for the right price, but I am not in the business of giving your boss a price for his consideration.

Almost as bad are people who email me about domains they want to sell, but without a price attached. Don't bother.

[DeeCee]

Sounds like you merely want a bidding to start, because you do not know what the value of your property is?

Domains likely one of the few things in the world where some sellers not only do not set a starting price, but like in your case even complains if someone is "bothersome" enough ask what the price is, because the owner (you) do not want to set a price, but instead wants to know from the potential buyer "what is it worth to you? How much can I squeeze you for.."...

Hmm..... If bidding only is what you want, why not just stick your domains on an auction site.

As you might read in my response, I disagree with you. :)
You have to right to not want to set a price, since you fear setting it too low, but complaining that someone dare ask what the price is seems obnoxious at best.

[tangor]

I just generally reply: "Send best offer" (just those three words) and forget about it... until I get a reply.

I agree with OP, either make and offer or don't bother.

[Webwork]

Recent favorite:

Interested Party: "I'm interested in Your#Domain.com."

Webwork: "Make what you consider a reasonable offer and if you're in the range I'll reply."

IP: "I don't want to play games. I've got plenty of money."

W: "No games? Okay. $$,$$$."

IP: "~That's too much. I'll pay $$$$."

W: "Sorry, you said 'no games'. $$,$$$ IS my price."

IP: "Well, that's just not reasonable."

Soooo . . . I guess "it's a game" when I ask someone to make a bid but it's not a game for someone to reject my price, make a counter-offer, and call my price unreasonable?

Gee . . I learn something new every day.

Back to my standard practice, which is to not waste . . err, invest my time . . until someone shows a) the respect of addressing me by name in the contact email; and, b) advise the buyer to make what they consider a reasonable offer.

Why so? In order to determine if the interested party has a clue about value or has the funds to even begin a dialogue.

Want to kill the chance of dialogue? Start like this: "I'm a student . . " or "I represent a 'small' company" . .

Me: "Oh, you are / you do? Okay, in that case I suspend my intelligence. You can have the Mercedes Benz of domains for the price of a . . . Yugo."

[Habtom]

yes, I might sell, but will talk to you only if you make an offer with a number.

What's wrong with telling a buyer how much you want for a domain name?

[Webwork]

DeeCee, it doesn't require great effort or intelligence for a prospective buyer to discern who, on the sell side of this business, "has game" -> a decent portfolio, reputation for knowledge/experience, professional standards/practices/experience, etc.

When I hope to engage someone in any profession who "has game" I don't approach them like I'm "entitled" . . to anything. I start with deference and respect.

I have found that works in most instances.

Also, having serious game as a "calling card" - or at least the appearance that you are someone of knowledge/experience - will get you a seat at the table far more often than attempting to barge into the meeting room.

Of course, there are businesses (mostly scams or bottom feeding enterprises) where being brassy is more a negotiating asset than being polished. :-/

[edited by: Webwork at 7:05 pm (utc) on Feb 5, 2012]

[Webwork]

What's wrong with telling a buyer how much you want for a domain name?

IF you're business IS selling domains then, of course, it would be a bit strange or offputting to not provide price quotes.

However, if someone isn't listing their domains for sale then what right does anyone have to know their "sale price"?

None, IMHO.

In fact, the insistence on pricing is a bit bizarre. I owe you pricing information because you've decided to go shopping? What else must I price, lest I offend you? My shoes? My dog?

Having to "price a domain" takes time and effort, IF you are going to do the process any justice.

I have a fair handle "on the value" of my domains but value isn't the same as a sales price. BEFORE I am going to spend time and effort on working out a sale prices - of a domain that isn't listed "for sale" - I have every right to either ignore the inquiry . . OR refuse to invest my time before knowing, and accepting, the bona fides of the person making the inquiry.

In other words: Do they have a fair idea of value? Do they have the funds to move forward in a negotiation? Is their interest is targeted (they not just window shopping)? Etc.

[piatkow]

I just generally reply:

I click "spam" as minimal research would reveal that domain name trading is not part of my business.

[Planet13]

You DON'T have to tell them the price if you don't want to.

They will take their business (and their money) elsewhere.

Someone else will end up with their money, and you will have the comfort of knowing you didn't waste your time.

Personally, I would rather have the money, but that's just me...