How Do I Buy An Already-Registered Domain Name?

by Nightengale

Posted: 15 years ago 15 replies

INTERNET MARKETING

Hi Warriors,

Ok, I found a domain name I really like, but it's already registered by someone else. I checked it out and it doesn't go to any Web site. The registrar is Go Daddy and it's sitting on a parked-name page at Go Daddy.

Now normally, I don't buy into all the hype about buying already-registered domain names. I think that paying huge fees to someone else for their domain name is, with few exceptions, a little ridiculous and completely unwarranted. With a little creativity, I can come up with a name that's not already taken and pay much less for it.

However, I REALLY like this domain name. I checked with Snap Names and the domain name was registered last March and is set to expire this coming March. They value the name at $59.

I have no idea how to go about buying an already-registered domain name on the cheap without driving up the price. Does anybody know how I can do this? Snap Names had a "Back Order" button, so I guess I can back order it. (Duh!) But is that the best thing to do? Honestly, I spent next to no time reading anything on their site so I have no idea how it works or if Snap Names is the best service to use for this. Can anybody tell me how it (or similar services) work? I'm especially concerned about driving up the price once someone -- anyone -- knows of my interest.

I'd appreciate someone here telling me how this works.

Thanks,
Michelle

#alreadyregistered #buy #domain

J.Knight 15 years ago

Hey Michelle,

Check the domain in WhoIs. If they haven't hidden their details, you should be able to grab an email address and possibly a name.

Send something like:
Hi [name]

I see that you're in possession of DomainName.com and you're not actively using it.

Have you any plans for it? I'd be willing to buy it off you if you're interested.

Kind regards,
Michelle

JK
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- Nightengale 15 years ago
  
  Thanks for such a quick reply.
  
  Yes, I can see the contact for that domain. However, I'm concerned about this approach. Wouldn't an inquiry like that automatically drive the price up? If I were approached like that, I'd be thinking of ways to get as much for that domain name as possible, even if I'm not using it. Or especially if I'm not using it!
  
  Anybody have any success with this approach? Did anybody find it better to wait and see if the registrant let it go? Or what about a middle-of-the-road approach: put in a back order bid for it while you wait for it to expire? (I think this is what you're talking about Ron and is what Snap Names does.)
  
  Thanks,
  Michelle
  
  Thanks
  
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  J.Knight 15 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Nightengale
  
  However, I'm concerned about this approach. Wouldn't an inquiry like that automatically drive the price up?
  
  This is how I look at it.
  
  If the owner knows the value of the domain, then you're gonna have to pay for it anyway, because he'll not let it go.
  
  However, if he doesn't know the value of it, you're likely to get it cheaper than you would if you waited.
  
  Plus, just because you backorder, doesn't guarantee you the domain, even if it's not renewed. Some back ordering services are better than others, and if a competitor uses a better service, you'll not get it.
  
  JK
  
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  Nightengale 15 years ago
  
  Excellent points JK! Thanks so much. You just brought so much clarity to this for me.
  
  (And just as an aside, I think one of the biggest problems in business and marketing -- and IM in particular -- is lack of clarity. Clarity has made a HUGE difference for me in my business.)
  
  I think I WILL go ahead an e-mail the contact. And I feel a lot more peaceful (read: calm) about it now. It has a lot to do with the fact that I found an available domain name that is very similar -- and some would say an even better domain name. I still prefer the other domain name, but that's just semantics: a personal preference based on my somewhat jaded and cynical views. The one I found is just as good.
  
  I still hope to get the original one that I saw, but if not, I can be happy with the one I found. So I have a set budget, I can make an initial offer and be comfortable not going over it, even if the owner isn't willing to sell it. (And I think it's a GREAT domain name.)
  
  Michelle
  
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  Nightengale 15 years ago
  
  Ok, I sent an e-mail inquiry but it was returned as undeliverable.
  
  There is a mailing address and phone number. The location is in the U.S. on EST. I'm willing to call but I'm not willing to send a snail mail inquiry.
  
  (It's 12:47 AM now. I'd love to call now but I don't dare. )
  
  Grrrrr! Just sell me the domain name fo $10 already!
  
  Michelle
  
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Ron Kerr 15 years ago

What JK said is correct.

If, however, they don't want to sell at this time, you could ask your domain registrar keep track of this domain and grab it for you if it is deregistered - there is a fee for this.

If you don't want to wait that long, perhaps consider using the .net or .info vesion of the name.
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David McAnulty 15 years ago

Michelle,

I would go into it like any other negotiating process. Contact the owner with an offer (bid low). This more than likely will receive a counter offer if the owner of the domain is willing to part with it.

Like any other negotiation go in with a set amount that you will be willing to spend and do not go above that. You have to be willing to walk away if the owner of the domain is not willing to give you the price you want.

My bet is that you are the only one that has ever contacted him about this particular domain and if he can make just a little more than he paid he would be willing to part.

Even if you have to walk away from the initial negotiation make sure he has your contact info. I would not be surprised if he actually comes to you on your terms maybe with even a lower offer after realizing this maybe his only chance to sale the domain.

Hope this helps.
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- Nightengale 15 years ago
  
  Ok, how does backorder bidding work?
  
  I know there's a redemption period for domain names, right? How long is it?
  
  Suppose I decide to use a service to place a backorder bid on it anonymously. The domain expires. But I still have to wait through the redemption period, right? If I have to wait through the redemption period, is it a requirement that the domain name owner be notified that there are bidders (if any) and what their bids are?
  
  And does the service require you to pay the fee in advance or do they take their fee if and when you are able to buy the domain name?
  
  I really like this domain and I'm afraid I want it too much. I want to work out exactly how I would do this (the steps I'd follow) and set a price limit for myself before doing anything. I don't want to go off half-cocked and drive the price up or get myself all worked up over something I can't have or simply can't afford.
  
  Thanks,
  Michelle
  
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J.Knight 15 years ago

I'm glad you've got more clarity now

It's funny. I just got an offer from someone for one of my domains, and now I'm in a pickle because I have no idea how much to sell it for!!

As for chosing the right domain...

I'm more and more pursuaded by the power of getting exact keyword phrases in the domain. It just makes ranking so much easier and faster!

JK
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- Nightengale 15 years ago
  
  Since the e-mail is undeliverable, what would you do? Call? Anything else?
  
  My keyword knowledge/research skills are limited. I know some things, but I'm far from an expert at it right now. (I DO have Keyword Elite, but I bought it when I was a member of a PPC training membership site. I didn't really learn to use KE completely. I need to devote some time to it.) So I can't really give an opinion about the keyword importance of this name.
  
  The domain name I want would be great to hang my big, signature product on. I already had chosen a name (domain name) which I think is good for this, but the one I found tonight is even better for my signature product/brand. Just like Reese is known for Traffic Secrets. Filsaime is known for Butterfly Marketing, Walker is known for Product Launch Formula, etc., I would like to be known for this. Which is why I'm peeved that it's not available! (As per my original post in this thread I have little use for buying already-registered domain names for this very reason: it's a headache and hassle! I'd just as soon apply a little creativity and come up with something different.)
  
  Again, I found a similar domain that is just as good but I prefer the other one because I'm jaded.
  
  (Hint: the registered domain name I want has "Success" in it and the alternate, available name has "Secrets" in it. As a marketer, I'm always skeptical of the word "Secrets." Yes, I'm jaded and cynical. It's actually a good marketing tool when used well, but it often just smacks of hype to me. Funny, I don't think that when I think of John Reese's "Traffic Secrets", mostly, I'm sure, because he has a good reputation and Traffic Secrets is a good product. )
  
  What do you think of using a name with the word "Secrets" vs. "Success" in it (in the marketing arena)? To me, "XYZ Success" just sounds less like hype than "XYZ Secrets." "Secrets" works a lot better on me in any other field, as long as it's unrelated to marketing, online or off. But I know "Secrets" (all cynicism aside) is a powerful word and concept when marketing.
  
  I learned a good lesson though from buying from another IMer: yes a good name is nice, but more importantly, it's what you DO with the name. This IMer managed to somehow break through the clutter and stand out from the crowd in my mind (no small feat). I wasn't impressed with the names (product and domain) at first AT ALL, but I now have a great respect for them. Mostly because I have a great respect for the PERSON behind the products. (And the products are very high quality, so that helps tremendously.) Which brings up a good point: it's what you DO with it that matters.
  
  I'm tempted to forget the name I want, go with the available one and forget it. It's not worth stressing over. But I DO like it, so I'm wondering if I should call the registrant? Place a backorder bid and forget it? Or just forget it altogether?
  
  Hmmm...
  
  Michelle
  
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  dburk 15 years ago
  
  Hi Michelle,
  
  Timing is everything, I would try the phone listed and ask if they would consider selling it. Many folks will sell their names cheaply if you catch them at the right time.
  
  Have a maximum price in mind that you would be willing to pay and make an offer for about half that amount. If they are interested in selling at all they will either accept your offer or make a counter offer. If they counter too high then tell them you must stick to your budget and ask how close they can come to your offer. As a final offer you can go with your maximum and if he still doesn't bite, walk away.
  
  You may be able to get updated contact information by contacting Godaddy and let them know that the whois information isn't accurate.
  
  I have negotiated hundreds of domain purchases and I'd be glad to help out a fellow Warrior if you need help contacting or negotiating a purchase. Just PM me if you want help.
  
  Thanks
  
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  Nightengale 15 years ago
  
  Don,
  
  I sent you a PM.
  
  Thanks,
  Michelle
  
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  bgmacaw 15 years ago
  
  I own about 200 domains and I'm usually open to selling one if the price is right. There are only a few that I wouldn't sell because I've put so much time and energy into them or they're making decent revenue. I doubt I have the one you're looking for based on what you said though since I do have a valid email on my non-private registrations and don't have a domain with the words you mentioned.
  
  Generally for an undeveloped, parked, domain I'd sell it based on the length of the name (shorter the better), the keyword strength (buying and product/niche specific keywords), the number of existing links from the previous owner and a few other factors. Roughly the price might range from about $25 up to around $200 unless it was something with a huge potential out of the box.
  
  The alternative, if you can't contact them and strike a deal, is to do the backorder thing or take your chances at expiration. Another is to find another pre-owned domain with similar keywords that you use if you want to take advantage of having an aged domain or buy a new .com domain with your keywords with an extra word or two such as "toyoursuccessuniversity.com" or "successatmakingmoneyonline.com" or "successatsellingwidgets.com"
  
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Cash Blasters Online 15 years ago

Buy it if you need it, but here's something I think about when setting up a website. The strongest set of Keywords are the best domain name.
Once you realize that, you 're then on a stronger path to success.
But maybe the name they have is the best? I don't know.
So you have to decide is it worth it. Or can you do better by studying the internet and come up with a better name.
We all see great names we wish we thought of, it's like someone wishing they wrote that great song someone else wrote,but I think if we take some time, we can be creative and could up with a better name, or a better song.
Don't know if this helped you.
Being creative is how I think.
So maybe I am off, but be happy with whatever you try and go for it !!
The future is in your hands as a Internet marketer.
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Dave Ward 15 years ago

Nightengale

A few questions first
Is there a website on the domain ?
Is it a parked page ?
Who is the registrar ?

My advice would be to determine what you think the domain is worth to you and make an offer on that basis. I seriously doubt you will pick it up cheap if it was registered by a domainer. If the whois shows the owner has 100's of domains, expect to pay a premium.
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