Greedy Subscribers vs Impressive Earnings - What Shall I Do?

32 replies
Ok, a lot of the people here have been building lists for a lot longer then
me so I thought I'd run this by you and see if I can get some solid
advice.

I have been building my expired domain subscriber list for almost a year
now by putting together lists of 100+ expired domains 3 or 4 times a
week for my subscribers. I would then post about it the next day on
my blog to entice new subscribers, and so it went round and round.

Over the period of almost a year I have built a substantial list and have
had some solid revenue ( nothing too impressive ) via affiliate sales of
said expired domains - I linked each domain to Moniker/Godaddy and
some willing subscribers bought through my affiliate links.

Ok, recently I came upon an idea to provide a premium list service
in addition to the free expired domain lists that I had provided to
that point. This is important: I did not break any promises I made
to people that subscribed to my lists
. I still provide lists of
100+ expired domains 3 to 4 times a week free of charge.

On Sunday last week, I started to provide an additional list
of 500 expired domains and called it the premium expired domain
list. For a fee of $5 subscribers can download the list to
get a better shot at some good domain names.

Firstly, let me underline this: Financially, this was a brilliant idea,
since Sunday last week I have made $970 and counting in revenue
from the premium lists alone
. Most people are extremely happy
with my service and have sent me emails thanking me for finally
letting them get some quality names before the lurkers get their
hands on them. (Lurkers on the free lists sometimes grab all the
good domain names before anyone else can get a shot at them).

The thing you have to understand is that my lists are top of
the line stuff, it takes me 4 to 5 hours to put together a list
of 500 expired domains.

Ok, now my concerns. A couple of people wrote in saying they
are not happy with paying $5 for a list of 500 expired domains
as they feel they shouldn't have to pay for something unseen!
They would prefer to pay on a domain by domain basis (
which is physically impossible ). Also, some people have complained
that the fact that I now provide the premium lists has somehow
devalued my free lists ( I do not differentiate between the
free 100 domain list and the premium 500 list... the only
difference is the quantity ).

I have indicated all this to my list but I am slightly concerned about
the long term effects of this strategy but I have to be honest:
the returns have been excellent since I launched the new
feature and frankly my current thoughts are "to hell with
the complainers, if they can't appreciate my hard work, I don't
want them on the list". I pride myself in my work and I don't
intend on scamming anyone, but if they can't see the value
of my services, perhaps they shouldn't be on the list in
the first place.

I'd appreciate any thoughts on the matter.

Thanks,

John
#earnings #greedy #impressive #subscribers
  • Profile picture of the author Jelasco
    Ignore the complainers. Notice they are not the ones sending you the money.

    I'll bet if you only had the paid service, nobody would complain.
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    • Profile picture of the author John Motson
      Hm, you might be right. I guess the good thing is that the complainers are few and far between... but it's an interesting problem as when things were free people never wrote in .

      Now when there is a premium service too, I get both positive and negative emails.

      John
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      • Profile picture of the author Sarah Harvey
        I am sorry to point out that people that want everything for free will be the ones that complain. I mean what is $5 to people? Nothing in my books. So ignore them. You might lose a few people, but if I were you I would point out honestly that they didn't seem to balk at getting the free list before. They seemed happy enough.
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        • Profile picture of the author Kay King
          Ok, now my concerns. A couple of people wrote in saying they
          are not happy with paying $5 for a list of 500 expired domains
          as they feel they shouldn't have to pay for something unseen!
          They are right - they shouldn't have to pay 5 whole dollars for this - tell them you understand and respect their right to find these domains on their own.

          Bet if you charged $2 for 100 domains - everyone would pay the $5!

          Listen to the paying customers - the almost 200 who saw this as a good deal.

          kay
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          • It sounds like a brilliant idea to me and you sound like you are providing an honest service that you deserve to be paid for.

            People are going to complain no matter how good your service is thats just the way it happens.

            But you said that the MAJORITY of people are happy and even sent you emails thanking you for the service.

            Don't ignore the HAPPY people, these are the people who enjoy your service and are making you money.

            Sure there are a few complainers but some people will complain about everything, the important thing is that the masses think you are providing a quality service and are very happy.

            Focus on the positives of the happy people and come up with ways to further increase the value of your service and therefore increase the satisfaction level of your already happy customers.

            Your doing a good job keep it up!
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          • Profile picture of the author Michael Silvester
            Hi Mate,

            I would just keep plodding along and keeping
            the paying guys happy.

            The longer you do this..the less complaints
            you will get because all your new subscribers
            will just accept it as normal.

            All you have done is offered them the change
            to purchase a bigger list of expired domains. Tell
            the whiners to bugger off!

            John, your onto a good thing mate!

            Take Care,

            Michael Silvester
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          • Profile picture of the author Monetize
            Why should you stress because they are impossible
            to satisfy?

            If I were you I would remove the chronic complainers
            from my list and ignore their future emails
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            • Profile picture of the author BIG Mike
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              • Profile picture of the author John Motson
                Thanks everyone for your positive thoughts!

                Originally Posted by BIG Mike View Post

                Ask yourself this, "How can you devalue something that's free to begin with?" Unless your subscribers noticed that the free domain list is now absolute crap (doubtful), it's a case of freebie seekers being disgruntled.

                As to "Buying something unseen," unless I missed something, they already have the experience of seeing the quality of the domains you've been offering for free. So, can a rational person honestly believe that paying for a larger list (and for only $5) going to be a risk?

                Unsubscribe every one of them who complains, because they're full of it. They want you to continue to work your ass off for them for free. At $5 a pop, they'd be nuts not to go for it and they're proving to you that they're cheap *******s that will probably never throw you a bone
                Indeed BigMike, the only difference between the free list and the premium list is the quantity. I would be working against myself if I tried to put the crap domain names in the free list as people would then think that the premium list is garbage too.

                I replied to one of the loudest complainers telling him noone is forcing him to buy the premium list and I haven't really gone back on my promise, I still provide my free lists - I have just added on an extra service for which I charge a fee for. I said I am happy for him to keep getting the free list, but I am also more than happy to provide my premium customers with my premium list.

                Want to know his reply?

                "But I want to see all the domains".

                John
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                • Profile picture of the author BIG Mike
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                  • Profile picture of the author John Motson
                    Originally Posted by BIG Mike View Post

                    He's gotta pay to see your cards! And if he doesn't like it, tell 'em BIG Mike's got something he can see, hehehehehe.
                    ROFL... you sure you want me to send him your way mate ?
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                    • Profile picture of the author Carlsbadd
                      John,

                      I have been a subscriber of yours for almost a year . The free service you have provided has let me purchase great domain names, some of them I have not developed yet and a few others are blogs.

                      While I am not making full time money at this yet, having good domain names to develop is a huge help someone just starting out like me.

                      I look over your expired list before I open any other mails because you never know if there is a niche or a decent blog title worth getting. I also have nabbed some great ecommerce domains.

                      Having a additional paid list of 500 domains for only $5.00 is to cheap , raise it to $10.00!

                      You have done all the work and should be rewarded for your skills and for everything you have provided to the Internet community.

                      It's time your subs started paying you back, if they complain that means they don't have the skill to find domains themselves.

                      Keep up the great work and again I thank you for all you have done for me.
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                      • Profile picture of the author naruq
                        Fire the complaining customers! Focus on the customers who appreciate your premium list.
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                      • Profile picture of the author Roy Carter
                        As Michael Said in true Aussie 'tell it like it is' style..."Tell the whiners to bugger off!"

                        The bottom line is that you can't please all of the people all of the time. It's amazing that people getting stuff for free have the gall to complain, but if you are in the IM niche nothing should surprise you.

                        Roy
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                        • Profile picture of the author Bon508
                          John, I have a question for you. But first I want to emphasize that I agree with the advice already given here (especially Big Mike's). IGNORE the complainers.

                          My question is, did you give your list a heads-up about what you were considering, or did you just announce it when it was available?

                          Sometimes people who feel they are part of something (your list) have a (misguided) ownership mentality and want to be "consulted" before changes are made. I am NOT saying they have any right to tell you what you can and cannot do with the services you are providing...it's YOUR decision, period. I am saying they THINK they are part of something and should have a say in what that something is. If you change it without giving them the opportunity to give their two cents' worth, they get upset. If you DO give them a heads-up and ask for their input, things will go smoother.

                          Even if you go ahead with something they don't agree with, the fact that you asked first makes them feel better. In other words, they may not join your paid service, but then won't bash you for starting it.

                          So maybe that's why you're getting some negative feedback... not because they think what you did was a bad idea or that it devalues the continuing free service (that's just their excuse)... but because they feel blindsided and left out.

                          I know this is crazy... that people getting the fruits of your labor for FREE should feel entitled to be consulted by you before you make any changes... but I've seen this warped mentality over and over where I work. As has already been mentioned, people who are used to free stuff are the biggest whiners and complainers.

                          Anyway, rock on -- you're definitely doing the right thing, and congratulations on your success! :-)
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                          • Profile picture of the author Jon Alexander
                            reply to the whinger, saying that you are happy to address his issue, but first, he'll have to pay you $20 for 'support privileges'.
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                          • Profile picture of the author Alan Petersen
                            Oops...instead of editing this post I re-posted. New forum user error. :-)
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                          • Profile picture of the author Alan Petersen
                            John,

                            I'm on your list and I agree with the others...ignore the whiners! The free list of expired domains you have been providing has been excellent. So you have already proved that you provide a list of quality 100+ domains so forget the "unseen" complaints.

                            They've been getting a free list of 100+ from you so they know you put together a quality list. $5 for 400+ more domains is a bargain. I've picked up a few of your expired domains you provide on your list and they're very good. I use them for my eBay niche stores.

                            Tell them to take a hike and if they want to unsub good riddance. What a bunch of leeches over a measly 5 bucks. I'm all pissed off just thinking about it and it's not even my list. :-)

                            Maybe it was using the "premium" term that folks thought the domains would be better than the free one. Might be too late now but maybe describe the two lists in more general terms.
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                          • Profile picture of the author John Motson
                            Thanks for everyone's support. It just underlines what I have been thinking all along... there will always be freebie seekers.

                            Originally Posted by Carlsbadd View Post

                            John,

                            I have been a subscriber of yours for almost a year . The free service you have provided has let me purchase great domain names, some of them I have not developed yet and a few others are blogs.

                            While I am not making full time money at this yet, having good domain names to develop is a huge help someone just starting out like me.

                            I look over your expired list before I open any other mails because you never know if there is a niche or a decent blog title worth getting. I also have nabbed some great ecommerce domains.

                            Having a additional paid list of 500 domains for only $5.00 is to cheap , raise it to $10.00!

                            You have done all the work and should be rewarded for your skills and for everything you have provided to the Internet community.

                            It's time your subs started paying you back, if they complain that means they don't have the skill to find domains themselves.

                            Keep up the great work and again I thank you for all you have done for me.
                            Wow mate, thanks for that, made my day! And I am keeping it at $5 as I want people to be able to afford it and it feels good to know people are putting these names to good use.

                            Originally Posted by Bon508 View Post

                            John, I have a question for you. But first I want to emphasize that I agree with the advice already given here (especially Big Mike's). IGNORE the complainers.

                            My question is, did you give your list a heads-up about what you were considering, or did you just announce it when it was available?

                            Sometimes people who feel they are part of something (your list) have a (misguided) ownership mentality and want to be "consulted" before changes are made. I am NOT saying they have any right to tell you what you can and cannot do with the services you are providing...it's YOUR decision, period. I am saying they THINK they are part of something and should have a say in what that something is. If you change it without giving them the opportunity to give their two cents' worth, they get upset. If you DO give them a heads-up and ask for their input, things will go smoother.

                            Even if you go ahead with something they don't agree with, the fact that you asked first makes them feel better. In other words, they may not join your paid service, but then won't bash you for starting it.

                            So maybe that's why you're getting some negative feedback... not because they think what you did was a bad idea or that it devalues the continuing free service (that's just their excuse)... but because they feel blindsided and left out.

                            I know this is crazy... that people getting the fruits of your labor for FREE should feel entitled to be consulted by you before you make any changes... but I've seen this warped mentality over and over where I work. As has already been mentioned, people who are used to free stuff are the biggest whiners and complainers.

                            Anyway, rock on -- you're definitely doing the right thing, and congratulations on your success! :-)
                            Hi Bonnie, I actually didn't change the existing arrangement, I just added to it. The people that are happy with free lists are still getting them, of the same quality, in the same quantity. I am just letting the people that want more have a chance to have that.

                            John
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                            • Profile picture of the author JMartin
                              Microsoft receives complaints from people all day long. Last I checked, they didn't shut down or go out of their way for non-paying people. Hell, even X% of buyers who complain is A-OK.

                              You can't please everyone and you shouldn't try.

                              Who cares is someone is mad if they would never, ever give you $1. Are you running a charity? Actually, even a charity would expect a few bones here and there.

                              Good luck
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                              • Profile picture of the author Kim Standerline
                                John

                                I'm on your list, and I open all your emails. I've got some brilliant domain names thanks to you (some of which I'm squatting on lol)

                                To be honest I hadn't realised you'd started a paid service, (I'm certainly happy to join it). Heck your free list is worth much more than $5 a month. To be honest, I think you should be charging more...

                                Just ignore the whingers. people like that make me sick.

                                I gave out a free copy of my membership software the other day, and they've done nothing but moan and bitch because they will have to pay to have it installed. (I outsource installation so it has to be paid for and I sure as hell aint payin for it).

                                I always think I'll never be surprised about what people will say or do. (But I always am)

                                Kim
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                                • Profile picture of the author John Motson
                                  Lol just got an unsubscribe.
                                  Reason:"I assume the best domains are in the premium section and I am not prepared to pay for that information right now".

                                  Fair enough.

                                  There have been 20 unsubscribes since the premium list launched and considering I have over 2000 subscribers I think that's ok.

                                  It's a good way of filtering the list. I think a few months ago Paul Myers said something about this... better to have a filtered, strongly focused list then a huge, freebie seeking list that won't commit to anything.

                                  John
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                                  • Profile picture of the author Kim Standerline
                                    lol well I just grabbed another one off ya a while ago
                                    perfectpartycakes.com (another one I'll squat on till I decide what to do with it)
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                                    • Profile picture of the author JayXtreme
                                      Forget the whiners John..

                                      You provide an amzing service.. and now an even better one for ONLY $5

                                      Keep rockin and understand that the world is full of complainers





                                      Peace

                                      Jay

                                      p.s. I forgot the URL to your blog... so this thread was a cool reminder and now I can bookmark it (finally) from your sig
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                                      Bare Murkage.........

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                                    • Profile picture of the author John Motson
                                      Originally Posted by Kim Standerline View Post

                                      lol well I just grabbed another one off ya a while ago
                                      perfectpartycakes.com (another one I'll squat on till I decide what to do with it)
                                      Lol, I am glad you got it Kim! I should start a page on my blog listing all the good websites that people launched as a result of my expired domain lists... except people probably won't want to disclose that information .

                                      John
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                                  • Profile picture of the author JayXtreme
                                    Originally Posted by John Motson View Post

                                    It's a good way of filtering the list. I think a few months ago Paul Myers said something about this... better to have a filtered, strongly focused list then a huge, freebie seeking list that won't commit to anything.

                                    John
                                    This is so true... and what better way to filter than testing them with a paid service..

                                    Well done John.. your list may decrease a little, but it will be much more powerful for you

                                    Peace

                                    Jay
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                                    Bare Murkage.........

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                                  • Profile picture of the author BIG Mike
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                                    • Profile picture of the author John Motson
                                      And no - don't send them my way mate
                                      Lol I didn't think so Mike .

                                      By the way, as a result of this thread and something DrMani told me, I sent the following email to my subscribers today. I'd love to hear the thoughts of everyone here on this development too.

                                      I'll report on the response from subscribers as well.

                                      Hi {!name_fix},

                                      The following information will affect you directly as a DNXpert
                                      subscriber SO PLEASE READ ON.

                                      I launched the DNXpert Premium List feature last Sunday as a litmus
                                      test to see how many people are seriously interested in my expired
                                      domain service.

                                      Some people have taken to the premium lists like hot cakes,
                                      others have ignored them while there were a select few who actually
                                      took the time to write in and complain or suggest alternatives.

                                      I am aware that at $5 a list things can add up. If you purchase
                                      10 premium lists within a month you will actually end up paying
                                      $50 which isn't a small amount.

                                      Some people have written in and suggested that they would prefer
                                      a subscription based service instead of having to pay for each list.

                                      For that reason I have an idea which I want to run by you and
                                      get your thoughts on.

                                      I will continue to provide the regular free expired lists that
                                      DNXpert is known for.

                                      I am seriously considering launching a subscriber service which
                                      would be based on the DNXpert principle - quality filtered lists
                                      as opposed to the junk the other subscriber services provide.

                                      Here are the features I am currently considering:

                                      * There will be a Monthly fee (I am considering $19).
                                      * Minimum of 10 Premium lists of 500 domains available during
                                      the month
                                      * I am still deciding whether the new service would be part of
                                      DNXpert.com or whether it would be on a completely separate domain
                                      name.
                                      * The lists would still be in pdf format to prevent folks from bulk
                                      checking/registering and ruining it for others.
                                      * Members would be notified the second a new list becomes available
                                      via email.
                                      I NEED YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS!

                                      Please take the time to reply and tell me whether you would be
                                      interested.

                                      I need to know how many people are interested before I undertake
                                      the necessary expenditure as the software necessary for running a
                                      membership site and all the other adjustments required won't come
                                      free.

                                      Thank you for your time,

                                      John
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                                      • Profile picture of the author jhongren
                                        Hi John,

                                        Hope I am not too late to respond to your thread.

                                        In the world, there are definitely complainers.

                                        Ignore them I feel.

                                        And I trust you, John. Even Bev recommended me your product and I trust that you are doing your best to make your subscribers happy and satisfied and giving them great value. (The multiple testimonials from this thread reinforces this)

                                        However, we can't make everyone happy and if those unhappy customers are taking too much of your time and effort, I would fire them if I were you.

                                        I always follow the 80/20 rule.

                                        20% of your customers will be demanding and if they take up 80% of your time and effort, FIRE them. LOL

                                        Meanwhile focus on 20% of your customers who are loyal to you and who love you. Of course, I am sure more than 20% of your subscribers belong to this group.

                                        Keep on building your list BIGGER and BIGGER and the number of complainers will be more and more insignificant.

                                        I believe in you, John!

                                        Cheers,
                                        John
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                                        • Profile picture of the author Ken Leatherman
                                          John,

                                          I think you are right on target with the Subscription Service. It's obvious from the comments made here about your service people will pay a monthly fee because of the value you give.

                                          I do believe you should take the price to $19.97 if your going that high.

                                          I also like the way you included Bonnie's suggestion into your e-mail.

                                          One thing you might consider is going with a $9.97 subscription service. The thinking behind is that I use that in my article subscription service and it has been instrumental in keeping my subscribers on board well past the so called average of 3 months for subscribers. Naturally I also provide great quality.

                                          I know you have probably thought about this for promoting it, be sure and do a Press Release. I'm sure you would pick up a slew of subscribers.

                                          Once you have the subscription service set up, be sure and run a WSO for all of us slackers that don't like to work. :p

                                          Ken
                                          The Old Geezer
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                                          • Profile picture of the author wellymulia
                                            John,

                                            I agree with Sarah, usually those that complain are those freebie seekers who won't spend a dime ever.

                                            My call is to just ignore them. You can't possibly make everyone happy. No matter how good your services are (free or paid), there are bound to be people who complain. You did well by providing the 500 list domain names, so you should reward yourself
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                                          • Profile picture of the author John Motson
                                            Originally Posted by Ken Leatherman View Post

                                            John,

                                            I think you are right on target with the Subscription Service. It's obvious from the comments made here about your service people will pay a monthly fee because of the value you give.

                                            I do believe you should take the price to $19.97 if your going that high.

                                            I also like the way you included Bonnie's suggestion into your e-mail.

                                            One thing you might consider is going with a $9.97 subscription service. The thinking behind is that I use that in my article subscription service and it has been instrumental in keeping my subscribers on board well past the so called average of 3 months for subscribers. Naturally I also provide great quality.

                                            I know you have probably thought about this for promoting it, be sure and do a Press Release. I'm sure you would pick up a slew of subscribers.

                                            Once you have the subscription service set up, be sure and run a WSO for all of us slackers that don't like to work. :p

                                            Ken
                                            The Old Geezer
                                            Hm fair enough, those are some good points.

                                            The thing about the $9.97 - my service is number-critical, I am concerned that if people think it's too cheap, they might think there are too many subscribers and hence too many people looking at the lists and registering the best names... This can work against me.

                                            On the other hand $19.97 is a more decent sum and will stop some of the folks from signing up and perhaps keep the numbers lower.

                                            John
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    • Profile picture of the author Zach Booker
      You have a great idea, don't let a few people tell you different.
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