I’ve been buying domains names since 1997 and now own about 500 of them. I consider buying domain names like buying land. It’s all about location, location, location.

Occasionally, I get random emails from individuals wanting to buy my domains, but only at a certain percentage over the appraised value. Appraised value? What does that mean and who are these so called experts appraising domain names?

Take a look at a sample email I recently received.

From: Richard Thomas
From Email: rthomas291@gmail.com
Subject: Offer to purchase AGGIEBLISS.COM - domain name resellers
Message:
Dear sir,

we are interested to buy your domain AGGIEBLISS.COM and offer 65% of the appraised market value.
As of now we accept appraisals from one of these leading companies:
sedo.com
pozde.com
accuratedomains.com
Should you already have an appraisal please forward it to us.
We appreciate your business,
Sincerely,
R. Thomas
DNR, Inc.


What do you think? Canned or a legitimate request?

Here is another one.


Offer for BESTHUNTINGTRIPS.COM
David Williams [david.williams359@gmail.com]
We are interested to buy your domain name BESTHUNTINGTRIPS.COM and offer to buy it from you for 80% of the appraised market value.
As of now we accept appraisals from either one of the following leading appraisal companies:
- flyrating.com
- sedo.com
If you already have an appraisal please forward it to us.
As soon as we have received your appraisal we will send you our payment (we use Paypal for amounts less than $2,000 and escrow.com for amounts above $2,000) as well as further instructions on how to complete the transfer of the domain name.
We appreciate your business,
Yours truly,
David Williams

As you can see, it’s hard to tell if these are real or not. After all, it could be that these emails are automated by the domain appraisal firms to generate legitimate business. The fact is, as an owner you need to decide what you think the names are worth and what you are willing to sell them for.

I always respond with a similar canned response.


Dear Buyer,
Thank you for your interest in my valuable domain name. I recently appraised the domain name for $100,000 with my own appraising company. If you would like to move forward, I will setup the transaction and escrow at Moniker.com. There is also a $350.00 transaction fee you will be responsible for.
Please let me know if you would like to proceed.
Thanks

You won’t be receiving domain offers after sending a few of these out .

Here is another one I received from a true fraudster.
Hello,
We invest in domain names. What is your price for the domain name?
We have a big budget but pay real prices only. If you have other domains
for sale feel free to send your list.
Looking forward to do business with you.
Regards,
George Hamilton
CEO
Domain & Web Site Brokerage
==============================

NOTICE - This communication may contain confidential and privileged
information that is for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any viewing, copying or distribution of, or reliance on this message by unintended recipients is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message
and deleting it from your computer.

I told A.K.A., George that mylivetweet.com was for sale and to make an offer. Here is his response.

Can you accept 5,000 USD?
Do you sell  domain with a web site or just the name?
Domain without content is  ok with me. Web site is not necessary.
Have you had your domain  names evaluated in the past?
I mean domain appraisals. Without valuation we  cannot be sure in the sale price.
It's very important for me in terms of  reselling too. But we must engage a valuation company
with REAL manual service. So I will only accept valuations from independent sources I and
my  partners trust.

To avoid mistakes I asked domain experts about reputable appraisal  companies.
Please check this blog with suggestions from other sellers and  buyers:
http://webdiscuss.007sites.com/Archive-07-2009/91731729.htm
If, for example, the valuation comes higher  you can adjust your asking price accordingly.
It will be fair. I also hope  you can give me 12% - 15% discount.
After you send me the valuation via email (usually it takes 1-2  days to obtain it) we'll
continue our negotiations.

What is your  preferred payment method:  Escrow.com, International wire transfer,
PayPal.com or something else?

Hope we can come to an agreement fast.
Looking forward to your  reply.

The fraudulent emails I get are relentless.  You should always Google search the
requester and use a valid escrow service like Moniker.com to complete the transaction.
The URL's below can help evaluate your domain names:

http://www.valuate.com/
http://whois.domaintools.com
http://www.bido.com/


Shawn