I mean “the chance of making a sale to someone who doesn’t have trademark rights”.

I agree… the only 3 letter my company owns is SHS.com, and you can see how I am using it: http://www.SHS.com (for my brother, Scott).

In general of course (and based upon what I have said above) I agree. But another thing to factor in (which may or not be relevant depending on the particular name) is UDRP and/or legal issues.

If you have a domain name that could be a target for a UDRP then putting up a “for sale” sign is not ideal. On the other hand if that name would only fetch a few thousand (below the general threshold of getting an action filed) then not a big risk. So as I have said it all depends on the particular circumstance.

As an example I would almost never put up a “for sale” page with a three letter .com. A four letter .net or .org or maybe even .com a definite possibility. Even if the name would fetch $10,000 the probability of getting an action filed against you is outweighed by the chance someone coming after you. With a three letter .com the scales tip in the other direction.

My primary focus would be on smaller operators who want to buy one of my domain names in the $3-10k price range. These people may not know how to find the owner of a domain name aside from visiting the domain name to see what’s there and how to contact the owner if nothing is there. A major online operator would certainly be able to contact me via Whois. However, those major players come by less frequently than small operators, and for most people who read my blog, major players likely won’t be interested in our domain names. 85% of my domain name assets aren’t really the kind of names a company would spend 6 figures to purchase. I realize this and have no problem admitting this.

I would rather lose a couple dollars a month by having a clear “for sale” notice on my parked pages than take a chance on losing a $5,000 sale from a local business looking to buy my name but not inquiring because I have a mini site on it earning a few pennies a month.

1) You own a crappy restaurant next to an exit of I95. That’s not going to scare off a major player from approaching you. If McDonalds wants to build a restaurant there they will approach you because in general they know they can make you an offer that you might accept. On the other hand if Burger King is on the lot probably not going to happen because Burger King owns the lands and is a competent operator. McDonalds most likely won’t approach them.

Consequently if you own a killer name “hotels.com” and it has a crappy blog on it that won’t stop anyone significant from making an offer.

So what we are looking for is the delta between the potential buyer and the seller to see whether it would matter if the name is in use or not.

If the name you own is not top shelf in general it’s probably better to make sure the site says loud and clear “I’m for sale”. But once again each name and each situation is different. In many cases even a page of ads (which we in the business all know is a parking page) will scare off a potential buyer (say the guy who runs the local flower shop that might think your name of “flowersonmainstreet.com” is a great name for him.)

Actually now seeing flowersonmainstreet.com (which I thought of while reading this) is owned by FTD.. But my feeling is that if that was being used by a local flower shop FTD would have passed on it because it’s not that valuable or top shelf.

One example is this:

“Learn to value a domain properly and stop selling to other domainers. That by definition proves you are leaving money on the table. They do what you do and see an upside.”

But then he talks about the fact that many domainers don’t have a clue as far as the value of a domain name. (So which is it?) Actually he is right about that, that in many cases they don’t. And there is the opportunity. If the other domainer doesn’t know the value it’s possible he will overpay you for your domain relative to wholesale value. What’s wrong with that?

I don’t agree in blowing off any person inquiring about a domain *especially* if they are a domainer. Domainers buy domains and you very well might have a name that they see opportunity in that you could get rid of and make some money.

Are they going to pay top dollar for 1 of the 15 domains that Rick has sold? No they aren’t and they didn’t. But you don’t have Rick’s names you have your names. And I’ve sold 3 and 4 letter domains to domainers and have received what I’ve felt is a good number relative to waiting many years if ever for the big kill to come along.

I wouldn’t… In most cases, a buyer only wants the .com but will take the others if offered. I’ve found that they want them as “throw ins” so ultimately it is just less profit. I am not big on alternative extensions.

would you advise new investors to purchase the full tld “set” of extensions for a domain name now?

i know it’s too broad for every instance, but some may just look at that example you mentioned literally, without knowing the specifics of why.

Prob the best “motivational” article I’ve ever read on your blog. I domain on the side as a hobby, am very low on the totem pole and reading articles like this def gives a little confidence booster. Thanks for taking the time to write a lengthy article w/ lots of great info.

And thank you for not stating the obvious, like “do not quit your day job”, even a low IQ person can realize that.

When someone built their business by using credit cards. I read, and inspired. But take their advices with a grain of salt since I am too conservative to do anything with the reliance of credit cards.

Can’t complain. Record year. Record sales this month and love domaining.

Great post.

I have a for sale message at the top of my parked domain names.

I can’t remember the last time I had a sale on a forum… I think it was several months ago on Domain Boardroom.

Informative post. Thanks.

I have to say I am not convinced that leaving a parked page is the best way to communicate whether a domain is available.

On another note, any thoughts on forums as a sales venue in this day and age?