[Trust]

So I'm reading on the domain forums about this happening to some domainers. Where they have a domain they want to sell, find some possible end users, email them about the domain. Some of the people receiving these emails, might flag the person trying to sell the domain as a spammer.

Is it unsolicited? Yes.

But is it indiscriminate or in bulk? No, not usually.

I get these from time to time and I don't have a problem with it.

What I consider spam is a combination of the above. Something I'm not interested in, I know they probably sent the emails to millions of people etc.

So let's say you own Chocolate.com and find some others sites selling chocolate and email them to ask if they're interested in buying Chocolate.com. You email 10 people, one's you've researched, comply with CAN-SPAM act, opt out, your address etc.

Thoughts?

[bobby131313]

I have a domain for a major sports star that has a dash between the first and last names. The domain without the dash is going up for auction. I've been getting pummeled with 5 to 10 emails a day. They're even sending them through domains by proxy and it's really pissing me off.

[Trust]

That would be spam I think if it's like the same person doing that towards you. But you're also in cybersquatting/namejacking territory with that domain.

[Convergence]

Originally Posted by Trust

So let's say you own Chocolate.com and find some others sites selling chocolate and email them to ask if they're interested in buying Chocolate.com. You email 10 people, one's you've researched, comply with CAN-SPAM act, opt out, your address etc.

Thoughts?

Used to do it all the time. One email at a time. Some complained, some bought.

However, I do believe it's against the "rules" to use a domain's whois info to send a solicitation. I think...

[Chuck Hamrick]

However, I do believe it's against the "rules" to use a domain's whois info to send a solicitation. I think...

Where did you see that law?

I treat it like a phone call, if you are calling someone specific with an offer or request then I consider it legit.

[Convergence]

Originally Posted by Chuck Hamrick

Where did you see that law?

I treat it like a phone call, if you are calling someone specific with an offer or request then I consider it legit.

Never said it was a "law" - said it was a "rule".

NOTICE AND TERMS OF USE: You are not authorized to access or query our WHOIS database through the use of high-volume, automated, electronic processes. The Data in Network Solutions' WHOIS database is provided by Network Solutions for information purposes only, and to assist persons in obtaining information about or related to a domain name registration record. Network Solutions does not guarantee its accuracy.
By submitting a WHOIS query, you agree to abide by the following terms of use:
You agree that you may use this Data only for lawful purposes and that under no circumstances will you use this Data to: (1) allow, enable, or otherwise support the transmission of mass unsolicited, commercial advertising or solicitations via e-mail, telephone, or facsimile; or (2) enable high volume, automated, electronic processes that apply to Network Solutions (or its computer systems). The compilation, repackaging, dissemination or other use of this Data is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Network Solutions. You agree not to use
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Guess it's open to interpretation...

[Chuck Hamrick]

I didn't see Trust's comment as using high-volume, automated, electronic processes. When it comes down to it you can flag an ABW email as spam. Personally I don't consider sending an email to someone you haven't been introduced to as spam. Sending continuous emails would be spam.

[Convergence]

Originally Posted by Chuck Hamrick

I didn't see Trust's comment as using high-volume, automated, electronic processes.

Neither do I.

Originally Posted by Chuck Hamrick

When it comes down to it you can flag an ABW email as spam.

You can, but it's stupid to because you opted in to receive ABW emails. Not what we're talking about.

Originally Posted by Chuck Hamrick

Personally I don't consider sending an email to someone you haven't been introduced to as spam.

However, sending a solicitation obtained from the whois, can be construed as spam based on the way I interpret NetSol's TOS, specifically this part...

or solicitations via e-mail, telephone, or facsimile

[Lanny]

@OP Interesting thread for me. I would like to sell our Computer2.com domain name, at our price. If I knew who the best possible end users were, I would probably send them an email and let them know it's for sale. It's buried, behind hundreds or thousands of other domain names, on Sedo and Afternic. Computer.com sold for USD$5 million in 1999.

The other point is that I receive, from time to time, emails, telling me that a domain name is about to become available and asking me to reply if I want to buy it from them. (Actually, they don't own it.....) I do not reply to them. One of those emails that I received, at the end of January 2011 got me interested in a .com name that was in Pending Delete. I registered it, 15 or 20 minutes after it became available, for the reg fee.

[CoolMaster]

Hi trust,

It is not spam it is a smart move, it is going to the targeted traffic yourself and not waiting for it to find you.

I guess a few of them will flag you but i highly doubt it, if not some of them will appreciate that they got the info even if they are not thinking about buying.

Hell i like to know if domains close to my domain are for sale and if they're worth it i may even buy.

HappyCamper

[Jorge - SHOPiMAR]

Trust, my opinion is that it's not spam in that case either because the person is asking about something related and asking a direct question related to what the person would be interested in. But if they keep sending the same person or hundreds at at time continuous emails on a daily or monthly basis, then that is spam.

[Kevin]

Trust: The scenario you listed doesn't violate the CAN-SPAM at all. Canada is a little tougher though, so you have to watch your geography.

[Trust]

Thanks for the replies. I think it's fine myself and I guess that's just part of the business, that anybody can flag it for spam. I mean I've seen affiliates complain about affiliate newsletters from merchants they partner with as spam.

So far since contracting the domaining bug last year, I've sold thru ebay (never again), domain forums, godaddy auctions, bido, sedo, direct and using escrow (them contacting me). Wanted to try some end user stuff.

[Convergence]

Originally Posted by Trust

So far since contracting the domaining bug last year

Oh, what a horrible "bug" to catch, too.

Got out of it big time in August 2008 when domain parking was killed by the Google - still find myself falling off the wagon though from time to time.

I will be cured once I pick this domain up on a drop...

domainaholics.com

[Trust]

Originally Posted by Convergence

Oh, what a horrible "bug" to catch, too.

Got out of it big time in August 2008 when domain parking was killed by the Google - still find myself falling off the wagon though from time to time.

I will be cured once I pick this domain up on a drop...

domainaholics.com

I'm actually enjoying this bug, I think I could do domaining full time if I wanted too. Made in initial investment of a few thousand last year, got about 300 domains, mainly drops and low priced auctions. Made that back in multiples already and the sales from that initial investment are paying for all the new ones I want. From those sales, half go in the bank, half back into buying more domains. I think it's probably one of the best investments out there. Just this last week sold a .us I paid $3 for last year for mid $XXX, sold a .com I paid $7 for for a little over $3,000. Sold 70+ so far. It's fun. It's kind of like playing the stock market or betting on sports. Do your homework the best you can, study the market, lay your money down. Side note, your nickname in a certain extension is dropping in the next couple of days. Tried to pm you but they were turned off.

[Convergence]

Originally Posted by Trust

Tried to pm you but they were turned off.

My PM was turned off on THIS forum or on one of the domain forums. Just checked here - turned on.

Try and shoot me the info again if you get a chance. Thanks...

[Lanny]

Is there software (preferably free) that can help one find potential end users who might buy a domain name? I see Estibot has a service, but one must buy their $49.95 a month service, or a more expensive service, to use that.

If I had a list of 5 of 10 or possibly 20 of the "best" possible end users who might buy our Computer2.com domain name I would give this a try.

This thread gave me a new idea so thank you to the OP and everyone who contributed!

[Convergence]

Estibot is poop...

I remember you posting your domain for sale back in March - don't know if we chatted or not but I do believe if order for you to get what you are looking for, you will need to hire a domain broker. A domain broker will either work for you to sell your domain or will tell you if your price is realistic.

All the large auction houses have brokers...

[Lanny]

Originally Posted by Convergence

Estibot is poop...

I remember you posting your domain for sale back in March - don't know if we chatted or not but I do believe if order for you to get what you are looking for, you will need to hire a domain broker. A domain broker will either work for you to sell your domain or will tell you if your price is realistic.

All the large auction houses have brokers...

No, we did not communicate about this, if my memory is correct.

The reason I believe it is worth the price is that the Computer.com domain name sold for USD$5 million, in 1999.

Because it ends with a number, it is after a huge amount of domain names for sale, which contain the word computer, in the listings on Sedo and Afternic.

Thank you for the idea of hiring a Domain Broker! That is something I *will* look into.

Question: Do you have any experience, hiring a Domain Broker? Is there one company you would recommend, over another company. For example, Sedo and not Afternic? Any feedback you can give me, with direct experience you have, will be greatly appreciated.

[Jorge - SHOPiMAR]

Originally Posted by Trust

I'm actually enjoying this bug, I think I could do domaining full time if I wanted too. Made in initial investment of a few thousand last year, got about 300 domains, mainly drops and low priced auctions. Made that back in multiples already and the sales from that initial investment are paying for all the new ones I want. From those sales, half go in the bank, half back into buying more domains. I think it's probably one of the best investments out there. Just this last week sold a .us I paid $3 for last year for mid $XXX, sold a .com I paid $7 for for a little over $3,000. Sold 70+ so far. It's fun. It's kind of like playing the stock market or betting on sports. Do your homework the best you can, study the market, lay your money down. Side note, your nickname in a certain extension is dropping in the next couple of days. Tried to pm you but they were turned off.

It is a great bug to have cause it's better than real estate and gold profits combined. If you want to learn more about domains learn from a pro read The Rick Schwartz Domain Name and Traffic Blog RicksBlog.com.........Home of the "Domain King"

I've been reading and following him for past few years. He started early on and with porn domains so in a way he was lucky and smart. However he does tell it like it is and some may not agree with him but learn and do what you think is best for you. There are two types of ways to make money in domains and some are best at flipping domains for quick profit and some hold on to domains for years for long term monitizing and advertising, do what's best for you and making you a profit.

Here is also recent video intertiew of Rick Patience Is a Virtue That Leads to Millions - with Rick Schwartz

[Convergence]

Originally Posted by Lanny

Question: Do you have any experience, hiring a Domain Broker? Is there one company you would recommend, over another company. For example, Sedo and not Afternic? Any feedback you can give me, with direct experience you have, will be greatly appreciated.

Used to own/run a domain brokerage service so never used any one else. Afternic is a smaller outfit than Sedo but Sedo has a larger base. Brokerage fees can be structured differently depending on the domain itself. Typically it's upwards of 35%.

You may want to check out some of the domain forums like DNforum and NamePros to see who the better players are today - it's been a few years since we have been active in this area.

Also, keep tabs of sales by visiting DNjournal.com - they list who handled the transaction for a specific domain sale...

[Convergence]

Originally Posted by Jorge - SHOPiMAR

It is a great bug to have cause it's better than real estate and gold profits combined. If you want to learn more about domains learn from a pro read The Rick Schwartz Domain Name and Traffic Blog RicksBlog.com.........Home of the "Domain King"

I've been reading and following him for past few years. He started early on and with porn domains so in a way he was lucky and smart. However he does tell it like it is and some may not agree with him but learn and do what you think is best for you. There are two types of ways to make money in domains and some are best at flipping domains for quick profit and some hold on to domains for years for long term monitizing and advertising, do what's best for you and making you a profit.

Here is also recent video intertiew of Rick Patience Is a Virtue That Leads to Millions - with Rick Schwartz

Rick Schwartz is indeed the King of Domains. He sat on such great names like Candy.com forever, just waiting for the right moment to capitalize on it's value. Couple of years ago he entered into a deal to sell the name based on cash and royalties, if my memory serves me correct...

[Lanny]

Thank you for that information! I will begin investigating this!

[Trust]

Originally Posted by Jorge - SHOPiMAR

It is a great bug to have cause it's better than real estate and gold profits combined. If you want to learn more about domains learn from a pro read The Rick Schwartz Domain Name and Traffic Blog RicksBlog.com.........Home of the "Domain King"

I've been reading and following him for past few years. He started early on and with porn domains so in a way he was lucky and smart. However he does tell it like it is and some may not agree with him but learn and do what you think is best for you. There are two types of ways to make money in domains and some are best at flipping domains for quick profit and some hold on to domains for years for long term monitizing and advertising, do what's best for you and making you a profit.

Here is also recent video intertiew of Rick Patience Is a Virtue That Leads to Millions - with Rick Schwartz

Yep, had that one bookmarked for awhile now. Also like how top domainers like Frank Schilling post what domains they get inquiries for like on this page - Recent Action | DomainNameSales | the first Step

Yes, DNForum and Namepros are the 2 main domain forums, DNForum little more "professional"

Estibot does suck for appraisals, usually all the automated ones do. I usually pop open dnsaleprice, namebio and domaintools for past domain sales. Great for general sales and also sales history, you can get an idea what a keyword sold for in other extensions and in the same extension with closely related terms. SEDO also started this recently, IDNX - http://www.idnx.com/ scroll down halfway. They give you the same keyword sold in .com vs. what it sold for in another extension. Use all that to help price your domains or help you when buying. I've been keeping my own spreadsheet since last year. Have all the .coms that sold for over $100,000 in history and what it sold for in different extensions. Also other extensions over different amounts, which helps me as well.

As far as brokers, try these 2 out:

http://bigticketdomains.com/

http://epicdomainbroker.com/

Had those 2 bookmarked from some trusted sources, they have great reps. I'm in some private FB domain group and I've seen them getting some nice sales.

[Jerry]

I've been receiving emails about the .com version of a .net address that I own coming up for sale soon.

When I foolishly clicked on the first link they sent, it immediately confirmed that my email address was valid, so I've received 1-2 additional emails per day on the subject since.

The key factors that make it spam:
-The name on the email never matches the name on the website.
-The names and domains on the emails change every day.
-The "brokers" don't actually own the domain they claim to be selling.
-And most importantly, they've continued after an unsubscribe request.

Sounds like spam to me...