How Do I Get My Domain Name Appraised
Perhaps it is better to ask how much a potential buyer would be
willing to pay to acquire your domain name. If there was some
interest in your domain name, you ought to, at least, have some
kind of idea of its value. Generally, is the domain good or bad?
If good, how good is it?
If you were to visit any domain reseller sites, you will find
literally thousands of ridiculous names. If you scrutinize their
asking prices, it will leave you shaking your head in amazement.
They run into the thousands and even millions. Names like
ApeChatsWorth.com.....It would be better to let them expire or
sell cheap if you can find a 'fool'.
So how do you tell if you have a winning name?
I know someone will be quick to say, "That's easy. Get them
appraised."
Well, you could do that. But the problem with domain appraisals
is that there are no industry standards. And you simply cannot
put a market value on it and give an accurate appraisal by any
standards. Perhaps, in that sense, a domain name is different
from real estate because it is not something you can see or
touch.
There are numerous companies and sites on the web that will
evaluate your domain and give you their opinion on what your
domain name is worth. Their services cost anywhere from between
$10 to $50. They give you a nice certificate online. But let me
tell you that, an appraisal certificate may not necessarily do
anything for your domain name.
As can be expected, a single domain name can have vastly
differing values when evaluated by different appraisers. Values
can differ by tens of thousands of dollars. You have probably
heard it being said over and over again that a domain name is
only really worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it. Or what
the buyer and seller can agree on to make a deal. So even if a
domain name has been evaluated at $2,000 but if no one wants to
pay out more than $200 for it, it is obvious the real value of
the name is far less than the perceived value that it was
originally appraised for.
If you have absolutely no idea what your domain name is worth,
getting a professional appraisal may be useful as well as to
give you a basis for an asking price if there was indeed someone
interested in the name or simply to decide what you want to do
with the domain name. A potential buyer already interested in a
domain name you have, may be further swayed towards your
position by an independent appraisal.
However, let me caution you to be careful. There are a number of
thriving scams on the internet designed to play on your emotions
and get your money. One instance is when a so-called "buyer"
feigns interest in your domain name but requests first for an
appraisal from a particular appraiser, just to be sure of the
market value, he claims. Then, insists that no other appraisers
will do. It doesn't take a genius to see through this. If you
pay for the appraisal, the so-called 'buyer' suddenly
disappears, no doubt to fleece his next victim. Many fall for
this cruel trick in their ecstasy imagining that finally, there
was actually someone wanting their domain name. Before you spend
any money, check out feedback on the website's services from
other customers. You can do this at Alexa.com. Simply enter the
name of the website and you can see reviews and feedback from
other customers.
A genuine buyer who wants your domain name is interested in it,
NOT because some appraiser says it is worth a princely sum. But
only because he himself sees it's intrinsic value and/or has
specific plans for the name. Keep this in mind.
There are a number of free domain appraisal services you could
try just to test the waters around your name.
A number of domain name forums have active appraisal boards
where you can post your domain names and someone will evaluate
it for you. A search on your favorite engine will give you
several options.
You may also have come across automated computer scripts online
that give you a free instant evaluation of your domain name when
you put in certain required details about your name. Those give
you a ballpark figure but sometimes do grossly inflate the
value. It is after all a script.
If you do decide to get and pay for a professional appraisal,
make sure you are engaging a reputable company or you would end
up blowing your money.
If you're still undecided, let me take a look at your domain
name and I'll evaluate it for free. No obligations. See
http://www.OpenForSale.com/ to submit your domain name.
Copyright 2005 Edwin John
About the author:
Edwin John is the author of the top-selling domain ebook, "How I
Sell My Domain Names." A guide that teaches domain owners how to
find buyers for their domain names.
Visit:http://www.OpenForSale.com/
Submit your domains to interested companies:
http://www.DNames.org