Dealing with Email Enquiries for Your Domains
The best way to sell a domain is having an end user approach you for it. But what's the best way to deal with such an enquiry? Recently, there was a good discussion about this at DomainState which is well worth reading.
I personally like namethink's response to the enquiry, which is:
Thank you for inquiring about my domain name 'themineralshop.com.' I currently have development plans for this name, and haven't worked out my lost opportunity cost if I were to sell it. If I were to receive a serious offer for this domain, I would run the numbers and possibly enter negotiations for a sale.
Another approach you may want to consider if the enquiry is about a domain you don't really want to sell unless you get an extremely good offer, is a response something like: "Its not really for sale but I am open to offers".
These are just sample responses. Of course, every response should be tailored to the individual domain in question and if possible, to the person making the inquiry. The important thing is as Stratagenix states:
I always put the ball in their court. The may offer you more or less than what you are willing to accept. If it is less, then you counter. If more, then you break out the champagne. If they offer you a lowball price, tell them to come back when they are serious.
Although I'd certainly recommend being more polite than saying "come back when you are serious!"
May 14th, 2008 at 10:29 pm Your point is interesting altrough it also works well when you let the potential buyer know that u mean business when you send them an email come back when you are serious. It works well at least for me
May 17th, 2008 at 1:47 pm We think a great way to smoke out an Inquirer is to ask them to share their business plan for the name with you. And if their business plan makes sense we then would like to talk. Thank you very much for your inquiry. Respectfully ___________