How to get Domain Names from squatters
Found a domain name I wanted to use that’s unfortunately squatted on by http://www.mdnhinc.com/. So sent a mail to the GSB community on how best to acquire it. Some suggestions below:
Use a broker
Using NetworkSolutions for domain appraisal and approaching them anonymously on your behalf: https://www.certifiedofferservice.com/CertifiedOffer/offer/domainAssessment.do
Appraisal based on:
- Word Relevance - based on search frequency in Internet search engines
- Domain Name Length - shorter name (2-7 characters) ranks higher than longer name
- Live Web Site - a live site (especially an e-commerce one) commands higher rank
- Domain Extension - a .com extension is worth more than .net, .biz, .org, etc…
- Traffic Ranking - based on how many visitors go to that domain name per month
$19 appears to be a reasonable price to have an anonymous offer go in and appraise party’s willingness to negotiate.
Alternatively, GoDaddy offers a Domain Buy Service for $69.99 per domain name + 10% commission, offering:
- - Complete a Certified Appraisal within 2 business days of service purchase.
- - Attempt to contact current domain owner, to determine interest in selling their domain.
- - Negotiate the sales price of your desired domain (if the owner is willing to sell their domain)
- - Help facilitate the sales transaction (if a sales agreement is reached)
Ask Nicely
One friend sent some sincere emails sent to registrants of the domains he wanted. One guy asked for $1,500, another just gave him the domain free.
Use Stragerey
Forward note from GSB alum:
Most domain owners are decent people just trying to make a buck. If you can contact them, then you will generally just need to negotiate over email. Then when you have a price you can just use a simple domain name purchase agreement that basically says that they are selling it to you free and clear and are authorized to do so. Then you can use a service like escrow.com to handle the transaction safely.
What are you willing to pay for it? Have you decided on your BATNA? 
My sense is that the domain will cost between $2,000-$10,000. Remember, every domain is completely unique and therefore a scarce item, not a commodity. Basically it’s just a game of chicken – how much does the seller think you are willing to pay? If they let you go, will they ever get that good of an offer again? So you have to be strategic about it. But know that the opportunity cost to holding on to a domain is low – it costs nothing to maintain, and they will always receive offers in the future. So, unfortunately, you are going to pay up for it. You are likely not going to get a deal. I think you really need to ask yourself exactly what is the most you will pay for it. $1,000? $2,000? You have to decide. I would pick that number, and then likely offer from 40-60% of that as your starting offer. And when you contact them, you will have to make the starting offer. Don’t ask them a price because they will say something ridiculous. My sense is that if you offer less $500 you will be totally ignored. If you offer close to $1,000 at least they will respond. And from there, you’re in the negotiations
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Many thanks to Walton, Naomi, Ilana and Erik for their help
