Right tactics when buying a domain name

If you are serious about buying a good quality dot com domain name the best approach is to make your serious offer in your first e-mail. This produces the highest results, and by far.

Most sellers are busy and they will judge you by your first e-mail. If they don't feel that you are the right buyer they will simply delete your e-mail, and won't bother to answer it. This is why your first e-mail is most important.

Things you should avoid:

  • Ask if the domain name is for sale.
  • Ask the price of a particular domain name.
  • Ask for prices generally.
  • Ask the prices for a list of domain names.
  • Be vague so the seller has no idea what you want.
  • Make a very low offer.
  • Play dead and do not reply to e-mails.
  • Find excuses why you did not reply.
  • Not following up on your communications with the seller.
  • Tell stories about other domain names you can buy or other domain names you own.


One of the main difference between a purchase, and a total waste of time, is how you handle the communications between the seller and yourself.

Things you should do:

  • Answer every e-mail from the seller. Keep the communication line open. A seller will quickly lose interest if you do not reply to e-mails.
  • Always make an offer in your first e-mail. Most buyers ignore this simple advice but it's probably the number one reason why buyers do not get replies.
  • Use your real name and business e-mail address. You can hide behind a fake name and anonymous e-mail address but it will work against you because you will have no credibility and most sellers will ignore you.
  • Make an offer close to your maximum figure. You need to be realistic and understand that only a reasonable offer has a chance to convince the seller to agree to your offer.
  • If an agreement can be reached, act fast. The main reason to act fast is to finalize the transaction before the seller changes his/her mind.
  • Follow up on every e-mail you get. Keep the deal live. A transaction is not finalized until it is finalized. People get cold and change their mind. If you want a domain name, it's your interest to act fast and follow up on everything until the transaction is completed.