| Have you ever thought about having one of your | | | | whether it be an e, i, the, an, etc. |
| registered domain names appraised, because you | | | | Name Recognition - If you're able to register a |
| were considering selling it and wanted to know what | | | | domain that can be easily recognized, such as one |
| a fair price would be? Maybe you're just curious | | | | common dictionary word, you'll receive a higher |
| about how much your domain is worth? Did the high | | | | appraisal. |
| fees for detailed appraisal services turn you off of | | | | Name Relevance - If your domain specifically tells |
| the idea, or are you still considering it? | | | | what services or products could be offered by its |
| Here's a simple fact: Domain names, just like any | | | | web site, then you'll receive a higher appraisal. |
| other product or service, are worth whatever the | | | | Marketability - Could the domain name be marketed |
| market will bear. | | | | and promoted easily? Does it lend itself to an easy |
| What that means is that if a domain appraiser tells | | | | logo and site campaign? Can it be pronounced easily |
| you that your domain name is worth $2500, but the | | | | in a radio campaign without being confusing, such as |
| most you can raise in an auction is $50, then your | | | | having multiple possible spellings? Does it look |
| domain is really worth $50, not $2500. It's basic | | | | attractive in print? If the answer to each question is |
| economics. The market works on a supply-demand | | | | yes, then you'll receive a higher appraisal. |
| system. You're supplying a certain domain name, and | | | | Worth the cost? |
| its value is entirely determined by how much demand | | | | If nothing else, you need to understand that domain |
| there is for that name. If only one person in the | | | | name appraisals are extremely subjective, and you |
| world is interested in buying it from you, its value will | | | | could receive very different appraisals from two |
| be pretty low (unless of course you're a squatter | | | | different appraisal companies. In a general sense, |
| who jumped on a domain someone let expire, and | | | | unless you absolutely must, a domain name appraisal |
| you're demanding an obscene price for it). On the | | | | is likely not worth the expense. When selling a |
| other hand, if thousands of people desperately want | | | | domain name, many buyers require that you provide |
| the domain name that you're selling, the price some | | | | them with one. Some even tell you what appraisal |
| people are willing to pay can skyrocket, making your | | | | companies they will and won't accept. If that's the |
| domain name worth thousands. | | | | case, agree to get the appraisal, but kindly let the |
| How domains are appraised | | | | customer know that if they demand one, they'll be |
| Domain appraisal isn't an exact science. A number of | | | | responsible for the fee up-front, or you'll add it to |
| factors are considered, ranging from the length of | | | | their bill when processing the sale. Other than that, if |
| the domain to the domain extension. Here are some | | | | you want an honest opinion on one of your domain |
| of the considerations: | | | | names, there are countless free forums on the Web |
| The domain extension - A .com domain is always | | | | where experienced professionals in buying and selling |
| valued higher than a .net, .org, or other extension for | | | | domains will give you their free input, based on what |
| the same name. | | | | they've seen similar domains sell for recently. It might |
| The length of the domain name - Domains tend to | | | | be a better use of your time to get various opinions |
| be valued highest if you avoid going over 12 - 15 | | | | that way, and decide for yourself what you feel |
| characters. | | | | your domain is worth. And if you considered getting a |
| Dashes and Numbers - You'll receive a higher appraisal | | | | domain appraisal simply out of curiosity, remember |
| if you avoid using numbers and dashes in your | | | | this: your company's domain name is as valuable as |
| domain name. | | | | you feel it is. If you couldn't run your company |
| Domain Prefixes - You'll receive a lower appraisal if | | | | without it, it's priceless. |
| your domain name starts with any kind of prefix, | | | | |