Twenty years since I registered my first domain name, the concept of “first come, first served” basis fails to impress domain seekers of today.
Holding a condo in a prime location and doing as one pleases with it, is a good analogy response for domain suitors, who often gawk at the asking price of premium digital assets.
Anything above “reg fee” is considered exorbitant to some, even those that are seemingly educated and successful in their respective fields.
A recent response to my asking price for an aged two word .com – a popular genre – arrived in the form of a two word ill wish:
Enjoy squatting.
Thick skin is important to maintain these days; in previous times, I might have responded with a long tirade full of counter-arguments, raising the exchange’s temperature. My time is more important these days, and even when dealing with prospective buyers, I can only allocate so much time to pursue a sale.
So how does one respond to the statement “enjoy squatting” as delivered by an obviously ignorant prospective buyer?
The idea here is to turn their offensive statement back onto them, by reversing the “hot pan.”
I tell them that I understand their frustration, after all it’s not easy to be given a figure exceeding their expected price. By throwing in sympathy for their angst I’m able to see whether they are fishing with a “no funds” game, or if they are bottom feeders seeking to get something for nothing.
An aggressive buyer will respond with a counter-offer, realizing their initial approach failed to cause any scratches and dents. They become aware of the fact that once I close the door, they won’t be having a second change at getting the domain at the quoted price range.
A bottom feeder, no matter how educated or successful might be in their own field, will often retort with elevated statements of angst, frustration and a variety of insults. That’s when I pull the plug, telling them to go fish elsewhere.
There is no unified approach in how to deal with passive-agressive buyers that toss insults around. At least, let them bathe in their own sweat by deflecting their statements with a few cool words.
The majority of consumers seeking domains to build their brands on are just misinformed by the media spins. It makes it a little harder to deal with, however, I think a good approach is to provide a link to a more accurate, educational article published by a reputable source they more than likely heard of to clear the air. ReEducating them as to how the industry works and why the word “Squatting: doesn’t apply may not close a deal that day, however, the next time they inquire about a domain they can go into it more educated and equipped with the right information.
Great advise, I have come across many responses when it came to doing outbound and I did get the typical cybersquatter response. You are right on about having thick skin you simply have to keep on going and move on to the next one. No need to get angry or upset about it.
The same approach applies to inbound inquiries that give an offer an you give them a counter then simply never hear back from them. I believe you should continue to follow up from time to time in this case unless they tell you to stop.
– Will