I’ve been using Domain Name Sales to both park and sell domain names, ever since I moved my entire portfolio away from Sedo three years ago.
Since then, I’ve successfully completed numerous domain sales, utilizing several different escrow services or directly; the common denominator is that the lander has been that of DNS.
For the most part, I’ve faced very few issues, some of which were temporary glitches. Others, were promptly addressed by the Domain Name Sales team, and naturally, there are a few outstanding issues.
However, I have yet to find a platform that matches every benefit that DNS provides to domain investors that are seeking to sell their domain portfolios.
An issue I’d like to bring to the attention of both the DNS team and users of the platform, is that of confusion about the platform when quotes are sent out.
It seems that a number of inquiries arrive after a search of the DNS inventory. Other times, the similarity of the landing pages seems to indicate that domains are owned by the same entity, DNS.
A buyer referenced to me another domain, owned by a company also using DNS, and wanted a combined quote. I had to explain that we are two separate entities and not related, despite using the services of the same domain selling venue.
In a related issue, some DNS brokers have made reference of me as their “colleague” to the buyer, when I pass an unresponsive inquiry to them. While I’m flattered by that reference, it has the potential to create further confusion as to who owns the domain.
When searching through the Domain Name Sales inventory, the contact information of DNS is displayed, regardless of the setting to auto-broker. This can also complicate things, despite the good intentions of DNS to promote matching domains. Some of us simply want to exert a tighter control on both the language used, and the manner that quotes are provided and sales are conducted.
If I may add one more item I’d like to see addressed, it’s the long-standing “free quote” reference, that – to me – indicates the expectation by the person it’s sent to for a low/discounted rate. The word “Free” should not be used in reference to anything that is eventually tied to a price, as far as I’m concerned.
I agree 100% with the free quote thing. That’s probably one of my biggest issues. I also do not like that I select self broker, then somehow a DNS broker jumps in if communications stop.
Or when I clearly identify that the purchaser isn’t interested in buying the domain (I would get random form completions, requests for quotes for parts or products related to the domain names, or non english speaking individuals), and DNS brokers would follow up.
When I select to self broker the domain, I don’t want people eavesdropping and jumping in on my leads.
Otherwise, there are alot of great things about the platform. I moved my landers all to efty sales inquiry pages for now, but might try parking a few domains with DNS again soon. Also might start moving some domains to uniregistry.
Get rid of the free quote thing, I hate it.
@Rod Atkinson,
Considering the VP jumped into my negotiations unasked, ordered me to phrase things to his liking, and then banned me for disagreeing with him, I can’t imagine that the culture at DomainNameSales.com will ever honor the privacy or independence of domain owners.
But I hear geneticists are breeding winged pork …
I was banned, because I asked for my 6K on a sale that took place on April 10, 2014 and finally got paid on August 26 2014. GoDaddy had confirmed they paid DNS One year later, I have to manually change the servers each day, as the bulk edit did not work. This would not have happened if they would have used Escrow.com I was flushed like a toilet and thrown away, for asking for my money, on a sale. Still angry, each day one year later. Stepped on, like a ant. Thrown away, like trash.
Did you have to pay to move your portfolio from Sedo to Domainnamesales.com? I start to find Sedo completely useless.
While I never intended this post to become a list of ‘grievances’ I am certain that Domain Name Sales would address any such cases individually, even if they resulted in a heated exchange in the past.
Jean, anyone can open an account at Domain Name Sales.
Theo,
Thank you for bringing these issues to my attention. In the very near future DomainNameSales will be merging with Uniregistry, and we will be integrating many of the things we have learned into the new system. Complaints, suggestions, and ideas from our current customers, users, friends and employees are very helpful in that process.
As for some of the specific points:
1. We can certainly refer to you as a “client” instead of a colleague, although we consider us to be on the same team.
2. Our Phone number and contact information are, of course, the same for all of the domain names for which we are appointed broker. If you prefer to respond to inquiries on your own, our DomainNameSales brand is entrusted to you. Buyers can become confused, angry, or have questions about the validity of the DomainNameSales platform if they are not treated with respect. If you cannot agree to be civil to buyers on our platform, that is a matter of concern to us and to all of the other sellers on our platform. We want them to have a great experience, and come back to buy more domains. If they are not having a great experience hopefully they call us so we can help, and explain the industry.
Unsurprisingly, pricing seems to be the biggest complaint from buyers. You would be amazed at the number of buyers who call that do not understand that domains have value. Our Brokers speak to them, and lead them in the right direction.
3. Free Quote: We provide quotes for free, unlike other “offer services” which charge the buyer whether the offer is accepted or not. Simply put, Free Quote converted the best for us. I would rather a lead that I can talk to about giving them a free quote than no lead at all. (include the numbers you told me)
Thank you!
Jeffrey M. Gabriel
Vice President of Sales – DomainNameSales.com
1-800-818-1828 x6261
Jeffrey,
Thanks for responding. You raise a valid point. A potential lower value inquiry is better than no inquiry at all as maybe they can be converted. I may have been a little too harsh when I said “I hate it” 🙂
Jeff – I appreciate the response here.
I’m a practical guy and while I have no problem following the rule-set of a venue or marketplace, there are things that I do need to do in a certain order or manner, hence this post.
I believe that it’s important to separate self-brokered sales from the rest. It’s either a self-brokered sale, or it is with the assistance of brokers, including the very capable DNS brokers – but not a mix of both. Searches for domains clearly display the DNS contact number, not that of portfolio holders that have opted to self-broker that particular domain that turns up in the search.
While I’m not complaining per se, I noticed that when conversations merge the references of “owner” and “colleague”, some buyers might get confused about who is the seller of the domain, or about who they have been talking to prior to being passed onto a broker. I have yet to find anything inappropriate from a DNS broker, and I do appreciate their role in completing sales, and their effort even when they do not. I’m always thankful to them in person as well.
I agree that certain types of conduct aren’t acceptable, but there should be some sort of “3 strikes” system. I believe that Joseph’s incident – he has described it to me in detail – was a little over the top. If anything else, I’ve personally responded with equal or more heat to buyers that were clearly abusive or threatening.
Perhaps you could set aside the particulars of the incident and invite Joseph back to DNS on the agreement that more discussion is needed on improving the context of responses allowed or not permitted. Just my 2 cents.
Unfortunately, I will have to disagree with your approach on the “free quote”, and I have asked for the ability to make that text editable. It’s not a pet peeve, as responses from buyers have been that the “free” reference was some type of “special” or “discount”. I do not want to give this impression about any of my domain assets.
@Acro,
Thanks for putting in the good word. Nice of you.
However, returning to DomainNameSales would be like sticking my head in the mouth of a hyena. I’m not looking for a rapprochement.
I think Acro brings up a great point. Why not allow the text to be edited? I don’t see the harm in that at all. If you want to control the message, at least give a few other options people can choose from. Some people don’t want the low quality leads and since we can handle our own inquires on DNS, I don’t see why this would be an issue.
Theo,
When a buyer makes an inquiry on a domain that is not being represented by DomainNameSales they are given the following statement: “This name is offered for sale directly by a DomainNameSales client. We do not necessarily endorse any statement made by this name’s owner in their communication with you.”
In your sales settings you are given the opportunity to enter your name, phone number, Skype handle, and QQ screen name which will be presented on that very same screen. Front and center.
Make it a great day!
Jeffrey M. Gabriel
1-800-818-1828 x6261
Hi Jeff – which page would that be?
When I search for any domain at DNS I get the following statement regardless of the portfolio’s management status:
“[domain] has been listed for sale by the owner. If you prefer not to make an inquiry online, please contact us through our brokerage desk, 7am-7pm CST at 1-800-818-1828.”
Theo,
If the domain is targeted to adult, or has a “specific keyword” setting it goes to that page you have noted.
Jeffrey M. Gabriel
1-800-818-1828 x6261
Jeff – The text I quoted above is from the DNS search and isn’t for an adult domain. Naturally, a specific keyword setting – for the purpose of displaying relevant ads – is set for most domains. I will follow up with an email and examples. Thanks.
@Jeff,
Suppose I make someone a $26 offer via DomainNameSales; and the owner sends me a hand-written reply with links to comparable sales, while explaining that the domain I inquired about is something he intends to keep personally and isn’t for sale.
Then I tell the domain owner to go away and leave me alone. But they reply reminding me that I contacted THEM first. Suppose I’m a woman, and the domain owner uses such profane language as “Listen, Lady”.
This might hurt my feelings. If I complain to DomainNameSales, will you personally ban the domain owner?
As a buyer’s broker, I’d like to use this as leverage. I can purchase domains much more cheaply through DomainNameSales once it is known that Jeff Gabriel bans owners who upset the feelings of $26 buyers.
@Mr. Peterson,
Your comment about the “feelings of $26 buyers” gets right to the problem. We expect users of our platform to treat people with dignity due another human being, and not as a “$26 buyer” to insult. Even after we had to devote staff time to address your treatment of this person, you were not suspended from the platform. When asked “Will you act professionally?” you said you would not, you have never stated otherwise, and we take you at your word. That choice was given to you and it remains your choice to make. Likewise, we can choose not to allow someone to use our platform who has expressly stated they have no intention of treating other human beings with basic respect.
Jeffrey Gabriel
1-800-818-1828 x6261
@Jeff,
Interpersonal relations are definitely your strong suit, Jeff. What an honor to be lectured by you!
Humans are very fragile indeed if saying “Listen, lady” deprives them of the “dignity due another human being”. What pomposity! What other phrases should domain owners be afraid of using in negotiations lest Jeff Gabriel descend from on high in His chariot of fire?
Let’s be honest, Jeff. You’re accustomed to getting your way. When you showed up out of the blue to lecture me, you anticipated a craven apology. Unfortunately, I didn’t kiss your feet. Instead I explained why a domain owner’s autonomy matters; and, rather than address any of the points I raised, you banned me to gratify your own overinflated ego. This had nothing to do with that rude woman and everything to do with my “talking back”.
How plausible is it that I said that I wouldn’t act professionally? Look your condescending self in the mirror, sir!
What I said, in fact, was that I regarded my behavior as appropriate, that I didn’t appreciate your meddling, and that it would be dangerous for the VP to threaten the seller with a ban any time some buyer complains. For that, an arrogant VP who believes he has the right to dictate how domain owners phrase their negotiations (and who can’t accept differences of opinion) banned me.
Jeff, the only person who asked you to “devote staff time” to meddling in a customer’s business was a rude woman who is unlikely ever to become a customer.
Let’s look at this rationally and judge your competence as VP. There were 2 people involved:
(1) A woman who makes a $26 offer, acts rudely to the domain owner, then wastes your staff time to complain that she didn’t get her way. She then forgets about the domain industry for another year.
(2) Me, a domain professional who had been a DNS customer for several years, pointed thousands of domains at your site, wrote countless hand-written responses to your site’s visitors explaining the value of domains, and who brought many other portfolio owners to the DNS platform as customers. Unlike that $26 non-customer, I write about the domain industry daily in public and in private.
Which 1 of these 2 customers is really a customer? Which 1 of these 2 brought DomainNameSales more traffic and money, directly and indirectly? Which 1 of these 2 is more concerned with ensuring a positive image for the domain industry? Which 1 of these 2, if alienated, will write more negative reviews of your company?
Put those 2 in the balance. Nobody can say Jeff Gabriel made a rational choice. Banning a guy for saying “Listen, lady”? Come on! The only explanation that makes any sense is the one I’ve offered – that Jeff can’t stand being contradicted, habitually meddles in customers’ business, and pushes people around.
From your emails to me, it’s also clear that DomainNameSales views domain owners who self-broker with contempt, as dead weight. Your resentment was palpable.
I think DNS is in the right here. It’s their platform. If they want you to treat customers with respect, then do it if you want to use their system. If you want to be rude to people, do it somewhere else.
@Brad,
That’s a straw man, though. Everybody (myself included) agrees with that; so it isn’t the real issue. And it isn’t what happened in my case.
Yes, DNS has the right to ban domain owners. It’s their platform; so they can ban everybody less than 6 feet tall if they like.
Yes, if a seller is egregiously rude on a regular basis such that he damages the experience of visitors, then DomainNameSales might be prudent in removing that seller. I agree.
I wasn’t banned for being rude. After 2 polite emails to this woman, she was rude to me; and I replied in email 3 by saying “Listen, lady”. Did Jeff Gabriel ban me for that? No, as he himself states above, he didn’t.
What he said was this:
“YOU are a representative of DomainNameSales.com. The reality is these buyers think you are an employee of our company. ”
So I replied by telling Jeff that I didn’t regard myself as a representative of his company. I also argued that, by taking sides with a buyer against a seller, he was interfering in my business in a way that most domain owners would not appreciate.
That’s why Jeff Gabriel banned me – for questioning him.