August 1, 2017

Stealth Acquisitions Domain Name

written by

Joe Uddeme

Joe Uddeme

Stealth Acquisitions Domain Name

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Some domain acquisitions are straightforward, but others are less so. Joe Uddeme, Director of NameExperts.com, explains what happens when a client wants a domain that seems out of reach – and they want to keep their name out of the picture, too.

 

As a buy-side broker specializing in stealth acquisitions, it’s our job to dig deep and find the rightful owner of a domain name while protecting the identity of the buyer. The problem is that some domain owners make it very difficult to reach them.

What’s the psyche behind this rationale?

For a start, not all domain name owners are equal; some just don’t want to be contacted or have zero interest in selling their domain name. Or perhaps it’s just a case that their whois information is out of date – making it difficult to decipher the current domain owner.

GDPR is another major change. Many countries now adhere to stricter policies related to domain name owner privacy, with many whois entries now redacted for owners’ privacy rights.

But all is not lost. Quietly tracking down “unreachable” domain owners and securing them for anonymous clients is what we do best. And we can do it for you.

Key Takeaways

  • What your broker needs to know to get started
  • Buying a domain name – what you need to know
  • How to choose a stealth acquisition broker

Stealth acquisitions – what to do first

Stealth acquisitions represent an opportunity for a buyer to be protected by complete anonymity. You should understand this before reaching out to a broker, as you need to have an idea of what will happen next.

Try and answer these questions BEFORE making contact:

  1. Have you completed a relevant trademark search around the keyword in question?
  2. Have you established a budget to complete this potential acquisition?
  3. Have you established a timeline for this potential acquisition?
  4. Are you familiar with aftermarket domain name valuations?
  5. Have you thought about viable alternatives if your target might not be available?
  6. What type of barriers do you see in this potential acquisition?

Buy-side brokers need to understand the full story about why you want this domain and anything you have done so far to try and get it, including previous acquisition attempts.

They will then attempt to drill down into the fine details and identify – and contact – the rightful domain name owner. The buy-side broker should also be able to act as a buffer between buyer and seller and remove any emotion from a potential deal.

Black cat ready to pounce, to denote 'stealth' for blog post about stealthy domain name acquisitions

 

Buying a domain name – the steps involved

Here are the basic steps to acquire a domain name:

  1. Identify ownership and research if the name is available
  2. Submit an offer to the owner
  3. Negotiate
  4. Agree on the price and complete paperwork (if applicable)
  5. Set up Escrow for payment
  6. Registrar transfer via push or authorization code
  7. Confirm control of the name
  8. Release funds

Tools to try if you’re trying to track down an owner yourself:

  1. Check the DNS and see where the domain is pointing to. Is there a website, or is it undeveloped?
  2. Whois history is a valuable tool to understand the true history of the domain name.
  3. Check the Wayback Machine to see what other properties have been developed on the URL in the past.

If working with a buy-side broker, they should offer the following upside for any stealth acquisitions:

  • Negotiate with YOU in mind; no dual agency in this scenario.
  • Provide contracts that protect ALL parties involved.
  • Typically save you time and money.
  • Allows for a third-party (non-biased) approach towards the acquisition.
  • Coordinate necessary contractual paperwork between parties.
  • Facilitate and handle smooth transfers of domain names.
  • Offer transparency and full disclosure.
  • Non-disclosure where applicable.

 

How to choose a broker for your stealth acquisition

Start by researching suitable candidates to help with your domain name acquisition. Don’t identify the asset unless you are sure you have found the buy-side broker you’re certain you want to work with. Ask the broker for information about their service and a few names they recently acquired for clients.

Find out how your broker can add value to your potential acquisition; always do a Google search to learn more about the broker you are working with.

Take the time to find an expert that can properly assist you with all of your acquisition needs. Ask lots of questions and make sure you feel aligned with the broker. Hold the broker accountable and require status updates so you aren’t left in the dark as they progress.

In most instances, your stealth acquisition needs to be completed right the first time. Most domain name acquisitions only have one chance to secure the domain name target without leaving extra money on the table.

Stealth acquisitions should only be performed by a seasoned domain name buy-side broker, so choose your broker carefully. You should understand if the broker has certain strengths or weaknesses.

Some buy-side brokers don’t have the tools or knowledge to find the rightful domain owner. Or they lack rich relationships with industry veterans. Other buy-side brokers are excellent at managing the acquisition but terrible at the details.

Details are key when it comes to any domain name acquisition. Contracts and paperwork can take months to pass through the legal channels, so it’s important to find a representative that is fully vested and can assist you with all aspects of the buy-side domain name acquisition process.

Finally, when selecting a buy-side broker, make sure you ask for referrals so you get a feel for how they work. Once you have faith in your broker you can instruct them to make contact with the rightful domain owner and secure the perfect domain name for your brand.

 

About the author

Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Stealth acquisitions are his specialty. Contact us at: [email protected]

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The third reason that people start to wonder how much domain names cost and start registering domain names is when they are investing. Domain name investing was really popular at the start of the internet age, when popular keywords were still available. Nowadays, a lot of domain names are already taken (read: what to do if the domain you want is taken), but domain investing can still be a great way to earn money. If you’re working with a broker who is managing your domain portfolio, you can find domains that have the potential for significant value and buy them now so that you can sell them for a profit later. How Much Do Domain Names Cost In general, you can purchase a domain name for $2-$20 a year, depending on discounts available and who you’re purchasing it from. Newer domain extensions, the part at the end of your address, like .app or .info might cost more, as they are newer on the market. We can break down how much domain names cost based on a couple of factors. Like we just said, the domain extension can increase the price – for example, using .com might be more expensive than .shop. Where you purchase your domain name is another factor. A reputable registrar might be less expensive than an aftermarket service or private seller. Additionally, if you choose to register for multiple years and elect to include domain privacy it can also increase or decrease the price of your domain name. You’ll find that the most expensive domain names will be the ones you’ll find on auction houses, through private sellers, or aftermarket services. Unfortunately, there are no hard or definitive prices for domain names, regardless of the avenue you choose to purchase from. The domain name industry varies, just like real estate. Sometimes it’s a seller’s market, sometimes it’s a buyer’s market – as our guide to domain name valuation illustrates. Scarcity, though, is what drives domain name prices to eye-watering levels. Add in desirabilty, and you have a recipe for domain name costs that can shoot through the roof. The most expensive domain name ever sold – cars.com – went for just a little short of a billion dollars. Make sure you consult a domain broker if you’re looking to buy from a private seller, or are looking to purchase a domain that is already owned. Brokers are experienced and can handle all of the ins and outs of the acquisition and negotiation process so that you get the domain you deserve at a fair price. Why You Should Consider Hiring A Broker As mentioned above, hiring an experienced domain broker might be the best idea to make sure you get the domain you want. However, for a readily-available name, such as parkmylimo.com, there’s no need – it’s yours from any of the registration companies for just a few dollars. If you can be flexible when the domain you want isn’t available, that’s another great way to snap up a bargain, too. Sometimes, though, you can’t proceed without a certain domain name. Even the mighty Tesla struggled to do what they wanted with the brand because they didn’t own tesla.com. They eventually bought it – after many years of negotiations and a price tag thought to be in the many millions. A broker with experience will know the market inside out. He or she will have a thick contact book, and their years of experience provide leverage when negotiating the best price for you. If going it alone, look out for hidden fees, discount scams, and even hidden costs in your written agreements. This is where having a domain broker on your side comes in handy. They know the lingo, they’ve negotiated before, and they aren’t emotionally invested, which means they just want to get you the best deal. Let a broker help you navigate this industry and help you determine what might be too good to be true. Sometimes, when a great domain seems really cheap, it might be because there are hidden fees when registering. A domain broker can help you choose a reputable registrar and find the right price.   About the author Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact us at: [email protected]

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