Domain Names and Covid-19

written by

JoeUddeme

JoeUddeme

Domain Names and Covid-19

Over the past few weeks, there have been many readers asking about the effects of Domai Names and Covid-19 on domain names. Should we hold our names, or sell them now? How has the impact of the global pandemic affected domain name investors and owners of valuable digital assets?  Will we be heading for a deeper depression, and how would all of that translate into the current value of your domain name portfolio.

In the short term, if you can sit on your names, you would probably be better off in the long run. The market uncertainty has thrown domain name values for a loop. Financial market volatility has a direct correlation with domain name investment values. As a result, now is not the time to sell your domain name to the end-user. Its also not the time to expect top dollar values on your domain name inventory.

The market is different and is reactive to today’s landscape. Folks are still trying to figure things out—and most importantly—stay healthy. We are faced with a new way of life now with remote workplaces, and limited exposure to the people we care most about. When the dust settles, domain name portfolios will evolve and some additional GTLD’s will continue to go by the wayside. Domain name starts will continue to suffer (a start is defined as a new potential domain name acquisition or valuation).

Brands push Pause

Just three weeks ago, domain starts were up. The market was robust and many startups, and emerging brands had major growth. 2020 was off to a great start and then boom. In a matter of weeks, things have dried up. Most acquisitions that were on the target board have been placed on hold, with buyers deciding to wait for the dust to settle from the outbreak. Things are rough and will continue to deteriorate.

Growth has turned into retraction with global markets reacting to their municipalities ability to control the spread. Simply put: things have frozen. People aren’t spending and have decided to stand pat. Hundreds of thousands of employees are losing, or have already lost their jobs around the World. Companies are scrambling for a plan to deal with the circumstances.

What should we do?

As with any alternative or digital investment, it’s wise to have a long-term plan. Domain names, are very similar to real estate and will ultimately retain value and upside. More specifically, .com digital real estate will continue to hold value. Additional TLDS will continue to fade out—at a fast clip than over the past two years.

  • Only sell if you need the capital—understand that the market is different so selling now, will probably not deliver top dollar for your asset.
  • Hold if you Can—now, more than ever, you should hold your inventory. You might be in it for a while at this point. Can you afford to wait for the proper rebound?
  • Don’t panic—there is always liquidity in domain names
  • Diversify your portfolio—now is the time to clean out the junk and trim the fat so-to-speak

We always encourage you to like our articles and share with your network. Keep a look out for additional pieces related to the current climate for domain names as an investment tool and provide your feedback if there are topics you would like for us to cover. Learn more by visiting our website. NameExperts.com

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Understanding the Domain Name Scam

Protecting Against Domain Name Scams   It’s essential to understand the different types of domain name scams to protect yourself and your online identity. Domain name holders must be vigilant about renewing their domain names to retain exclusive rights and maintain their online identity. These domain name scams can be difficult to spot, but there are ways to identify them, such as recognizing phishing emails. The domain name renewal scam typically involves urgent phone calls or emails pressuring you to renew your domain names immediately and pay or risk losing your domain. The domain name renewal scam tries to trick people using phishing scams and deceptive tactics when registering names. Awareness and reporting are crucial to protect yourself. Be cautious of emails or letters that create a sense of urgency or threaten to cancel your domain name registration. Watch out for fraudulent domain renewal notices that may look official but are not. Domain registrations often come with options for renewal or transfer, so explore these to avoid falling for scams. Always verify the authenticity of the email or letter by contacting your registrar company directly. Be aware of deceptive practices by companies that send official-looking letters from a domain registry, urging you to transfer your registrations under false pretenses.   Protecting Yourself from Domain Scams   Use a secure payment method to pay for domain name renewal. Recognizing legitimate renewal notices is essential to avoid unnecessary fees and potential loss of domain ownership for the customer. Verify the authenticity of the email or letter by contacting your domain registrar company directly. Scammers often exploit the relationship with your existing registrar by suggesting that a transfer is merely a renewal process. Monitor your domain name registration and renewal dates to avoid missing important deadlines. Scammers use various methods, including urgent phone calls and deceptive emails, to execute a renewal scam. Use domain locking to prevent illegal transfers. Domain hijacking is another threat that can be mitigated by this measure. Registration scams typically manifest through fake renewal notices, creating confusion and unwarranted financial pressure. Keep your contact information private by using a domain name privacy service. Scammers may trick owners through fake offers, exploiting confusion around domain registration and renewal. Be cautious of emails or letters that create a sense of urgency or threaten to cancel your domain name registration. Fraudulent phishing scams often target website owners, using tactics to deceive them into believing they owe money or need to make changes to their domain or hosting services.   Understanding Domain Name Renewal Scam   A Domain name renewal scam is a type of intellectual property scam or confidence scam that target the owner. These scams can result in financial loss for businesses and individuals. The financial loss can be substantial, affecting both small businesses and large corporations. Domain name scams can take many forms, including domain slamming, false offers to buy or sell domains, and fake trademark protection. It’s essential to understand the different types of domain name scams to protect yourself and your online identity. Domain Registry of America is an example of a fake trademark protection service. They contact the website owner claiming to have a trademark right or warning someone else owns the rights to your name. Check your expiration date and make sure your domain information is protected so you don’t lose control of your asset. Register and renew for extended periods. Domain name scams often involve unscrupulous domain name registrars attempting to generate revenue by tricking businesses into buying, selling, listing, or converting a domain name. These scams can be difficult to spot, but there are ways to identify scam tactics. Be cautious of emails or letters that create a sense of urgency or threaten to cancel your domain name registration. Always verify the authenticity of the email or letter by contacting your registrar company directly. Be able to recognize scammer tactics by paying attention to blog post and article updates. Customers should also consider adding two-factor authentication for all registered accounts.   What is a Domain Name Scam?   A domain name scam is a type of intellectual property scam or confidence scam that targets domain name owners. These scams involve unscrupulous individuals or companies attempting to trick domain owners into buying, selling, listing, or converting domains. The consequences can be severe, leading to financial loss for businesses and individuals, and even the loss of control over a domain name. Scammers often use deceptive tactics to make their offers or demands appear legitimate, preying on the lack of awareness among domain stakeholders.   Definition of domain name scams A domain name scam is a fraudulent scheme where scammers deceive individuals or businesses into paying for fake registration services, overpriced renewals, or by impersonating legitimate registrars. It often involves phishing, domain hijacking, or misleading offers to trick victims into making unauthorized payments or losing control of their domain   Importance of awareness and prevention Awareness is the first line of defense against domain name scams. The website owner must be vigilant and proactive in protecting their assets. This means being cautious of unsolicited offers, verifying the authenticity of emails and letters, and keeping domain registration information up to date. By understanding the risks and taking preventative measures, website owners can safeguard themselves from getting scammed. Regularly monitoring domain status and using secure payment methods for renewals are also crucial steps in prevention.   Domain Registry and Scams   Domain renewal scams: fake notices and invoices Domain scams are a common tactic used by the scammer to trick the owner into paying for unnecessary services or transferring their site to a different registrar. These scams typically involve sending fake notices or invoices that claim the domain name is due for renewal. Often involving inflated prices, notices often appear to be from the a registry or a legitimate company, but they are actually from fraudsters posing as an internet registry Swindlers use various tactics to make these notices or invoices appear legitimate. They may include the domain owner’s contact information and registration details, creating a sense of urgency by claiming that the domain names will expire or be lost if the renewal fee is not paid immediately. They may ask for you to renew your domain and pay an exorbitant fee.This pressure can lead the holder to act hastily without verifying the authenticity of the notice or link. They may also try an inflated price on the renewal scam for your website or use a scare tactic and tell you your name is about to expire if you don’t pay a fee To avoid domain scams, website owners should be cautious of unsolicited notices or invoices. Always verify the authenticity of the sender by contacting the current registrar directly or checking the domain name holders registration information online. Be wary of notices or invoices that create a sense of urgency or demand payment for unnecessary services. By staying vigilant and taking these precautions, domain parties can protect themselves from scams and maintain control over their domain names.   Protecting Yourself from Domain Scams   To protect yourself from domain scams, it’s crucial to be vigilant and take proactive steps. Here are some tips to help you avoid falling victim to domain scams: Keep your domain registration information valid, up to date and secure so it never expires. Simply renewing ahead of time. Set a calendar reminder to be a step ahead Be cautious of emails or letters that create a sense of urgency or threaten to cancel your domain name registration. Verify the authenticity of the email or letter by contacting your domain registrar or reseller directly. Use secure payment methods when you register and renew your site or domain name. Avoid Mail that contains your physical mail address. Address customer concerns by contacting customer support. Monitor your domain name registration and renewal dates to avoid missing important deadlines. Consider adding auto-renew as a double check for registering your asset before it expires. Use domain locking to prevent unauthorized transfers of your registered assets. Keep some money in the registrar account in case you have an issue with your credit card when you pay. Keep your contact information private by using a domain name privacy or proxy mail service. By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to domain scams and protect your online website identity for your domains.   Reporting Domain Scams to Your Domain Registrar   If you suspect that you have been a victim of a domain scam, it’s essential to report it to the relevant authorities. Here are some steps you can take: Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) using the link provided. Share the information about the scam on social media to warn others. Use the social media links provided to share the post. Report the scam to your domain registrar company such as Network Solutions. Contact the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Complaint department and let them know about the letter or email. File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) if the scammer is a business. By reporting domain scams, you can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam and bring the fraudsters to justice. Protecting Against Domain Name Scams   It’s essential to understand the different types of domain name scams to protect yourself and your online identity. Domain name holders must be vigilant about renewing their domain names to retain exclusive rights and maintain their online identity.   These domain name scams can be difficult to spot, but there are ways to identify them, such as recognizing phishing emails. The domain name renewal scam typically involves urgent phone calls or emails pressuring you to renew your domain names immediately and pay or risk losing your domain. The domain name renewal scam tries to trick people using phishing scams and deceptive tactics when registering names.   Awareness and reporting are crucial to protect yourself. Be cautious of emails or letters that create a sense of urgency or threaten to cancel your domain name registration. Watch out for fraudulent domain renewal notices that may look official but are not.   Domain registrations often come with options for renewal or transfer, so explore these to avoid falling for scams. Always verify the authenticity of the email or letter by contacting your registrar company directly.   Be aware of deceptive practices by companies that send official-looking letters from a domain registry, urging you to transfer your registrations under false pretenses.   Protecting Yourself from Domain Scams   Use a secure payment method to pay for domain name renewal. Recognizing legitimate renewal notices is essential to avoid unnecessary fees and potential loss of domain ownership for the customer.   Verify the authenticity of the email or letter by contacting your domain registrar company directly. Scammers often exploit the relationship with your existing registrar by suggesting that a transfer is merely a renewal process.   Monitor your domain name registration and renewal dates to avoid missing important deadlines. Scammers use various methods, including urgent phone calls and deceptive emails, to execute a renewal scam. Use domain locking to prevent illegal transfers.   Domain hijacking is another threat that can be mitigated by this measure. Registration scams typically manifest through fake renewal notices, creating confusion and unwarranted financial pressure. Keep your contact information private by using a domain name privacy service.   Scammers may trick owners through fake offers, exploiting confusion around domain registration and renewal. Be cautious of emails or letters that create a sense of urgency or threaten to cancel your domain name registration.   Fraudulent phishing scams often target website owners, using tactics to deceive them into believing they owe money or need to make changes to their domain or hosting services.   Understanding Domain Name Renewal Scam   A Domain name renewal scam is a type of intellectual property scam or confidence scam that target the owner. These scams can result in financial loss for businesses and individuals. The financial loss can be substantial, affecting both small businesses and large corporations.   Domain name scams can take many forms, including domain slamming, false offers to buy or sell domains, and fake trademark protection. It’s essential to understand the different types of domain name scams to protect yourself and your online identity.   Domain Registry of America is an example of a fake trademark protection service. They contact the website owner claiming to have a trademark right or warning someone else owns the rights to your name.   Check your expiration date and make sure your domain information is protected so you don’t lose control of your asset. Register and renew for extended periods.   Domain name scams often involve unscrupulous domain name registrars attempting to generate revenue by tricking businesses into buying, selling, listing, or converting a domain name.   These scams can be difficult to spot, but there are ways to identify scam tactics. Be cautious of emails or letters that create a sense of urgency or threaten to cancel your domain name registration. Always verify the authenticity of the email or letter by contacting your registrar company directly.   Be able to recognize scammer tactics by paying attention to blog post and article updates. Customers should also consider adding two-factor authentication for all registered accounts.   What is a Domain Name Scam?   A domain name scam is a type of intellectual property scam or confidence scam that targets domain name owners. These scams involve unscrupulous individuals or companies attempting to trick domain owners into buying, selling, listing, or converting domains.   The consequences can be severe, leading to financial loss for businesses and individuals, and even the loss of control over a domain name. Scammers often use deceptive tactics to make their offers or demands appear legitimate, preying on the lack of awareness among domain stakeholders.   Definition of domain name scams   A domain name scam is a fraudulent scheme where scammers deceive individuals or businesses into paying for fake registration services, overpriced renewals, or by impersonating legitimate registrars. It often involves phishing, domain hijacking, or misleading offers to trick victims into making unauthorized payments or losing control of their domain   Importance of awareness and prevention   Awareness is the first line of defense against domain name scams. The website owner must be vigilant and proactive in protecting their assets. This means being cautious of unsolicited offers, verifying the authenticity of emails and letters, and keeping domain registration information up to date.   By understanding the risks and taking preventative measures, website owners can safeguard themselves from getting scammed. Regularly monitoring domain status and using secure payment methods for renewals are also crucial steps in prevention.   Domain Registry and Scams   Domain renewal scams: fake notices and invoices   Domain scams are a common tactic used by the scammer to trick the owner into paying for unnecessary services or transferring their site to a different registrar.   These scams typically involve sending fake notices or invoices that claim the domain name is due for renewal. Often involving inflated prices, notices often appear to be from the a registry or a legitimate company, but they are actually from fraudsters posing as an internet registry   Swindlers use various tactics to make these notices or invoices appear legitimate. They may include the domain owner’s contact information and registration details, creating a sense of urgency by claiming that the domain names will expire or be lost if the renewal fee is not paid immediately.   They may ask for you to renew your domain and pay an exorbitant fee.This pressure can lead the holder to act hastily without verifying the authenticity of the notice or link.   They may also try an inflated price on the renewal scam for your website or use a scare tactic and tell you your name is about to expire if you don’t pay a fee   To avoid domain scams, website owners should be cautious of unsolicited notices or invoices. Always verify the authenticity of the sender by contacting the current registrar directly or checking the domain name holders registration information online.   Be wary of notices or invoices that create a sense of urgency or demand payment for unnecessary services. By staying vigilant and taking these precautions, domain parties can protect themselves from scams and maintain control over their domain names.   Protecting Yourself from Domain Scams   To protect yourself from domain scams, it’s crucial to be vigilant and take proactive steps. Here are some tips to help you avoid falling victim to domain scams:   Keep your domain registration information valid, up to date and secure so it never expires. Simply renewing ahead of time. Set a calendar reminder to be a step ahead Be cautious of emails or letters that create a sense of urgency or threaten to cancel your domain name registration. Verify the authenticity of the email or letter by contacting your domain registrar or reseller directly. Use secure payment methods when you register and renew your site or domain name. Avoid Mail that contains your physical mail address. Address customer concerns by contacting customer support. Monitor your domain name registration and renewal dates to avoid missing important deadlines. Consider adding auto-renew as a double check for registering your asset before it expires. Use domain locking to prevent unauthorized transfers of your registered assets. Keep some money in the registrar account in case you have an issue with your credit card when you pay. Keep your contact information private by using a domain name privacy or proxy mail service.   By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to domain scams and protect your online website identity for your domains.   Reporting Domain Scams to Your Domain Registrar   If you suspect that you have been a victim of a domain scam, it’s essential to report it to the relevant authorities. Here are some steps you can take:   Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) using the link provided. Share the information about the scam on social media to warn others. Use the social media links provided to share the post. Report the scam to your domain registrar company such as Network Solutions. Contact the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Complaint department and let them know about the letter or email. File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) if the scammer is a business.   By reporting domain scams, you can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam and bring the fraudsters to justice.

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Domain investors in China should buy Western Premium domains

Domain investors in China Western Premiums .com global domain appeal For those of you that follow the domain investor market, specifically in China, you can see all types of newly minted investors looking for the next great domain name investment. Most Chinese investors are focused on the domain names that have relevance inside of mainland China. The most popular investments in China are the short acronym domain, or simple numeric domain names as they translate to meaning to the Chinese culture. Some examples include the following: 15.com (NN.com) 123.com (NNN.com) TR.com (LL.com) TYPL.com (LLLL.com) 6N.com (LN.com) N6.com (NL.com Western Premiums: Most Chinese investors will tell you they tend to shy away from the Western-type domain names as they don’t have meaning in mainland China. Names that contact vowels, and the letter “v”. Are they limiting their long-term growth potential? Some would say it’s a safer investment. We tend to disagree, and here’s why… As domain investments continue to increase in China, we are seeing the investor branching out into some of the new GTLD extensions as alternative investments including; .club, .top, .wang. They are acquiring these names for much lower costs than the typical .com investment. Is that a solid investment? We say NO… The Chinese investor is savvy, but they are limiting their investment opportunity. In most instances, domain investors in China are only focused on these types of names because they create liquidity and are very attractive to the Chinese on a quick-flip model. Additionally, the Chinese investor should look at the plethora of available .com domain name inventory on the aftermarket. Tons of fantastic domain inventory is readily available. Short, generic and easy to spell English words that are SOLID investments. The saturation of the Internet continues to precipitously grow year-over-year, currently, 52.2 percent of the Chinese population is online. Case in point, you can do the math and see the longer-term opportunity. Should you limit yourself as an investor? With the .com market  stronger than ever with fantastic acquisition opportunities and names that ultimately have that global appeal and market reach. Domain investors in China will start to acquire the short, generic .com domains as trillions of dollars are available for private Chinese investors.  George Kirikos had a fantastic post in twitter, referencing 12,000 startups  that are being created every day in China. The domain investor continues to evolve and grow. Investors should  look at the longer-term investment opportunity and acquire names that are globally acceptable and not limited to mainland China only.

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The Best Places to Buy and Sell Domain Names

1. Sedo Sedo is a dedicated domain marketplace (similar to GoDaddy) with millions of users. It has been around for over two decades, making it a trusted marketplace for buying and selling domains. Any domain name owner can sign up for free and list their domain for sale on the website, and prospective buyers can easily contact them through the platform to buy domains. On Sedo, sellers can set a fixed price for their domain, put it up for auction, or indicate that they’re entertaining offers with an unspecified price range. When buyers come to the site, they can search for any keyword and check if anyone has listed a related domain name on the market. Sedo Search Sample: The first three results are bikes.org, bikes.co, and bikes.biz, which are premium domain names and Sedo also includes other domain names that are closely related to your search phrase to sell domains. The first two domains in this example have a Make Offer buttons next to them, while the last has a Buy It Now button for your popular domain. This indicates that the domain sellers of the first two domains put them up for auction, while the third domain’s owner set a fixed price for their marketing strategy. As a buyer, you’re free to search for any specific URL and find related domains listed on Sedo to find the perfect domain. Purchasing from the domain marketplace requires added registration and jumping through a few other hoops, but it’s worth it as Sedo has such a large selection of premium domains available for acquisition. Search for domains on Sedo: Sedo Domain Marketplace 2. NamePros NamePros is an online community for domain name owners to interact and discuss events related to their industry. In the forum’s early days, users commonly posted they had domain names available for sale and wanted to connect with potential buyers. Observing this, the owner of the forum launched an official domain marketplace section for buying and selling domain names. On NamePros, any registered user can list the domain names they have available in a forum post. To make the domains easy for prospective buyers to find, NamePros has formal categories that users can attach to their posts to find the perfect domain. How much is it worth? Namepros can also share pertinent details of recently sold domains that are similar in nature to your domain search. Because it is a forum, NamePros only helps buyers and owners find each other and it’s up to them to negotiate and decide how they’ll handle payments for the domain. This is unlike Sedo, which facilitates payments and domain transfers for its users among other services. When using NamePros to buy a domain you should be more careful about your purchase. Set specific terms with the seller before proceeding on any deal and use a trusted online escrow service (e.g. Escrow.com) to ensure that the payment goes through only after the seller has transferred the domain name to your preferred registrar. You can find a large variety of domain names for sale on NamePros, making it one of the best domain marketplaces in the World. Search for domains on NamePros: NamePros Domain Marketplace 3. Flippa Flippa is a marketplace competing with Godaddy for buying and selling online properties, including websites and domain names. The platform has facilitated millions of dollars in domain name sales since its inception in 2009 and has built a reputation as one of the most trusted domain name marketplaces to find the perfect domain name. The most expensive domain name deal arranged on Flippa was StockPhoto.com, which sold for $250,000. Any domain name owner can sign up on Flippa and list their domains, but it requires a payment; $29 for a base listing and $99 for an enhanced listing. Sellers often pick the second option because it makes their domains more visible to potential buyers looking for the perfect domain name. As a buyer, you can create a free account on Flippa and find domain names matching your taste. You can then search for a specific keyword and find related domain names listed by domain owners to buy domain names based on cost, features and budget. Easy to use: To demonstrate, we searched for “cars” and got the results displayed in the image below:

Why Work with Name Experts

Name Experts offers personalized domain brokerage services, assisting clients in buying or selling premium domain names with expert appraisal, negotiation, and complete transaction management while ensuring confidentiality.

Some of our most
successful stealth acquisition and sales

Aid.com

Fit.com

Mine.com

GLD.com

Jeff.com

Fora.com

Nori.com

Secure.com

Guitar.com

F*ck.com

Radian.com

MetaData.com

Prize.com

Link.com

Loop.com

Programs.com

Claim.com

Quince.com

Hook.com

QXO.com

NQ.com

Rest.com

Humani.com

Max.com

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