Trying to buy a .com; owner not responding?

[martinc]

I am looking to buy a .com domain, set to expire in July 2011. The current owner is UK-based but has had a holding page up since 2006. I've emailed them but no response.

Digging around it appears they own maybe only 3 other domains and it maybe their business is no longer trading.

I figure I can either:
1. Email them again
2. Call - but I don't want to get into a bidding situation
3. Use a domain-buying intermediary like GoDaddy, Sedo, etc. - but can't really justify the expense at the moment
4. Wait and see if it drops next year

If I go the domain-buying route and the owner fails to respond, does this mean I can have the domain 'turned over'?

Any recommendations?

Many thanks-

 

[Skinner]

I don't respond to any buyers of my .com's unless there is a price included and the price interests me.

Its also possible they no longer use the registered email address so you'd need to try alternate methods of contact.

 

[willbon]

It's a financial decision.

How much is it worth to you ?... Or to someone else?

If it's worth something pursue, if not wait for drop and book a catcher.

 

[Bailey]

I'm with Skinner. I probably reply to about one in three direct enquiries, usually depending on the the number of end-user matches but also the enquirers wording.

Bare in mind
1. If the email is not bouncing then its probably an active account

2. If you can imagine several users wanting the domain - then trust me the holder knows likewise

 

[martinc]

@Skinner - Thanks. I have a mobile and a land line number to try.

@willbon - It's of low value to me. It's more of a "nice to have". ;-)

I know the area the owner lives in and it's a bit...shall we say, "tasty".

 

[martinc]

@Bailey - It's not a keyword as such but fairly niche. They could be just not answering.

 

[aZooZa]

The owner is probably not bothered, especially if no reply to email. Lots like that.

 

[martinc]

Are there any "rules" that say the owner must release the domain if pressed by someone wanting to use it?

I read there were - but this may be completely hearsay.

 

[aZooZa]

Are there any "rules" that say the owner must release the domain if pressed by someone wanting to use it?

I read there were - but this may be completely hearsay.

No!...........

 

[Bailey]

Are there any "rules" that say the owner must release the domain if pressed by someone wanting to use it?
I read there were - but this may be completely hearsay.

NOPE

Ps - do like the phone enquiries myself - can't ever remember turning one of them down, and always came to a satisfactory conclusion - guess it has something to do with the enquirer being reasonably confident in their offer - and me prefering the direct seller/buyer contact

 

[martinc]

@Bailey - Thanks for this.

@aZooZa - Okay!

 

[aZooZa]

Practise with Latona

 

[accelerator]

If it was me I'd probably give them a call, but make an offer that at the very least makes it worthwhile for them taking the time to transfer it.

Rgds

 

[Bailey]

Duplicate post

 

[Bailey]

It's of low value to me. It's more of a "nice to have". ;-)

Thats the Crux - and it probably comes across in your enquiries

Forget my last comment -Definately Don't Phone

 

[martinc]

@Bailey - ;-)

 

[Retired_member41]

Of course you should phone.

Unless as I am guessing from your post, you were hoping to have it taken off them and get it for free.

 

[martinc]

@Caz - Not quite; just trying to avoid a bidding war, excessive price or something similar where the price could get inflated 'just because I'm interested'.

 

[Retired_member41]

I am looking to buy a .com domain, set to expire in July 2011. The current owner is UK-based but has had a holding page up since 2006. I've emailed them but no response.

Digging around it appears they own maybe only 3 other domains and it maybe their business is no longer trading.

I figure I can either:
1. Email them again
2. Call - but I don't want to get into a bidding situation
3. Use a domain-buying intermediary like GoDaddy, Sedo, etc. - but can't really justify the expense at the moment
4. Wait and see if it drops next year

If I go the domain-buying route and the owner fails to respond, does this mean I can have the domain 'turned over'?

Any recommendations?

Many thanks-

Apologies if I am wrong, but reading again its the only question you are really looking for an answer to?

 

[martinc]

@Caz - Perhaps I should have said any other recommendations? (Apart from the ones I listed.)