I have all of my names pointed at a traffic script that I wrote. bear in mind, that when somebody goes to a name that I own, they get funneled to my script. The script does four things:
1) Increments the counter (if the domain is not in the database, it ADDS it).
2) Redirects to my iFriends affiliate page.
3) Displays one popup for the place I do contract work for.
4) Displays a forsale popup indicating that the domain name is for sale and the asking price as I set in the database (or simply "make offer").
I get a fair amount of inquiries from this forsale popup (in my opinion). Probably anywhere from 2-10 per week. They usually are asking the price of a name and for more information. My usual response is something like this:
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Hi <name>,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding <domain name>. <domain name> has averaged about <number of hits> per day over the last <period of time I have been monitoring traffic>. I typically sell one word .orgs for $200 - $500 and one word .nets for $500 - $1000. <note: I only say this last sentence if this is applicable... I would not say it if I am trying to sell 17.net or something like that>
My target price for <domain name> is <dollars>. The domain name is at <registrar>, which means I can transfer the name to you immediately at no charge. There will be no paperwork to sign, notarize, and fax. You would have full control of <domain name> within minutes of receipt of payment.
Please return my email and let me know your anticipated purchase price range.
Sincerley,
-Bob
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I always say "target price" and be sure to ask them what their anticipated range is. The reason is so that you do not appear arrogant and rigid in your price. I have found politeness goes a long way (and I am polite by nature). More times than not, the person will at least acknowledge the email and say "well, that is more than I wanted to pay", "no way", or "lets do it".
You have to remember, domain name speculators are seen by the general public as greedy cybersquatters who want a million dollars for a name. I have tried being both stern and polite in negotiations. I get a lot more responses by being polite and friendly rather than business-like. By being friendly, they perceive you as more approachable, and in my experience, are more willing to talk to you regarding a name.
If my price is a little too high for them, they will usually state their anticipated purchase price. Then I simply reply, "The price I gave you is what my partner and I had set for a target, but let me talk to him about your offer". Then I go and mull it over. Even if I know I will accept their offer, I wait a day and then email them back.
If we have a sale, I let them pick the method of payment - PayPal, CHeck, or Escrow.com. I have had parties do all three methods, although I do tell them that if they send a check / mpney order, I will wait until it clears until I give them the name. I always keep them informed of every step. That gives them teh security that you are not taking their money and running. Lastly, on a sale, I always make myself available for any kind of questions about the transfer they might have. This last paragraph I see as more "customer service".
Please feel free to ask me any questions you have. I am more than willing to share my successes and experiences with anybody.
-Bob
