What Parts Research vs. Gut Instinct?

[DDC_Cyn]

There are plenty of tools to help you analyze domain names before buying, but I wonder how much of the decision to buy is based on gut instinct. Some people just have the knack of picking the winning race horse -- is it the same in domains?

Have you ever bought a domain on instinct alone?

 

[dcristo]

The first question I ask, how can this name be developed? Can I make money developing this name?

 

[garptrader]

The question one must ask is why would someone (more likely a business) want to buy this name? If you had a business selling the product or service in question, would you be willing to pay money to acquire this name knowing that your customers' entry point to your online business would be that domain name?

 

[nameadvertising.com]

I never paid a premium for any of my names I own. In 2007, I made $80k in sales. 2008 is going even stronger. Most of names I own will not sell for $50 at the forum. This because of the unrealistic metrics that is being accepted by the majority. I don't want to go in depth here, but I realized this sooner than later.

The industry is very broad. Find your niche. Be your own expert. Once you become an expert (a big " if "), you don't have to listen to anyone. The market will come to you.

When the market comes to you, you know you are doing things right.

 

[Andrew Shaw]

Do your research on any domain name you purchase.

Doing research allows you to think it over, makes certain that you spell it correctly and also gives you an idea of what your going to be working with.

You have to remember that everyone has their own ways of wording things. A phrase, or word you use, may be unknown to many people...

$7.00 isnt much to lose on a single domain name, but on a larger scale, its better to find quality names by doing your research...

 

[Biggie]

I never paid a premium for any of my names I own. In 2007, I made $80k in sales. 2008 is going even stronger. Most of names I own will not sell for $50 at the forum. This because of the unrealistic metrics that is being accepted by the majority. I don't want to go in depth here, but I realized this sooner than later.

The industry is very broad. Find your niche. Be your own expert. Once you become an expert (a big " if "), you don't have to listen to anyone. The market will come to you.

When the market comes to you, you know you are doing things right.

very good points

especially the part about the "unrealistic metrics" that are being accepted by the majority, when offering names on the forums.

some also will "hate" on you, when you become your "own expert".

as it can be seen as arrogance, when you set and stick to your own pricing methods.

as you state, "when the market comes to you, you don't have to listen to anyone".

BTW:

the majority of names I choose are done on "gut" feeling.

there may be other reasons for acquiring them, but it's basically an emotional decision as I don't use any scripts or software to check domain lists.
everything is done visually,on a name by name basis.

I consider who would want this name and why.
whether it could have type-in traffic and it's potential for development.