Won top domain name for client: Need advice

Reesa Marchetti · #1 (**permalink**) 10-20-2005, 05:04 AM

Hi,

I'm a Webmaster. After a year on back order, a highly desired domain name was registered to me through GoDaddy. I had ordered it on behalf of a client.

I never thought I would get it because the client's company name had been the subject of a lawsuit. Although my client won the rights to the company name, the defendant had registered the domain name (which wasn't mentioned in the lawsuit).

Now that I have the domain name, I'm trying to figure out what to charge my client. I don't want to rip him off, but I feel confident this name is worth $10,000 at a minimum (probably more).

I can tell you it's the name of a well-known entertainer from the 1960s. I don't want to say the actual name because of the previous contention.

So what would you do? I'm really not looking to get rich on this; I just want to be paid for my time and effort. But then I don't want to feel like I'm getting ripped off either.

webhost1 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-20-2005, 11:45 AM

If your client was the one that wanted it, than I don't see how you can charge that much for it. They are the ones that wanted that domain name in the first place. By posting this message public you may have opened a door that you might not have wanted.

Bottom line is, what are your ethics?

Reesa Marchetti · #3 (**permalink**) 10-20-2005, 12:01 PM

Hi,

I guess I should have given more detail. I have no intention of charging my client $10,000. I will only charge for my time and expenses in investigationg, back ordering, registering, transferring and pointing the domain name.

However, the client is a senior citizen with a touch of Alzheimer's and no knowledge of the value of this domain name. I don't want to hand it over to him and then see someone else rip him off.

I feel queasy about the situation because the company trademark that was in dispute is shared by my client and two other parties. The three have since split up! This is a complicated situation and I'm going to talk to my lawyer about it. You're right, I should not have posted it here.

MarcieZoob · #4 (**permalink**) 10-21-2005, 06:19 AM

On your own website, you state the following regarding third party fees:

Domain name registration (usually under $10 per year)

If you choose to charge more to this client, you need to be able to justify the fee since on your own site you make the "under $10" statement. GoDaddy is $8.95 for a new domain for one year. Do you have a proof of purchase from GoDaddy to share with your client that shows the increased amount you paid?

Reesa Marchetti · #5 (**permalink**) 10-21-2005, 08:18 AM

Hi Marcie,

Argggggggggggh! I'm getting sick of explaining this. Yes, it's under $10 for a straightforward, simple domain name registration.

But this one cost me a back ordering fee and will also cost a hosting fee to have it pointed to the client's existing domain. And my time in investigating the lawsuit, transferring the registrant info, etc. Of course I have invoices and receipts to show my client. That's not the point!

I'm trying to figure out who I should turn this valuable domain name over to, when the company name is a trademark registered to three parties who no longer communicate with each other.

Quote:

On your own website, you state the following regarding third party fees:

Domain name registration (usually under $10 per year)

If you choose to charge more to this client, you need to be able to justify the fee since on your own site you make the "under $10" statement. GoDaddy is $8.95 for a new domain for one year. Do you have a proof of purchase from GoDaddy to share with your client that shows the increased amount you paid?

webhost1 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-23-2005, 08:09 PM

Well I am sure that there is a good solution that will come out in the open. If as you said the person that this domain is for, is there any reason you yourself could not keep this domain and just do the work for it like you have been doing. Or sometype of contract that says the domain can not be sold except back to you.

Not knowing all what is happening makes it hard to say what to do or not to do. If as you said you don't want this person to get riped off, why not make it so that the domain is yours but he can use it? Just a thought.

Bottom line to me is, do what you feel is right. Speaking from the mind, not the heart. Get all your facts, advice that you need and than do what you feel is the best form of action on your part. Protect yourself.