Big Domain Dilemma

[FiveGrand]

This January the domain at the absolute TOP of my wish list is set to expire and I need some advice.

The current owner has done very little with the domain and it currently redirects to a page full of dead links, which appears to be the companies home page. This leads me to believe the owner is not entirely web savvy.

The domain has not been updated for over two years, and was registered over 4 years ago. I am hoping that they have forgot about it entirely.

My first thought was to back order the name, however I truly think the name will be in high demand once it appears on the "soon to expire" domain lists. I estimate the name would auction for $10,000 +, which I have about 5% of in my budget.

Now I am considering contacting the owner and asking if they are willing to sell the domain before it expires. This will obviously make them aware of its coming expiration, and that fact that it may be a hot commodity. They may inflate the price, or renew and put it to auction.

What would you all recommend I do to ensure I get the name?

[TLDTrader.com]

If you are really "sure" that the domain will hit the $10,000+ mark, then it is better to buy it now from the owner.

Besides, you mentioned that the owner is not web savvy and is not interested in the domain anymore. Worth giving it a shot. This is where your bargaining and negotiation savvy will be tested :)

Hope this helps.

[FiveGrand]

It does make financial sense that if I expect the domain to hit $10,000 then I should try to get if off the unknowing webmaster before it comes up for auction.

Its very tempting to wait it out until the name expires and register for less than $100 what I might have to pay a few thousand for if I approach the owner now.

Also, the value of $10,000 doesn't really help me when I want to develop the name, not resell it, so the cheaper I could get it the better....

Thanks for the advice.

[TLDTrader.com]

Your welcome.

Good Luck

[FiveGrand]

Well, perhaps the owner of the domain was more "web savvy" than I had thought. The domain was renewed until 2010. So much for my back order.

I suppose now at least I know my only approach is to make an offer to the owner.