2009 April archive at Conceptualist.com, By Sahar Sarid

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Archive for April, 2009

First Impression: Hello From Traffic SV

Published on April 28, 2009 in Domain Names. 0 Comments

Hi guys and gals!

I arrived here a couple of days ago. There’s an active group here which attend the show but do not really like the format, the way it is executed, Rick’s approach to it. I was surprised to meet some of the folks who usually are within that group. on first day of arrival, telling me that “Rick is onto something”, “With all my complaints, the show is coming around”, and “This show is the best show in the industry”. It was refreshing!

Before the show even started I gained enough value from coming here to quantify and justify our trip. Meeting with few top caliber individuals which money cannot buy their advice for the most part, getting their attention and feedback on stuff we do, bouncing ideas, what is the value of that? We’ve hired consultants in the past and knowing what consultants provide, these guys are providing value many times over.

The Cocktail party yesterday was small, I would say less than 100 people or it seems to be. While not many you had in the room enough qualified individuals to make it a memorable and productive evening.

Today we’re going to start working on what we came here to do, talk to partners, make dreams come true. Also I will be on a panel later on today. If you’re an avid reader of the blog you will recognize the line of discussion pretty quick.

In any event, I’m off to some much needed exercise now.

Have a great day!

Sahar

Live Broadcast: Aftermarket.com’s GeoDoamin Expo Auction

Published on April 25, 2009 in Domain Names. 1 Comment

Starting in few minutes. My thoughts about this and other auctions this week are here. If you wish to participate, click here.

Enjoy!

Edit: Auction is over. See results here.

@Jarred Cohen: CONGRATS !

Published on April 25, 2009 in General. 14 Comments

Auction Week Starts Today. What Should You Do?

Published on April 25, 2009 in General. 4 Comments

(image source)

This week is going to be one of the busiest weeks for auction houses. Besides the daily auction houses out there (Bido, Sedo, Afternic, NameJet, Snapnames) this week will be all about live domain auctions.

First in line is Aftermarket.com’s GeoDomains auction. Later the week Rick Latona is coming strong with an auction at the Targeted Traffic conference, with great inventory and a domain one all have eyes on, Shows.com, no reserve.

Last is the usual suspect and still top dog in the live auction business, Moniker.com. With years of experience and tens of millions in transactions under their belt, this auction is the “signal”, the “beat” of the industry.

Great inventory is out there, some are priced to sell, many are not. Things are getting better for buyers but is it enough? The global economic climate is still a mess and no company can truly predict tomorrow with confidence. Without understanding tomorrow, companies tend to preserve capital for a possible rainy day, they tend not to take on any additional debt. They tend to focus on operations, cutting costs. This of course effects commerce all around us, and as demand weakens, prices are as well.

The second problem here is live auction buyers are historically domain professionals or domain companies. Essentially, it is trading hands between one Domainer group to another. This was all good when domain companies and domain professionals were doing well but that isn’t the case anymore. Like the rest of the economy, everyone took a beating, most still do. Without these groups in full force it will be interesting to see the activity.

Third problem is related to the second one. Many have moved from buying into building. They built their inventory over years, happy with what they have, and now looking into executing on that inventory. Execution to those who do not know, is extremely expensive. Hiring people, offices, technologies, advertising, etc. When someone is focused, most cash flows to one direction. If their focus is development/execution it cannot flow into auctions as well. Even if some money flows back into auctions I believe the lion’s share will still go to operations.

And what should you do? Should you put your money in domains, or elsewhere? Since cash is extremely valuable today (likely more than you realize) I suggest to pick your buys extremely carefully. If you do not see how to get your money back from a domain, if it is not the PERFECT FIT for your plans, think hard before raising that paddle.

While we plan to attend all these auctions, we don’t have anything in mind as of now to buy. That may change as we see activity. My philosophy on good domains - “there’s always a price”. What the price though is the real issue.

Heading to TRAFFIC tomorrow, may post a little less this upcoming week.

Have a great day!

Sahar

What Is The Liquid Value Of Your Domain? Part II

Published on April 24, 2009 in Bido, Domain Names and Liquid Value. 1 Comment

(image source)

I started this series here (part I). Why understanding the market value of your domain is important? I believe it is all about creating opportunities. Let’s explore further shall we?

1. Charitable donations

Via About.com:

Donations to charity are tax deductible expenses. These donations can reduce your taxable income and lower your tax bill. Not everyone will be able to deduct their charitable contributions, however. You will need to itemize your tax deductions in order to claim any charity.

“You may deduct charitable contributions of money or property made to qualified organizations if you itemize your deductions.” (IRS Publication 78)

The better you can relate the value of a domain when needed, the easier it is to claim a charitable donation.

2. Taxes

Via The Domain Tax Guide:

How do I report capital gains & losses?

If the value of your property changes.. you get the picture. If you can show it in a cut and dry manner you make the job that much easier.

3. Insurance

Self explanatory here. If you want to insure your assets, understanding their value is essential.

4. Inheritance

Understanding the value of your assets will give you a better picture what you are leaving behind to your loved ones, and possibly, how to split it between those.

5. Joint ventures

If partners bring in assets, quantifying them with dollar amounts ahead is the smartest way to go about it.

6. Funding/Equity

Raising money, giving equity. For you and for your potential investor, you must know and relate what you have before discussions get meaningful

7. Loans

Getting a loan on a domain? Whoever loans you the money must understand the value of what you have. The more accurate you can relate it, the better and faster the process will be.

8. Trades

No two domains are alike, some are worth slightly more than others, some are much more than others. You can conduct a fair trade between domains even if they don’t match value. First, convert the domains in question into dollar amounts. Than, once agreed by both parties, trade may occur and one may end up paying the other some in order to make up the difference. In such a trade scenario, accurate pricing is a must.

Would love to hear your thoughts on the above and other reasons you may have in mind.

Have a great day!

Sahar