How to buy a domain off of someone?

[Cryogenius]

I have a website which has a domain name with a dash in the middle (e.g. blue-widgets.co.uk). I would like to also have the domain name without the dash in it (e.g. bluewidgets.co.uk). Obviously I'm talking about a UK domain here, and all I will do with it is forward web traffic to my main site (is this even worthwhile?)

Here is what I know about the domain I want:

The domain is used by a pub/inn (i.e. maybe low-tech)
It is not used for a website, only email
It is up for renewal in October, but will probably be renewed
Whois has the full name and address of recipient

I'm guessing that the owner would like to continue using the email address at that domain, but isn't likely to be using the website any time soon. He might be amiable to some kind of deal; maybe I could pay for the domain, and give him free email for life.

My question is: what would be a good way of going about this, and what should I look out for? Do I send him an email, or a letter?

Cryo.

PS: I did find useful this guide (http://www.igoldrush.com/buying.htm) on the subject.

[markn26]

I used the method in that link you posted, not too long ago, when my company wanted to buy the company name's .com URL, which was taken a few years ago. In short, it didnt work out - the guy was a squatter who had a ton of URLs and was holding them like stock.

You could take the advice in that link, and say that you need to make a decision on a URL to purchase in a very short amount of time, and you have $X in your budget for it...then give a time limit, like 7 days, for them to get back to you if they're interested. Just make sure the money amount is sufficient for the domain.

[met0555]

i agree with markn26

[NameCodex]

be honest. tell the domain owner what your max budget is.
if you give them a $X offer ($X = $1-$9), that is a seriously insulting lowball offer. many domainers would simply renew the domain for the next few years just so that you won't have it.

try to work out an honest, fair, deal. don't put a deadline on the deal.
imagine if someone came to you and said i'll give you $9 for your hyphenated domain take it or leave it, you have 7 days to decide. would you even reply to that email? except to refuse?
a lowball offer with an ultimatim deadline is likely to inspire a highball counter offer simply out of spite.
a lowball offer that you then increase indicates to the owner that you are willing to move up, so they will just keep pushing you up.

don't lie, be honest, decide on a fair price, offer that price, don't move from your price.