Approaching a company about selling them a domain they'd be interested in

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by prospects, Nov 23, 2008.

  1. #1
    I have stumbled across a domain name that is the same as the name of a US company, but with a .com at the end, i.e. companyname.com

    I was actually going to develop it as a site, but I could always choose another name.

    If I approach them offering to sell it I'm afraid it will look like I'm trying to profit from registering their name. So is there any way to get them to make me an offer for it without being caught out?
    I wouldn't want that much money for it, just enough to make up for the hassle of transferring the registration etc.

    Thanks a lot for any advice on this.
     
    prospects, Nov 23, 2008 IP
  2. Colbyt

    Colbyt Notable Member

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    #2
    Just a few facts.

    Offering to sell it to them makes you look like a squatter even if you aren't. It also provides a little evidence for them to use aganist you if they decide to try and take it.

    All that said if you are only looking for a very modest profit just go ahead and contact them. A hundred bucks doesn't buy much lawyer time. So sometimes from their perspective it is easier to just pay it then start a situation.

    If they have a trademark on the name you would be silly to try and use it anyway.
     
    Colbyt, Nov 23, 2008 IP
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  3. i-h8-scammers

    i-h8-scammers Banned

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    #3
    ive done this before actually, i registered a few domains belonging to another company, i simple went up to the and said i have these extensions of your domains, i have no intention of dveloping them into sites but i am bringing it to your attention that i will be selling them, out of curtosy i am emailing you offering you the chance to buy them first before i list them for auction,

    The company bought 3 domains off me for £500
    :D
     
    i-h8-scammers, Nov 23, 2008 IP
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  4. i-h8-scammers

    i-h8-scammers Banned

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    #4
    ive done this before actually, i registered a few domains belonging to another company, i simple went up to the and said i have these extensions of your domains, i have no intention of dveloping them into sites but i am bringing it to your attention that i will be selling them, out of curtosy i am emailing you offering you the chance to buy them first before i list them for auction,

    The company bought 3 domains off me for £500
    :D
     
    i-h8-scammers, Nov 23, 2008 IP
  5. i-h8-scammers

    i-h8-scammers Banned

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    #5
    ive done this before actually, i registered a few domains belonging to another company, i simple went up to the and said i have these extensions of your domains, i have no intention of dveloping them into sites but i am bringing it to your attention that i will be selling them, out of curtosy i am emailing you offering you the chance to buy them first before i list them for auction,

    The company bought 3 domains off me for £500
    :D
     
    i-h8-scammers, Nov 23, 2008 IP
  6. i-h8-scammers

    i-h8-scammers Banned

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    #6
    ive done this before actually, i registered a few domains belonging to another company, i simple went up to the and said i have these extensions of your domains, i have no intention of dveloping them into sites but i am bringing it to your attention that i will be selling them, out of curtosy i am emailing you offering you the chance to buy them first before i list them for auction,

    The company bought 3 domains off me for £500
    :D
     
    i-h8-scammers, Nov 23, 2008 IP
  7. prospects

    prospects Well-Known Member

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    #7
    Thanks both of you for the advice
     
    prospects, Nov 25, 2008 IP