I was wondering how (or whether) to approach someone whose domain I would like to purchase. It's a dot com domain for a site that I have the same dot net domain registered. The domain name is probably worth no more that $20 (USD), but I'm worried by contacting him I'll artificially drive up the price. It's set to expire in December of this year. Should I just wait it out until then and see if he renews it? Thoughts? Thanks in advance.
Well firstly, if you do contact him, dont mention you own the .net ext. This will indeed make him/her raise the price, because they have something you want. When I approach domain owners and let them know my interest, I usually contact them either via email or phone. Phone is the best option, because if they are interested in selling, they will usually give you a price there and then, instead with email, they have time to think the price over before letting you know. Hope this helps!
Good advice. Hopefully I'll be able to find his number (the WHOIS info is registered by proxy and lists an 877 number).
it's not a good idea to contact with a domain owner if you will pay $20 because it's nothing and if the domain is an aged domain then you'd have 0 chance..
Place the request on the forums that you want that domain name. Possibly he will get in touch. But I think that direct contact would be better in any case