A client wants to buy a domain from me but he first requested that I show him a professional appraisal for the domain to show it's real value. What are the best domain appraisals services ? Which one should I use ?
Even a 'professional appraisal' is unable to define the value of a domain. It solely depends on the price the buyer is willing to pay for the name. So if I were you, I'd answer to the buyer with a price range (e.g. $xxx) or a minimum price. You can also add that this price is negotiable. Don't be greedy, answer with a reasonable amount. On this forum you can get real professional appraisals free of charge, don't pay a dime to a big company.
There is no need for a professional appraisal if the guy wants it. Either he thinks it's valuable, or he doesn't. There are many online checkers, but they don't actually do much for the domain, but what the site is earning or has the potential to earn. If it's just a domain, the price depends on what someone is willing to pay for it. have him make you an offer, then counter offer. Unless you were the one who owned ipad.com, you are not going to get a ton of money. If you want to sell the domain, and not at his price, put it up for auction. You could check other domain resellers to see what similar domains are being offered for. But don't be surprised to find you can't get anywhere near that. Stephen C
This smells like a scam to me, a legit buyer has no need for an outside appraisal. Here is how a typical domain appraisal scam works: first they offer a generous amount of money for the domain, next they will request the appraisal from a certain site (that they own) after you pay $90 for the professional appraisal they disappear and never buy your domain. Google "domain appraisal scam" for more info, it is not new.
I agree that it smells like a scam. If they want a professional appraisal let them buy it. If they are serious they will. Never buy one for some one else. If you want it for yourself then that is different. Free appraisals are highly inaccurate. Professional appraisals are done by people in the industry and they use multiple tools and recent domain sales to valuate their appraisals. Web forums such as here are also a good way to get a rough appraisal. Keep in mind some people that give appraisals are not good at it. Just like some people who have driven a car for 20 years and still are no good at it.