Negotiation playbook for acquiring a name you want
Start with clarity, not theater
Domain negotiations reward preparation over posturing. Sellers can sense a fishing expedition. Buyers who present a clear use case, a budget band, and a clean closing path earn attention. A concise first note with three items – purpose, offer range, and process – moves faster than long backstory or flattery.
Set a real ceiling and stick to it
Know your walk away point. The ceiling should come from a simple model of expected impact and a payback window. If the seller asks for a number above it, ask for context and timing but do not drift without new information. A clear ceiling protects you from slow escalations and signals to the counterparty that you are disciplined.
Price plus process beats price alone
Attach your offer to a standard flow: recognized escrow, documented fee split, and a registrar transfer or push. Include proof of funds for larger deals. Provide two registrar options you can accept on your side. Reducing uncertainty for the seller is part of the consideration you are offering along with cash.
Use ranges and step downs when helpful
If you are flexible on timing, you can present two prices tied to close speed. For example, a higher price for a close within five business days and a lower price for a close within 30. Do not overcomplicate it. One or two paths is enough. The point is to give the seller a reason to choose a faster outcome without feeling pressured.
Avoid anchoring games that break trust
Aggressive low anchors can shut doors. If you have real comps or internal constraints, state them plainly. Use neutral language and keep emails short. If the seller rejects the opening number, ask what a workable range would be and whether timing or process can bridge some of the gap. Leave room for a second and final offer that you can defend.
Keep momentum with tight timelines
Set dates for signatures, escrow funding, and transfer initiation. Ask the seller if any limits exist – locks, registry rules, or travel windows. Confirm contact methods and use two factor authentication on all accounts involved. A predictable cadence reduces risk of miscommunication and keeps both sides focused on the next step.
Paper it simply
Most domain transfers close with a short agreement and the escrow terms. Avoid heavy contracts that recreate what escrow already covers unless your legal team requires them. Define the exact string of the domain, list any additional assets included, and include a simple representation that the seller has the right to sell and that the asset is free of undisclosed liens. Keep the language plain.
Handle edge cases
If the name is tied to a live site, discuss cutover timing so users are not stranded. If the seller wants to keep a subset of subdomains for a short period, write that down with a fixed end date. If the buyer needs to keep DNS live at the old host for a day while cutover completes, agree on that with a rollback plan. Most edge cases are scheduling problems, not deal breakers.
What to say when it stalls
If the conversation goes quiet, follow up once with a short, clear note that restates the offer and the process. If the seller passes, thank them and leave your contact details for future reference. Markets change. Many premium assets sell when a later buyer comes prepared and the seller’s situation has evolved.
Where to start for MICHAEL.SHOW
If you want a first name show domain, this site offers MICHAEL.SHOW for acquisition.
Acquire MICHAEL.SHOW
Open a short inquiry here: Buy MICHAEL.SHOW. Include your registrar and target close date. Expect a standard escrow flow and registrar transfer.
Team roles and ownership
Assign one person as the deal lead. Give that person clear authority to negotiate within a band and to commit to timelines. Legal and finance should support with templates and approvals, not drive the pace. Technical owners should be ready to accept a push or transfer and to verify DNS quickly so escrow can release funds without delay.
Outreach templates
Keep the first note to five sentences. State who you are, why you want the domain, the range you can offer, the escrow provider you will use, and the timing you prefer. Ask if the seller has a range in mind and whether there are any registrar or lock constraints. Avoid attachments. If you need a longer memo, put it on a simple page and send the link when asked.
Broker versus direct
Brokers can add value when access is limited or when you want to anonymize interest. They can also widen the pool on the sell side. If the name is already marketed with a direct contact path, using it is often faster. If you do hire a broker, align on fees, communication cadence, and the decision process. Keep one voice to the seller to avoid mixed messages.
After action review
When the deal closes, write a short internal note that lists what worked and what did not. Capture timelines, costs, and any surprises. That record will reduce cycle time on the next acquisition. It also helps other teams avoid repeating mistakes like sending offers without a funded escrow account or forgetting to check for transfer locks before setting a close date.
A short list of do and do not
- Do present price plus process.
- Do set and communicate a ceiling.
- Do use a recognized escrow provider.
- Do keep timelines tight and realistic.
- Do verify DNS control before releasing funds.
- Do not lowball for sport.
- Do not ask for transfer before escrow is funded.
- Do not add contract layers that restate escrow.
- Do not involve more people than necessary.
A simple, disciplined approach closes premium names at fair prices.