10x More Likely To Sell: AfternicDLS
Reglike explores how to take advantage of AfternicDLS and if it helps sell domain names compared to the regular listings on Afternic.
When NameMedia bought Afternic, I figured they weren’t just going to add the domain aftermarket to their portfolio of sales channels. They had plans to enhance Afternic and use it as an onramp to the parent firm’s sales prowess.
Shortly thereafter, Afternic disclosed AfternicDLS, an expanded promotion service that allows you to list your domains for sale through over 50 different channels in addition to the Afternic.com site. That includes BuyDomains and its live sales staff that handles requests via phone.
The commission for AfternicDLS is 20%, twice that of a basic listing on Afternic (and a few of its partner sites such as eNom). Is it worth paying that extra commission? As stated by Adam Gross, Director of Product Management, Domain Marketplace for Name Media, domains listed with DLS are ten times more likely to sell than domains listed with the basic service. “We are really happy with the results,” states Gross.
That makes sense given the distribution. Among the sales channels for DLS are 8 of the top 10 registrars, many listings sites, and the aforementioned BuyDomains.
I considered upgrading my domains on Afternic to “expanded promotion” earlier this year, but was confused regarding the “floor” price option available when doing this. Gross explains that the floor price is the minimum that you are willing to sell the domain name for. This allows AfternicDLS to negotiate on your behalf without having to contact you, thus closing sales faster. This is different from your reserve price. The reserve price triggers an auction at Afternic.
When listing domains at Afternic, here’s what you do to select AfternicDLS:
1. Choose “expanded promotion” from the drop down box.
2. Optionally, set a floor price. If you don’t set a floor it will slow down the sales process when a BuyDomains sales representative is negotiating on your behalf, and may result in a client choosing another domain name.
If you have a sizable portfolio of domains at Afternic you wish to upgrade or if you need to upload a sizable portfolio, consider using Afternic’s instant bulk upload tool.
If you set a floor price, remember to close your listing if you sell your domain through another venue. If you’ve ever “bought” a domain through an aftermarket only to find out later that it was no longer available, you know the frustration.
So, is paying the extra commission worth the added exposure? My take is yes, especially for “mid-range” domains that you plan to sell for up to $10,000.
