Like every other profession out there, people who buy and sell domains also have their own terminology for things. Some of it is pretty self-explanatory, but some of this terminology might make you completely stop and scratch your head for moment. Listed below are some of the most common terms you need to know if you plan on holding a good conversation with other domain investors.
Domainer Terminology
Domainer – This is another term for a domain investor. Anyone who buys and sell domain names is considered a domainer. “I managed to sell 30 domains last year. This is why I love being a domainer!”
Cybersquatter – A cybersquatter is much different than a domainer. Cybersquatters research and purchase domain names specifically because they match a trademark or are a typo of certain trademarks. Domainers invest in dictionary or other generic types of domains while cybersquatters intentionally target domains that will piggy-back off someone else’s hard work. “That guy owns several typo domains. He’s a cybersquatter, not a domainer.”
Monetization – The process of taking a domain and branding (or developing) it to make money. Monetization can also refer to domain parking which is another way to earn money from domain names that aren’t being used. “I made lots of money monetizing my domain with a parking company.”
Parking – Domain parking involves pointing a domain to a page filled with ads. The domain owner (also called “domainer”) makes money every time someone clicks on those ads. “I made $400 parking my domains with ads last month.”
Buy Now – This can also be posted or seen as “fixed price” or “BIN” online. It refers to a domain that is listed with a fixed price. Someone can buy the domain name without negotiating a purchase price. “I really wanted this domain, so I paid the buy now price rather than negotiating.”
Make Offer – Conversely, a “make offer” domain means that it’s not priced and the buyer must negotiate a price with the seller to acquire. While the owner might ask the potential buyer to make an offer to start negotiations, the domainer will sometimes name a price when someone inquires. “The domain is make offer. I wonder how much the owner wants for it?”
Drop – The “drop” is another term for expiring domain names. “Drop catching” refers to different services that acquire domain names the moment they are deleted upon expiration. “I bought this great domain when it dropped. I can’t believe someone really let this domain name expire.”
Backorder – Placing an order with a drop catching service for a domain name which is about to expire. These services will try to get the domain for you once it becomes available again. “This domain is about to expire. I just placed a backorder with NameJet to get it when it drops.”
Hand Reg – Short for “hand registration,” this refers to a domain name which was available to register as opposed to purchasing from another person or at auction. “I can’t believe this domain was available. I hand regged it for less than ten bucks!”
Auth code – Also referred to as EPP code, this is needed to transfer domains between one registrar and another. They’re sometimes requested as part of a domain sale anytime the buyer wants to move the domain to a different registrar (such as GoDaddy). “The buyer wants me to send him the Auth code so he can transfer the domain to GoDaddy.”
Push – A push means transferring the domain from one owner to another at the same registrar. “The buyer also uses GoDaddy, so he asked me to push the domain into his account.”
UDRP – Acronym for “Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy” which is a way to quickly (and inexpensively) settle cybersquatting claims. “I wouldn’t buy domains that are typos of famous brands or companies. You’ll probably lose them in a UDRP.”
Want to Become a Domainer?
The process of buying and selling domain names for profit is fun. However, there are many things to consider before you decide to jump in and start. I recommend reading my post titled The Economics of Domain Investing to learn a little bit more about the economics that go into domain investing, along with what you should prepare for and expect once you begin. Read my article along with some of the popular domain forums online (such as NamePros) to learn everything needed for you to be a successful full time domainer!
