Frequently Asked Questions

Portfolio Management

    Domain Acquisition

    • Domain Acquisition is the method used in acquiring a domain name for your business. Your domain name is an intangible asset and should be treated as such. Choosing the right domain name is essential because this is what represents your company on the web. It says a lot about your brand and what you do. Sometimes, however, the domain names that best represent your company might belong to someone else. At Secret Brokerage, we help you choose the right domain name, then search out the owner (if that name is unavailable). Once we are able to reach the owner, we make an offer and then begin negotiations to acquire the domain. We are eager to go the extra mile to research the market and then make use of creative strategies to meet your needs. Each client is different, and your domain name needs are unique; therefore, we treat all our clients individually to ensure that your needs are met. 
    • Just as our name suggests, Secret Brokerage is 100% committed to protecting your privacy. We understand that acquiring or buying a domain name can be a delicate transaction, and your anonymity needs to be preserved. We have acquired and sold domain names for several clients over the years, including corporations, institutions, public corporations, and individuals. When you come to Secret Brokerage, your privacy is guaranteed. Unless we get your express permission to do so, we do not declare what domain names we have acquired.
    • Our pricing is pretty straightforward. We charge $99 US/domain to start with. In case of a deal, our commission is 5% of the agreed price plus 15% of the discount we get through the negotiations. We simply make more when you pay less for your desired domain name.
    • Once there is a viable transaction, and the sale goes through, it's time to make payment for the domain to the seller. We use Escrow.com for all domain transactions. Escrow.com is a third-party service that helps to protect the interests of both the buyer and the seller in a domain name transaction. Once a deal has been made, and both parties agree to the terms, then the funds for the agreed amount are placed into an escrow account until all the terms and conditions are fulfilled by both sides. When both parties are satisfied that all the contractual obligations have been fulfilled, then the funds can be released. This is a way to give you the security that the sale will not fall through. Also, it is a way to preserve your anonymity since your financial details are never disclosed. The seller is paid through Escrow.com, and the funds are released once the domain is transferred. The escrow fees are paid by the buyer. 
    • We will undoubtedly do everything (reasonable) within our power to ensure that we get in touch with the owner of the domain name that you want to buy. While we cannot guarantee the acquisition of the domain name, we will explore every legal means, including e-mail, Skype, phone calls, instant messaging, whatever it takes for 30 days. However, there are times when the domain in question might not be for sale, or after trying all we can, we are still unable to reach the owner. Where that happens, we will explore the best possible alternative. 

    Domain Appraisal

    • There are several factors that go into valuing a domain, and these include the age of the domain name, comparable sales, search volume, market trends, market experience and so much more. Each of these factors is important in helping us determine the market value of your domain name. If you are buying a domain name, this is relevant because it ensures that you get the best possible price for your asset. In domain acquisitions, it means that you can buy your domain name based on the true value, not on the perception of how deep your pockets appear to be. 

      At Secret Brokerage, our domain appraisal methods are transparent and straightforward. We employ proven strategies to filter through what is not relevant and focus on the factors that determine the value of the domain name. 

      We take our job of appraising domains very seriously because we know that it is a significant factor in the domain business. This is our area of expertise, and we have spent more than a decade honing these skills so that we can deliver an experience that is seamless and hassle-free for you. 

    • When it comes to appraisals, we also like to keep things simple. Our fee is $59 US for the Glimpse Appraisal Report and $89 US for the Deep Appraisal Report for up to 50 domains. We deliver the results of our domain appraisals to your inbox within a business day.