Here’s the story - I want a domain name that someone else owns. Neither he nor I have ever bought or sold a domain name. It’s not a big, fancy, popular name… it just happens to be my business name and his last name.
So… what’s a fair price? What do domain names cost?
Is he using it for something or just holding on to it?
How much is it worth to you? (What are you going to do with it?)
No matter what the domain, I wouldn’t offer too much, he may be harboring hopes of making a boondoggle, but just let him know you have options (i.e. slightly modified forms of the name you want). Without knowing anything about this particular case, I would say a grand max, and probably not even that high. Keep in mind, I think there is a transfer fee involved, so that should be part of the negotiation. Check out
for information about selling and buying domains.
domain names cost nothing. registering them is about 35 bucks a year now, might be less, you can shop around.
Want one someone owns? domainmover.com
Go to http://www.networksolutions.com. See if your name is taken. If not, sign up. It costs $35 a year.
Now, you will have to find an ISP to host the domain. They will probably charge you something additional for the service. You can talk to your current ISP; they should be able to give you something.
If you just want to reserve the domain, it’s $40 a year.
Tretiak, handy, thanks for the advice.
Ummm… RC, did you read my question? :shrugs: I guess you were just being helpful. Thank you, too! 
This reminds me of a story I read recently. Party A wanted to buy a domain name from party B. The domain name was with Network Solutions (NS). In order to transfer ownership of a domain with NS, party B has to tell NS to cancel the domain name; basically, unregister it and put it back out on the open market. But before the rest of the world sees that that domain name is available, party A will have a chance to register it.
Well, in this case, party A pays party B for the domain name. Then Party B cancels the domain with NS. But as soon as he does, everyone can see that the domain name is available. So party C registers the domain, party A is SOL, and NS denies any wrongdoing even though they were at fault for not holding the domain for party A.
So, if you’re going to transfer ownership of a domain with NS, be aware that it is not a quick and easy process and there is a very real possibility that someone, somewhere will screw it up.
Disclaimer: The term “ownership” is used here for clearer understanding. IIRC, NS “leases” domains, it does not “sell” them.