What Is Make an Offer?
Make an Offer (MAO) is a pricing model where domain sellers invite potential buyers to propose their own purchase price rather than setting a fixed Buy It Now amount. The seller can then accept, reject, or counter the offer, initiating a negotiation.
MAO listings are common when sellers want to gauge market demand or believe negotiation will yield a better price than a fixed listing. Many marketplaces (Sedo, Afternic, Atom, Dan.com) support MAO alongside BIN pricing — some listings offer both options simultaneously.
For buyers, MAO requires research on comparable sales to make an informed first offer. Opening too low can offend the seller and end negotiations; opening too high leaves money on the table. A common strategy is to start at 30–50% of your maximum budget, leaving room for negotiation.
Why This Matters for Startups
When making an offer on a domain, do your homework first. Research comparable sales on NameBio to understand fair market value. Start with a reasonable offer — not insultingly low, but with room to negotiate upward. Be prepared for a counter-offer and decide your walk-away price before the negotiation begins. Keep communications professional and concise. If possible, don't reveal your company name or budget in the initial inquiry — maintain leverage by appearing as a casual interested buyer.
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