Negotiating to sell a twitter account.
February 21, 2015 1:41 PM Subscribe
I have a personal twitter account that's a pretty common two-word English phrase. Someone's contacted me asking about acquiring the name, to use for a brand new business with the same name. I'm looking for advice from people familiar with these negotiations. How do you evaluate the value of a twitter name, and what's a reasonable starting offer?
In a little more detail, the business falls into the category of dumb ideas that the world doesn't need, and I've no particular desire to be charitable. (Think, "direct to consumer air freshener delivery," which isn't accurate, but captures the sense of the thing.) But, I've no ethical objections to their existence; it's silly, but not evil. I have less than a hundred followers and a few hundred tweets, and I'm not entirely opposed to the idea. I could be talked into handing over the account in exchange for some cash, assuming that's allowed by twitter's TOS and or common practice. What's a not-insulting and yet not-wimpy opening offer in a case like this?
In a little more detail, the business falls into the category of dumb ideas that the world doesn't need, and I've no particular desire to be charitable. (Think, "direct to consumer air freshener delivery," which isn't accurate, but captures the sense of the thing.) But, I've no ethical objections to their existence; it's silly, but not evil. I have less than a hundred followers and a few hundred tweets, and I'm not entirely opposed to the idea. I could be talked into handing over the account in exchange for some cash, assuming that's allowed by twitter's TOS and or common practice. What's a not-insulting and yet not-wimpy opening offer in a case like this?
Best answer: Ask them to make you an offer.
The only rule of negotiating is "He or She who says the first number, loses."
If their offer is ridiculously low, politely decline to sell. If it is in the ball park of being worth it to you, counter-offer an amount above what you would settle for. Hopefully, they'll meet your desired price.
I imagine a few hundred to a few thousand is the right price. Similar to a website address.
You absolutely should research the company to help you decide. If they have lots of investor money, you probably don't want to sell for $200. But again, the real value is what it is worth to you, an amount you would be very happy with, that is the amount you agree to.
posted by jbenben at 1:49 PM on February 21, 2015
The only rule of negotiating is "He or She who says the first number, loses."
If their offer is ridiculously low, politely decline to sell. If it is in the ball park of being worth it to you, counter-offer an amount above what you would settle for. Hopefully, they'll meet your desired price.
I imagine a few hundred to a few thousand is the right price. Similar to a website address.
You absolutely should research the company to help you decide. If they have lots of investor money, you probably don't want to sell for $200. But again, the real value is what it is worth to you, an amount you would be very happy with, that is the amount you agree to.
posted by jbenben at 1:49 PM on February 21, 2015
Best answer: Twitter does not let you sell accounts. Sorry.
posted by Pandora Kouti at 1:49 PM on February 21, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Pandora Kouti at 1:49 PM on February 21, 2015 [1 favorite]
Whoops. Didn't know you can't sell it legally. Proceed with caution.
posted by jbenben at 1:50 PM on February 21, 2015
posted by jbenben at 1:50 PM on February 21, 2015
Response by poster: Thanks, all.
I didn't realize it was so explicitly forbidden. Since I'm generally in favor of policies that disincentivize name-squatting, I'm probably going to tell them to get lost and move on.
posted by eotvos at 11:29 AM on February 23, 2015
I didn't realize it was so explicitly forbidden. Since I'm generally in favor of policies that disincentivize name-squatting, I'm probably going to tell them to get lost and move on.
posted by eotvos at 11:29 AM on February 23, 2015
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posted by DarlingBri at 1:48 PM on February 21, 2015 [1 favorite]