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The "DFIN Domain Grading System"
Suggested Updates, Changes or Improvements Are Welcome
Send To
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GLE@DFIN.COM
Copyright © 2025 DFIN, Free to Use if
"DFIN Domain Grading System" is Referenced
Partial List of Expensive Domain Name Sales = Wikipedia
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General Comments
- AAA domains will be the most selective,
with the fewest qualifying entries.
- NR domains will be the most prevalent
- Market demand fluctuations influence domain
grading. For example, if an NR or graded domain is acquired and
later, an unrelated company uses the name without purchasing the
domain, the company's success can elevate the domain's value.
Consequently, the domain will be reassessed and may be upgraded to
AA or even AAA status.
- Purchasing a portfolio of Domains
strategically, for a long-term investment can be rewarding in an
economy where Digital Real Estate will become a more significant
senior asset class.
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Valuation & Demand Charecteristics |
Grade/
Example |
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AAA
A Very
Successful Existing Business is the Buyer - the Domain Was
Owned By Others Before the Business Became a Big Success
Important NOTE: The Domain Could
Have Been Originated At Any Grade Before Business Success |
A Name that Matches a
Highly Successful and Rapidly Growing Business. Tesla is a perfect
example.
A business recognized as
an industry leader will seek a domain that aligns seamlessly with its
brand, trademark, or company name. Domains that cater to
consumer-focused businesses often hold significantly greater value.
– IE: Tesla.com, Rocket.com
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AAA
Tesla.com
Rocket.com
FB.com
360.com
Chat.com
Ai.com
NFTs.com
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AA
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Proven Existing Business
is the Buyer - A Good Business But Not a Tesla |
A
Name that Matches a Large Successful Business or Product but Not
Explosive Growth Like Tesla or Rocket
A
reputable and distinguished business, mature or limited growth
expectations, seeking a domain that aligns with its brand or company
name.
– IE: ICE.com $3.5 million
Purchase
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AA
ICE.com
Files.com
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A
New, Un-Proven or Existing Business Buyer
With Good Prospects Wants The Domain
The Key is That It Matches an Existing Business Name, Brand or
Product |
A Start-Up or young
operating business seeking a domain that perfectly matches its brand,
product, or company name. For an existing company the value of a Domain
is directly related to profit and growth expectations.
A new
potentially fast growing A-rated company has the potential to evolve
into a highly valuable AAA enterprise.
In
fact any Domain can become AAA if a powerful business happens to use
the name but doesn't own the Domain.
Two Examples, DFIN.com (unsold) or
a small European public company, TP.com that sold for $1.2 million
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A
TP.com
DFIN.com
FFSN.com
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BBB
A
BBB Domain is a Domain with exciting potential, probably short, easy
to remember and hard to forget, sounds good, looks good, and it
is most likely in the dictionary.
A Good Brand or Product Name
for a high volume and high profit or service
business,
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