So I am considering making an offer to a fellow for his forum.

My questions are:

1. How do you make an offer to someone who isnt actively looking to sell their forum? I am affraid this person will immediately say: not for sale. How do I coax them into the idea?

2. How do you value a forum. This is a pretty standard question. But the one in question has only one small google adsense block so probably doesnt earn much in the way of revenue but has quite a bit of customization and a decent sized member base.

3. If they say no, offer more? If they wont sell, do you have any ways that have helped you convince the owners to part with their forum?

Ok, this is what i would do so you dont have to take this advice.

Just chat to the owner see how long hes had it etc. And what work it is to maintain the site, then ask if hes ever considered selling it, and say i know a few people who may be interested paying (a bit less then what your going to pay) Bla and if he says oh i dont really want to sell, ask him about join ownership and such and then eventually when he gets bored its all yours.

Valueing a forum is a whole different thing if it has moderate amount of members who are active and visit the forum everyday then its worth quite a bit you cant place figures on that kind of stuff you got to see what the guy wants.

Hmmm interesting idea. Sort of make friends first and feel out the situation. i like it.

Originally Posted by malcolmlo

Hmmm interesting idea. Sort of make friends first and feel out the situation. i like it.

Why thank you.

I hope this will help with evaluating forums:

dropshiparea.com/wordpress/2006/08/18/346.html

Originally Posted by malcolmlo

1. How do you make an offer to someone who isnt actively looking to sell their forum? I am affraid this person will immediately say: not for sale. How do I coax them into the idea?

Also, bear in mind that most forum owners will at least hear out your offer to see if it is something that might get their attention. Remember, most things are for sale at the right price.

Originally Posted by Lee

Also, bear in mind that most forum owners will at least hear out your offer to see if it is something that might get their attention. Remember, most things are for sale at the right price.

Agreed. But also keep in mind that if they aren't looking to sell in the first place, they will probably have a more unrealistic price in mind. Just have to be careful how you go about it.

Originally Posted by 007

Agreed. But also keep in mind that if they aren't looking to sell in the first place, they will probably have a more unrealistic price in mind. Just have to be careful how you go about it.

I've also found that they can often get offended at the idea of "selling" their precious forum, particularly if they are active in the community. I only have experience purchasing forums that are music related, however.

From a forum owners point of view, I have a forum I would never sell, the price would have to be so rediculous for me to even listen. I get offers all the time, I usually politely turn them down.

I have other forums I would be willing to sell in a heart beat.

I am never offended by any offer, at least someone is interested. The most successful ones I have seen are very complimentary of the site, and show some knowledge of what is going on. Forum owners, if they sell, want to hand it over to someone who has a genuine interest in the subject, not to someone who is going to bastardize the thing to death to earn every penny they can.

Good luck!