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Liquidity for the Domain Industry


The absence of conventional liquidity is one of the largest structural challenges affecting the domain industry. Many domainers, "domain rich but cash poor", lack the cash with which to purchase domains or add value to their portfolios through development, resulting in an inefficient market that is holding back the entire industry. At Epik, we are committed to addressing this impediment to growth.

Our solution is an alternative currency, Masterbucks.

The Problem: An Inefficient Market

Often times, the value of the domain is increased by being able to consolidate names around a strategy, e.g. Person A wants geo names, while person B wants domains about household appliances. However, if neither Person A nor Person B have cash, nor do either have domains that the other person wants, no transaction is completed. This is a classic inefficient market where the only guys who get to participate are the ones with ample cash on hand.
Our solution is an alternative currency, Masterbucks.

How can I use my Masterbucks?

  • Convert 1:1 to dollars
  • Never Expire
  • Fully Transferable
  • Tax Advantages

Masterbucks can be used for any and all transactions within the Epik Network. Masterbucks can be converted, on a 1:1 basis to the US dollar, into services or domain purchases from Epik and Epik-approved partners. They can be used to purchase domains, domain development services, and SEO consulting. Some lawyers who specialize in the domain industry even accept Masterbucks for the payment of legal fees.

Masterbucks never expire and are fully transferable.

Masterbucks also offer certain tax advantages. In most cases, swapping domains by using Masterbucks qualifies as a tax deferred "like kind exchange" 1 . Especially for domainers planning to dispose of domains in order to fund the development of other domains, this aspect of Masterbucks is particular beneficial.


How do I get Masterbucks?

Epik actively buys domains that have high exact search volumes for TLDs that are known to have a good ability to develop into search-friendly destinations. An approximate guide to the types of names that Epik is buying include: .COM with a DQI of 500+, .NET with a DQI of 1500+, .US with a DQI of 10,000+, all other TLDs with DQI of 50,000+

The DQI is calculated by multiple the exact search volume and multiplying by the average $ CPC. The recommended source of statistics for computing DQI is Estibot.com or Appraise.Epik.com. While the DQI will not always identify every development candidate, it will substantially filter domains that will be difficult into search-friendly websites.

 

Most domainers have domains that they really believe in but don’t appraise highly by conventional metrics. For these names, we recommend using the online forum at network.epik.com to let others know of your domain holdings and an indication of what you would accept as fair compensation.

 

How do I get Masterbucks?

Epik actively buys domains that have high exact search volumes for TLDs that are known to have a good ability to develop into search-friendly destinations. An approximate guide to the types of names that Epik is buying include: .COM with a DQI of 500+, .NET with a DQI of 1500+, .US with a DQI of 10,000+, all other TLDs with DQI of 50,000+

The DQI is calculated by multiple the exact search volume and multiplying by the average $ CPC. The recommended source of statistics for computing DQI is Estibot.com or Appraise.Epik.com. While the DQI will not always identify every development candidate, it will substantially filter domains that will be difficult into search-friendly websites.

 

Most domainers have domains that they really believe in but don’t appraise highly by conventional metrics. For these names, we recommend using the online forum at network.epik.com to let others know of your domain holdings and an indication of what you would accept as fair compensation.



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Can I exchange Masterbucks for cash?

Epik does not redeem Masterbucks for cash. However, we openly endorse the use of Masterbucks as a medium of exchange, and there are numerous Epik members willing to purchase Masterbucks at a discount. Epik does its best to create a liquid market by facilitating the transaction and serving as an escrow event between buyer and seller. You can contract with these individuals directly to work out the exchange rate, which typically has been 85 cents on the dollar, and for larger transactions, 90 cents on the dollar.

  • In most cases, swapping domains by using Masterbucks qualifies as an IRC Section 1031 tax deferred "like-kind exchange" . This tax advantage applies to the extent the domainer actually swaps (rather than merely sells for Masterbucks), though the swap can occur up to 45 days later under Section 1031.