In a sale sure to send shockwaves through the domain community, Branson.com has sold for $1.6M
For those who don’t know, Branson is a small Missouri town that’s a big tourist attraction. It’s kind of like Nashville for people that don’t want to make the trip to Nashville. We’re talking country music and the like.
According to a press release, Branson.com just sold for $1.6M. That’s not a typo. This is a big deal sure to send shockwaves through the domain community, especially for anyone currently trying to buy a city name. Sellers of city domains will point to this sale and say “Branson.com sold for $1.6M. Any large city should sell for millions.” They’ll leave out the context that Branson.com had an existing web site and scores a whopping 5,563 with extension on Overture. We also don’t know if this was an all cash deal or involved equity.
Let’s put it in perspective. Vancouver.com, a large Canadian city, sold for only $123,000 this year. Macau.com, a gambling destination, sold for $550,000. Orleans.com sold for $45,450 (obviously not as good as NewOrleans.com). In 2005 Uruguay.com sold for $175,000, Bogota.com sold for $159,500, Paraguay.com for $150,000, and Redmond.com for $62,999.
Branson.com, the small Missouri town, sells for more than 10x Vancouver.com? Wow. But on a purely traffic basis, this makes sense.
I should note that I have a beef with Branson. The press release about this sale refers to Branson as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” Sorry guys, that’s my city — Austin — the true Live Music Capital of the World.
Ramiro says
Definitely a big sale!
I agree that Austin is the real live music capital of the world. The acts in Branson do not compare to those at South by Southwest or the Austin City Limits Music Fest.
1Offs says
Just wondering did Richard Branson buy the domain? RichardBranson.com directs to his Virgin conglomerate.
Editor says
Apparently it will remain focused on the city of Branson, MO.