If a domainer is willing to let a name go for equity, it's either not worth much to them, or they're essentially loan sharks. I don't have data, but I'm pretty

If a domainer is willing to let a name go for equity, it's either not worth much to them, or they're essentially loan sharks. I don't have data, but I'm pretty sure the present value of most web startups is around $0, so this kind of deal really doesn't make sense from their perspective. Wait until you're profitable before trying to buy a killer domain name. You can't pay your hosting, rent, or employees with a domain name. If you're dead set on this domain name, renegotiate a cash price. Domain Capital provides domain name financing, and Escrow.com will reduce your risk of being ripped off. If the seller refuses Escrow, he's definitely trying to rip you off. The domain name secondary market is rotten with fraud.