Could those of you who are claiming
@johnnie018 is running an appraisal scam please post and quote his EXACT messages (copy/paste only .. do not paraphrase, as the exact words he used are important).
*IF* indeed he is specifically requiring a paid appraisal before considering a purchase, then this is what is known as an "Appraisal Scam" .. it has been going on in the domain industry for years by unethical people.
Basically a fake domain broker approaches you saying they have a buyer for your domain. But that the buyer requires an appraisal certificate for their bank or company. They then give you the choice of 2-3 appraisal services usually owned by them (sometimes they put in one that isn't owned by them to make it look legit, but theirs are always less expensive so you'll be most likely to go to them).
I'm not usually one to rush to judgement without seeing the exact words of the infraction, but given that
@johnnie018 pretty much admitted it, I'd say action needs to be taken, or if there is a loophole in the rules which allows a buyer to request the seller pay for an appraisal, then that loophole needs to be closed (although it seems vaguely covered in the rules I listed below.
As I mainly rely on common-sense and I haven't read all the NP rules top to bottom, with a quick search I'd think the following 2 rules could easily be applied.
3.1. Advertising of any kind is only permitted in a
Marketplace or
General Advertising sections or by official advertisers where applicable.
Unsolicited offers and advertising are never permitted in replies or direct messages.
6.1.7. Sellers are responsible for paying all transaction fees except those the buyer could have avoided or the buyer chooses to pay. Sellers should take fees into consideration when choosing sale prices or starting bids.
Multiple sale prices and multiple starting bids may be set based on specific criteria.
Learn why.
No hidden fees may be assessed on a deal or sales listing by either party.
More importantly: I'd think this sort of bait and switch, with a "recommended/suggested" paid service (appraisal / brokerage) might be better off to be in the rules considering it's prevalence in the industry and the significant damage it can do to newcomers. Maybe take the sentence I
highlighted for 6.1.7 and make it a separate point with a bit more detail that includes a rule against the requirement for a seller to pay for appraisals and brokerage services in order for a possible deal to proceed.
@Eric Lyon @Amanda @Support Team @Abdullah Abdullah @Kenny @Edward Zeiden @enlytend @usernamex