Buyer comparison
Jottings vs Your Data Value: which should license your data?
Both act as your agent and both are paid out of your proceeds. The big difference is how open each is about its fee.
In this guide
| Jottings | Your Data Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 5.2 / 10 | 4.2 / 10 |
| Type | Broker or referrer | Broker or referrer |
| Referral program | Yes: 25% of Jottings' fee | May be paid by buyers |
| Pays companies | $100K to $1M+ market ranges | $200K to $2M most deals ($200K minimum) |
| Minimum size | No stated minimum | 30+ |
| Regions | US | US first; also considers the UK, Canada and other Western markets |
| Time to payment | From proceeds after the buyer pays (about 60 days in its example) | 30 to 60 days from form (one page); another credits that figure to a different firm |
| Exclusivity | Varies by deal | Set by the buyer |
01
Where they really differ
Fee. Jottings publishes 20% to 30%, applied to every payout including renewals. Your Data Value sets a percentage in a private agreement and may also be paid by buyers.
People. Jottings names its founder. Your Data Value names no people.
Deal size. Your Data Value sets a $200K minimum. Jottings quotes market ranges from $100K.
02
When Jottings is the better call
You want an agent whose fee you can see before you start.
03
When Your Data Value is the better call
You have 30+ staff and data likely to clear $200K, and are willing to negotiate the fee.
04
How to use two offers
You do not have to choose between Jottings and Your Data Value up front. The cleanest approach is to qualify with both, get each offer in writing for the same scope of data, and only then decide.
- 1
Fix the scope first
Decide which systems and years are in, and what stays out (client files, HR records, anything under NDA). Give both buyers the same scope so the offers are comparable.
- 2
Compare net, not headline
Subtract any seller fee or agent commission, and note whether the money arrives in one payment or several.
- 3
Read the license term
An exclusive license, even for a year or two, stops you licensing the same records elsewhere. A non-exclusive one leaves that door open.
- 4
Sign one before you send anything
No export until a contract is signed and you have approved how personal data is removed.
05
Ask both of them the same questions
Put the same five questions to each buyer in writing and compare the answers side by side. Vague answers are an answer too.
- 1What is your written offer for our data, and what exactly does it cover?
- 2Can we license these records to anyone else, and if not, until when?
- 3Who does the de-identification, using which method, and do we sign off on a sample before anything leaves?
- 4When are we paid, and in how many payments?
- 5Will you name the AI companies that end up with our data?
FAQ
Questions, answered
Do I need an agent at all?
Many direct buyers charge sellers nothing. An agent is worth it only if your net after fees beats a direct offer.
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Sources
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