Pre-registering a New Domain? Here are some of your questions answered

There are few things more exciting than buying a new home on the Internet. And with the addition of New Domains like .GURU and .GRAPHICS, it’s possible to find domain names that are highly personalized and tailored to your exact needs. The first of the New Domains to enter sunrise are about to roll into general availability, but until they do, you can pre-register the domain you want right now.

What is pre-registration and how does it work? Read on for the answers.

What is pre-registration?

Before New Domains launch into general registration (which is the first time anyone who’s not a trademark owner can register at a standard price), we offer the ability to place a hold on the domain name you’d like to acquire. For example, if you’ve had your eye on website.GRAPHICS, then you could pre-register for this domain with us. We’ll hold that registration for you, and then when open registration opens, we’ll put the request into the registry right away. If no one else gets there sooner, you’ve got your domain. It’s your best chance of getting the domain you want without being a trademark holder or participating in an auction.

When do I pay?

For pre-registration, you pay up front—that way we have the funds needed to buy the domain for you when it becomes available, which is what makes pre-registration so fast. The money you pay will be reimbursed to you if we aren’t able to secure the domain.

Why are some domains more expensive than others?

Even though the New Domains haven’t started public registration yet, there is still a price spread, like any other TLD option, like .COM or .NET. More generic term domains and domains using premium terms will cost more to pre-register. For .GURU, for example, yourname.GURU might be $34.99, but acting.GURU is $118.80. That’s because acting.GURU is applicable to more potential registrants, is more premium, and therefore has a higher rate.

How many people can pre-register for the same domain name?

We only take one pre-registration for each domain name. Then we enter your pre-registration against other companies. So, if someone pre-registers the same domain name with another registrar, you’ll be competing with them, but we won’t take more than one pre-registration for a domain name. That way, if we win the bid, you get the domain. No drama.

When will I know if I have my domain or not?

You’ll know as soon as we do—which will be the day that general registration opens. That date is different for each New Domain, and is based on when the New Domain opened sunrise. If you contact our amazing support team, we’ll let you know when to expect your specific domain to become available.

What else do I need to know?

To pre-register, go to name.com/preorder, and search for the domain you want. Once you find it, click on the domain to put it into your cart. It’s simple from there—just check out like you normally would. We’ll email you to let you know when you own your domain.

Didn’t answer the question you have? Ask us in the comments below, or contact us directly!