TLDH launches “Priority Registration” service for new TLDs, starting at €29.95

Service makes it easy to get first in line for some new TLDs, although premium pricing does apply.

Top Level Domain Holdings has released a system for pre-registering new top level domain names, called Priority Registration.

The service is enabled through the company’s Online Priority Enhanced Names database (“OPEN”) at the company’s own domain name registrar, Minds + Machines. It is also open for other domain registrars and registries to link into.

It’s a first come, first served system that all but guarantees customers will get the domain they want if it’s available to pre-register. Participating registries will place you at the front of the line when the TLD goes live. The key exception is if the domain name is claimed during the sunrise period.

The first five domain options in the system are Peoplebrowsr’s .ceo and .best, and TLDH’s .casa, .cooking, and .horse.

Pricing for .ceo and .best start at €119.95, and TLDH’s own domain names start at €29.95.

But don’t expect the best domains to be available for these prices. I typed in Fiesta.casa, only to find the domain name would set me back €3,859.95. When I searched for mi.casa, the system suggested alternative domains: Renaissance.casa for €3,099.95, Alisa.casa €239.95, and for some reason WhiteTerror.casa, which was thankfully just €29.95. (I found the suggested alternatives for everything I typed to be way off base.)

California.horse will set you back €1,339.95. Thoroughbred.horse is only €89.95.

I like the idea behind OPEN and Priority Registration. However, before paying to register, customers should review the renewal pricing information as well as the ability for the registry to increase the initial price. It’s all in the Terms and Conditions.