Registrar business model classifications

Many registries already provide registrars with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the registrar's own performance. The aim of this project was to build a list of common registrar business models allowing registries to classify their registrars into different groups and allow for better registration data benchmarking. Registries that integrate these classifications into their reporting are able to provide more relevant benchmarking analysis to their registrars as well as better breakdown the registration data of their zone.

The RRDG established 7 key business models (listed below). A survey found that of the 40 European registrars that responded, almost all were able to identify one model from the list as their 'primary business model' (note: a small percentage felt strongly that they fit into more than one business model) . These models are open for any Registry to integrate into their reporting.

Registrar Business models

Domain Investor- Registrar selling domains to domain investors/domainers and/or register domains for own investment purposes (selling, parking, renting)

Corporate - Entities registering domains for own use: corporations, government, organisations, registries’ own domains

Brand Protection - Registrars providing services to corporate entities for brand protection and own usage.

Retail and Hosting - 1. Registrars providing domain names and/or hosting services to end customers as primary sold service or 2. Registrars providing website and marketing services as primary sold service (E.G. Web design, SEO, Advertising)

Wholesale - Providing registrar services for resellers. B2B only. (Main focus)

Access Provider - Telco providing predominantly Access Services

IT Infrastructure - Infrastructure, Security, Systems Administration, Managed Service Providers