History of the TLD

.dealer is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) introduced as part of ICANN’s New gTLD Program. It was delegated in 2015 and is intended to provide a domain space specifically for dealers and retail operators. The TLD has been managed by Intercap Registry Inc., offering an industry-specific option for businesses worldwide.

Main Use and Industry Position

The .dealer TLD targets businesses and individuals in the dealer and retail sectors, including automotive, equipment, and other commercial dealerships. It helps companies differentiate their online presence and reinforce brand identity by using a relevant domain extension.

Comparison to Other TLDs

Unlike generic TLDs such as .com or .net, .dealer is niche and industry-focused. It offers semantic relevance for dealerships, improving brand recognition. Unlike country-code TLDs, it has no geographic restrictions, making it globally accessible.

Pros and Cons of the TLD

Pros

• Highly relevant for dealers and retail businesses
  

• Can improve brand clarity and market positioning
  

• Open registration with broad eligibility
  

Cons

• Less recognition compared with legacy TLDs like .com or .net
  

• Potentially higher registration cost at some registrars
  

• Not ideal for non-commercial or unrelated uses
  
  

Registration Criteria

Registration is open to businesses and individuals without strict documentation requirements. The TLD is intended for dealer-related commercial use but is generally available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Summary

.dealer is a generic TLD for the dealer and retail sector, providing an industry-specific domain option to establish a focused online identity. Managed by Intercap Registry Inc., it supports standard domain features such as DNSSEC and privacy options.