Domain Reseller Packages - Member Seeking Guidance About Reseller Programs

MODERATOR'S REQUEST: We are letting this run but please see guidelines

[energylevel]

I'm looking for some tips as to what might be the best domain reseller package about at the moment?

Thanks .......

[Webwork]

This is the type of thread that, per the Charter [webmasterworld.com] we usually won't host . . but . . what's a rule if not to be broken once a year . . so let's run with it and see what we all can learn about reseller programs.

Ground rules:

1. No hotlinks.
   
2. Fact focused posts, no promo language.
   
3. Please address "What to look for and how to chose a reseller program".
   
4. Please explain "The upside and/or downside of being a domain reseller" . . and so on.
   

Thanks
Webwork / Domain Forum Moderator

[edited by: Webwork at 9:25 pm (utc) on Oct. 13, 2006]

[davezan]

Domain reseller package? You mean you want to be a reseller for a registrar or something?

Here's something I usually tell people with questions like that: jot down (in paper) exactly what you need or want. The more specifics, the clearer your direction might be. :)

[Marcia]

One upside of being a reseller is that you don't have to maintain a dedicated server with all the necessary updates, upgrades, security issues and technical details - which require extensive and detailed technical knowledge. The downside is that you have to know what you're doing to some extent, because your customer/client questions/issues will come to you and you have to be able to answer them, deal with them or solve them. If you don't know how or can't do it or find out how in 60 seconds, you're up the creek.

That's for being a hosting reseller, primarily; sometimes, domain registration is a part of it. To be a domain reseller, IMHO you'd better be sure you'll be around for a long time, and in it for the long run, because people's sites and livelihood can depend on the integrity of their domain name registration.

[edited by: Marcia at 6:51 am (utc) on Oct. 12, 2006]

[energylevel]

I mean a domain reseller package like Enoms or GoDaddy's, I'm a bit out of touch and wanted to see what options wwere available these days .......

[jimbeetle]

I looked into some a few years ago. The ones I would have considered had a variety of ways to integrate things into your site and, most importantly, they took care of all the support.

I was going to say that it must not include a setup fee or funding an account, but wow, looking around now it appears that most are charging something. Things sure have changed.

I decided not to get into it at all when the prices for domain names dropped. It's nearly impossible to be competitive on pricing, the margins are very, very slim.

[jtara]

Best domain reseller package for WHAT? There are a number of reasons for becoming a domain reseller. There are cases where those who don't actually want to actually sell domain registrations can take advantage of a reseller program - i.e. to get better pricing, and to gain technical capabilities. I assume that not all reseller programs permit this, though.

As an example, Tucows/opensrs permits this type of usage. While they have a retail operation (domaindirect) the prices are about 1/3 lower as a reseller (I believe that Tucows is considered a bit high to start with, though).

As an example of added technical capability, a Tucows reseller can register a domain server in all domains. A retail customer would have to call them on the phone to do this. (Some retail operations do permit this online.)

No credit card payments (check/wire only) and a very long and complicated set of paperwork to fill out are disadvantages of Tucows. I decided I didn't have enough domains to bother.

On the plus side, they have an API that would allow you to make a very customized interface either if you actually ARE reselling or have a need to register a large number of domains for internal purposes in an automated way.

[caran1]

Some resellers have high initial fees and others charge for all extras. If you are going to buy a large number of domains, pricing is a consideration also.