I am producing a site that offers online services.
However, I do want to offer webhost as a side service. But I do not have a dedicated server of my own or have the ability of be an admin, so I decided on a reseller.


1) Does most reseller plans give me the option to give my "customers" the use of a control panel (CPanel or Ensim)?

2) If the customer has some problem with his webhost or downtime, what am I suppose to do? I am fully responsible.
Do I contact my host to open a new ticket and then contact my customer the answer?

3) Reseller accounts have bandwidth measurement, right? Where I can see how much bandwidth my customers are using and to put a restrictions if it exceeds.

4) I would need my own help-desk script, right?


I want to know what I am getting into before I offer webhost. I don't want the side service (webhost) to ruin my company reputation if tragic happens. :(

1) Check with the web host on which Control Panel comes with their package. Yes both Cpanel and Ensim would have 3 level of control panels, the administrator, reseller and the site owner. SO yes, you can give your clients the use of their control panel.

2) If the client faces problem with actual server downtime then yes, you can open a ticket for your web host to have the system resetted. If it is software related or solveable through your control panel or theirs then you can fix the problem yourself. If it is a misconfigured script, it depends on what level of support are you providing.

3) Yes, I believe Cpanel/WHM allows you to have a preview of how much bandwidth your clients are using. Not sure about Ensim. You could put a theortical restriction but that quota seems to be measured only after the server goes into maintenance mode every night. So there is a possibility of them exceeding but probably just a day's worth. i guess if you monitor to see who is going to breach then check with them how they want to proceed.

4) Yes, you can and should install your own help-desk script. Or you could rely on plain email. The choice is up to you.

Hi CPInteract,
First, I'll answer your questions before I give you a brief summary on what you're getting into.

1) Does most reseller plans give me the option to give my "customers" the use of a control panel (CPanel or Ensim)?
Yes. Most reseller plans provide you with an administration panel. For example, with CPanel you would be provided with a WHM (web hosting manager) to create accounts with. All accounts will be automatically installed with the control panel (CPanel for example).

2) If the customer has some problem with his webhost or downtime, what am I suppose to do? I am fully responsible.
Do I contact my host to open a new ticket and then contact my customer the answer?
Yes, you are fully responsible. Please note that as a reseller you'll be acting usually as either the 3rd level. Meaning your customers will have to go through you, then your host and in some situations your host will have to go through his host (co-locations, dedicated server hosts, etc.).

If you are having problems with hardware or downtime, you will have to contact your host immediately about the problem. This is why it's imperative that you find a host that provides you with constant support. Preferably a 24/7 phone support as well. However, simple problems that don't involve hardware/server such as questions regarding how to add new email accounts with the CPanel, you should provide answers after familiarizing yourself with the control panel.

3) Reseller accounts have bandwidth measurement, right? Where I can see how much bandwidth my customers are using and to put a restrictions if it exceeds.
Most accounts including dedicated servers have bandwidth measurement. Generally, with your reseller account an administration control panel will be provided where you can create accounts and limit their quota for space and bandwidth. Also, you should be able to view how much total bandwidth/space you're currently using with that administration panel. (IE: WHM)

4) I would need my own help-desk script, right?
If you expect to provide your customers with ticket support, then yes, you will need your own help-desk script.


Ok. Now that you have your general questions answered, let's move on to your last question.
I want to know what I am getting into before I offer webhost. I don't want the side service (webhost) to ruin my company reputation if tragic happens.
You mentioned earlier that you only want to offer web hosting as a side thing. So let's dive a little into what web hosting really entails. As a webmaster and a web host owner myself I can honestly tell you that web hosting can be a pain in the butt and a headache at the same time -- literally (I fell off my chair once :P)

If you've been a customer for any web hosting company for a certain period of time you'll realize that customer support is imperative. Whenever your website which you're paying money to be hosted is down, you have this need to contact your host and demand to know what's going on and have things fixed. Whenever your mysql databases aren't functioning or when your WHM isn't working, you have to be able to contact your host to have it fixed. You'll find that most customers appreciate swift responses regarding their accounts as they are paying you their time and expect quality service. Which brings us to the next part of this post.

If you're going to provide web hosting you should be prepared to provide constant support for your clients and be ready to stay up at odd hours talking to your host to resolve matters. Web hosting requires that you be not only mentally and financially stable to go up against what will be brought up against you, but also legally prepared for those incidents when you've just got a maniac who's intent on filing a law suit on literally everything you own.

When going into the web hosting business you should be prepared for anything that could be dished out. Consult a lawyer and consider taking legal steps to ensure that you won't lose all your worldly possessions just because you had this miscommunication with a former customer.

Also be prepared to spend hours and months building up your customer base. True web hosting isn't a one night business. It will take some time for your web hosting business to grow a client base and this might mean if you have a large account that you'll be losing money during the time you don't have enough customers to cover your server fees.

If you're down to this line, I have to congratulate you on having the dedication to read this post which even I'm finding to be long ;) I'll end this now to just let you know that despite all of these facts which may just turn you away from web hosting, that it doesn't hurt to get your feet wet. Reseller accounts aren't dirt cheap, but they aren't expensive if you have another means of income. Starting off with a reseller account would definitely let you get a taste of how cold or warm the water is and if you like it.. who knows what can spawn from that ;)

If you have any more specific or further questions, feel free to contact me. Best of luck.

Originally posted by CPInteract
1) Does most reseller plans give me the option to give my "customers" the use of a control panel (CPanel or Ensim)?

2) If the customer has some problem with his webhost or downtime, what am I suppose to do? I am fully responsible.
Do I contact my host to open a new ticket and then contact my customer the answer?

3) Reseller accounts have bandwidth measurement, right? Where I can see how much bandwidth my customers are using and to put a restrictions if it exceeds.

4) I would need my own help-desk script, right?


I want to know what I am getting into before I offer webhost. I don't want the side service (webhost) to ruin my company reputation if tragic happens. :(

1) Yes, most do.
2) That is correct. You answer to your client, we answer to you :)
3) Correct. Most control panels will allow you to view how much was used and put restrictions
4) Some control panel have that built-in, some don't.

Originally posted by CPInteract
I am producing a site that offers online services.
...
1) Does most reseller plans give me the option to give my "customers" the use of a control panel (CPanel or Ensim)?
...
I want to know what I am getting into before I offer webhost. I don't want the side service (webhost) to ruin my company reputation if tragic happens. :(

I am noting the quotes you put around the term 'customer'. Sounds to me like you need to think about exactly what it is you are offering and WHO you are offering it to. There are piles of hosting companies out there that offer basic hosting packages for cheap to anyone who can get online and pay by credit card.

What is your target market? What are you offering that sets you apart? Is this a business, a hobby, or a non-profit venture? Are you doing this to make money, or offer an added service to customers that pay you for something else? Do you really want the hassle and the responsibility? Do you have a reasonably well thoguht out business plan?

Good luck.