Can someone explain the differences between these 2 tyes of accounts from the end-user's perspective?

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong or missed something, but with a Reseller account (direct with eNom) or a sub-Reseller account (with another eNom Reseller), you can resell domains and have sub-Reseller or sub-Retail accounts under you. For this priviledge you need to make an upfront deposit of $100. With a sub-account (Retail) you cannot resell and can pay as you go. No need for an upfront deposit.

So let me get this straight. There are reseller accounts, sub-reseller accounts and sub-retail accounts? And a sub-reseller can have additional sub-reseller and sub-retail accounts under them? Wow. I'm more confused than ever.........ummm, so I guess my question is what is the difference between a sub-reseller and a sub-retail account? A sub-reseller under another sub-reseller has to make a $100 deposit and can resell domains? Is that it basically?

I'm assuming by reseller you mean the direct Enom reseller, or an ETP (Enom Technology Partner). A sub account (going under an ETP) is much cheaper to start, but you want to make sure you can trust the person or company you go under and you will actually be dealing with them most of the time.

If you go under an ETP, the minimum deposit is $100 if you pay by credit card or Paypal, but you can pay any amount by mail, even $10 for 1 domain if that's all you want.

A Reseller account is an account direct with eNom (called an ETP). They can have sub-accounts (both reseller and retail) underneath them. A sub-account (reseller) can have sub-accounts underneath them (both reseller and retail). The difference between a sub-account (reseller) and sub-account (retail) I've explained above.

Unless you have lots of money or many domains, most people opt for a free sub-account (reseller or retail) with an existing Reseller or sub-account (reseller) which will give you .com registrations for $8.95. It's best to go with a reputable ETP Reseller, ie DomainSmarty.com

From my understanding a sub-account allows you to set different permissions to the sub-account holder.

You do get some control of the accounts below you.

An eNom account can be either a "Reseller" or "Retail".

Retail is pay-as-you-go and does not have ability to access any of the reseller tools or features. (API, registryrocket, etc.)

A Reseller account can create "Reseller" sub-accounts or "Retail" sub-accounts.

According to eNom Reseller Agreement, a Reseller account is ultimately responsible for ALL sub-accounts "under" their account, regardless of whether the sub-accounts are retail or reseller.

For example, let's say you have a Reseller account, and you create a sub-account with Reseller privileges. You give it to someone else, and then they create their own Reseller sub-account. Now the 2nd-level reseller sells a domain name, and it's fraud. The liability for that fraud will go up the chain until eNom finds someone with enough credit in their account to pay for the cost. Ultimately, if you are the "top" reseller, then you are liable.