Domain name reseller accounts
Contents |
What is a domain name reseller account?
A domain name reseller account allows users to sell domain names to their clients through the domain registrar or parent reseller that they have a reseller account with. Domain reseller accounts have a reseller-level control panel to access and manage all domains with the account and usually an API for domain orders and renewals to be placed through the domain name registrar.
Almost every web host has a domain name reseller account. Having one allows web hosting providers to offer domains and to bundle them with web hosting packages if they choose to. Some web designers also offer domain name registration along with their other services. Many dedicated and reseller hosting providers include domain name reseller accounts with their hosting packages.
With a domain name reseller account, the base price of each domain is lower than retail to allow reseller account holders to resell the domains at a profit. For this reason and to be able to manage their domains more easily, domainers also often have domain name reseller accounts.
There are different levels of domain name reseller accounts. It's possible to be a reseller of a reseller of a reseller.
Domain reseller accounts and web hosting reseller accounts compared
Domain name reseller accounts are similar to and different from most web hosting reseller accounts:
Similarities
- Anyone can have a web hosting or a domain name reseller account and resell the services of their provider under their own company name.
- Resellers can set their own pricing.
- It isn't apparent to the general public that the services are available through a reseller account.
- The reseller is usually responsible for billing, payment methods, and support for the services provided.
Differences
- Some domain name reseller accounts are free while others have a one-time or annual fee. Reseller hosting accounts usually have monthly or sometimes annual fees.
- Domain name resellers typically pay a deposit into their account and have to keep their account topped up to be able to sell domains. Funds are withdrawn from their account each time an order is placed.
- The domain name registration service is handled by the domain name registrar although the billing is handled through the domain name reseller. New reseller hosting accounts, on the other hand, are set up through the reseller.
How to choose a domain name reseller registrar
- As with any service, read reviews of the service providers. Some have better reputations than others.
- Check that the domain name reseller registrar offers domain name extensions suitable for your target audience, especially country-specific extensions.
- Try out the interface as a potential client. Are you able to easily search for domain names? Do prices appear in the currency of your choice? Can you order URL forwarding with your domain?
- If you aren't reselling directly with a domain name registrar, choose a parent reseller that you have confidence in. For example, if you have a domain name reseller account through your web host, your web host is who you'll be in contact with if any problems arise, not the domain name registrar.
See also
Web Hosting Wiki article text shared under a Creative Commons License.
