Reseller Hosting Q&A

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Hosting Q&A : Reseller Hosting

	What is reseller web hosting?
	Why should I choose a reseller program?
	What technical expertise is required to become a reseller?
	Where should I start?
	Should I worry that my host is a reseller?

What is reseller web hosting?
Reseller hosting works in this way: a web host provides a reseller hosting account (usually an account with large storage and bandwidth allowance) to the reseller who then resells this space and bandwidth to his or her own clients. The reseller is able to create his or her own hosting plans and is presented as the hosting company. Most web hosts will offer reseller hosting accounts and some will even provide special support for their resellers. Because the capital outlay and resources is provided by the web host, reseller web hosting is a simple and cost-effective way to start providing web hosting services. With its low entry barriers it has become a popular way to enter the hosting industry.

Why should I choose a reseller program?
A reseller program offers you the opportunity to start and maintain a business with a minimum startup cost. It means being a reseller you can generate additional income from your web site.

Becoming a reseller has many benefits. Here are the examples:

Minimal Initial Investment
Do not have to maintain equipment
Can set own prices
Can provide other services in conjunction with reselling
Have access to hosting small, medium and large sites
Do not need to update/upgrade at will
Do not need a wealth of technical knowledge
Increased flexibility
Saving on overall hosting costs
Develop a premiere reputation if customers are satisfied; which will develop into customer loyalty
Web Server Administration is the responsibility of the actual Web Host Provider

What technical expertise is required to become a reseller?
Most web host companies will provide technical support for your clients. However, basic knowledge in the use of HTML and scripting languages, familiarization with FTP/publishing utilities, and knowledge of sending/receiving email and administration of POP accounts, ability to register new domain names as well as edit existing domain records for your customers are necessary.

Where should I start?
How can I become a reseller? The first thing you need to do to become a reseller is finding a web host provider you are satisfied with and can trust to provide a respectable level of support. This is very important because you are dependent on the web host provider to create a reputation of customer satisfaction. Once this is done, you just follow the registration procedures of the web host provider to setting up the account. You will be asked to fill out their application. When the account is set up, then you create your website to sell your services and good luck.

Should I worry that my host is a reseller?
It depends. Like anything, there are advantages and disadvantages of hosting with a reseller. On the downside, the reseller may be very inexperienced or just hoping to make money in the short term. Things may also happen slowly because of the chain of communication - if your site goes down and you notify the reseller, they then have to notify their web host and have them investigate. On the upside, resellers often have more time to devote to their clients because their web host is looking after the technical side of things. If the reseller is a local business with a limited number of clients, as opposed to a large company with thousands of clients, it may be easier to contact them should the need arise.

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