Is a host reseller account needed?

13 years ago

If you are going to do a lot of Wordpress sites for clients, then I would do the reseller hosting and charge the client so and so amount per month. I wouldn't have a lot of client's sites on my same hosting account. If you're only doing a couple of these sites, then I would just use the one main hosting account.

Cindy

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GaryBurke 13 years ago

as blondie wrote.
You could make some residual from your clients by charging them a monthly fee for the hosting because once you give them the user and password for their account the website is theirs to update as they see fit.
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- JimmyD 13 years ago
  
  I've never understood what's so good about Hostgator.
  My main host is dreamhost.com, I get unlimited disk, bandwidth, domain hosting. Each domain can be set up with it's own admin panel (not cpanel) and domains are not add on sub domains they have their own space. $119 per year.
  
  I usually charge clients between $10 -$20 a month for hosting.
  
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jsnfou

13 years ago

Also have this question in my mind, since reseller packages don't have 'unlimited.'
The only downside is that the current plan I'm on can't give the clients their own cpanel - but then again I will be their web designer, maybe I can just give them ftp access...

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misc92

13 years ago

Originally Posted by jsnfou

Also have this question in my mind, since reseller packages don't have 'unlimited.'
The only downside is that the current plan I'm on can't give the clients their own cpanel - but then again I will be their web designer, maybe I can just give them ftp access...

The individual package that you can purchase from Host Gator isnt "unlimited" either, Host Gator can pull this off just because most people dont have huge sites demanding alot.

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Qamar

13 years ago

I have asked similar questions and the answers I got are here http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-...questions.html

QAMAR

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SirThomas

13 years ago

If you only host dozen sites or so (wordpress), you don't need a reseller account. I wouldn't give customers access to cpanel. What's the point? You are not a webhost. You only provide space for a monthly fee.

In other words, you only host that site, not whole bunch of other stuff customers might feel like having...

Also, don't worry about hosting them on your "shared" account, because you're not the only one on it anyways... :-)

If you're one of 50 people on a shared server, a dozen extra websites will not cause any harm.

Thomas

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Will Perkins

13 years ago

Originally Posted by SirThomas

If you only host dozen sites or so (wordpress), you don't need a reseller account. I wouldn't give customers access to cpanel. What's the point? You are not a webhost. You only provide space for a monthly fee.

In other words, you only host that site, not whole bunch of other stuff customers might feel like having...

Also, don't worry about hosting them on your "shared" account, because you're not the only one on it anyways... :-)

If you're one of 50 people on a shared server, a dozen extra websites will not cause any harm.

Thomas

A lot of people don't realize this, but a lot of people fail to listen to anything I say so here it is straight from HostGator.

11.) Shared (non-reseller accounts) / Semidedicated Servers
Shared accounts may not resell web hosting to other people, if you wish to resell hosting you must use a reseller account. Semi-dedicated servers are not backed up. You must maintain your own backups.

The Business plan provides a free toll-free number for your web site and business. Minutes Included Per Month: 100 -- Additional Minutes: 4.9 Cents. Included minutes are based on a calendar month. By default, you'll be able to receive calls from US callers only. You can enable calls from Canada in your control panel, but will be billed 6.9 cents per minute for all calls from Canada due to the increased costs of providing service there. This service is provided and supported by Voipo for new HostGator clients.

*Please note: Toll-Free numbers issued must be called at least once every 30 days. Toll-free numbers with 0 calls in a 30 day period will be considered inactive and disconnected. If you cancel your hosting package with HostGator or switch to a plan other than the business plan, your toll-free number will be disconnected unless you contact VOIPo to change to a paid service plan prior to the HostGator cancellation.

Source: Web Hosting, Reseller Hosting, and Dedicated Website Hosting w/ cPanel - HostGator

HostGator WILL suspend and terminate your account, has happened to me before. It's NOT worth the risk. Try explaining to your client's you were actually taking the cheap way out and lost all their websites for at least a day if not more.

This is not just for HostGator, you can find this same type of information in almost EVERY shared web hosting provider online. I ran a hosting company for over two years, and I can't even remember how many client's I suspended because of this...

The providers do in fact monitor this, and you WILL get caught. Trust me....

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sissyshasha 13 years ago

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SirThomas

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Will Perkins

A lot of people don't realize this, but a lot of people fail to listen to anything I say so here it is straight from HostGator.

HostGator WILL suspend and terminate your account, has happened to me before. It's NOT worth the risk. Try explaining to your client's you were actually taking the cheap way out and lost all their websites for at least a day if not more.

This is not just for HostGator, you can find this same type of information in almost EVERY shared web hosting provider online. I ran a hosting company for over two years, and I can't even remember how many client's I suspended because of this...

The providers do in fact monitor this, and you WILL get caught. Trust me....

Will, I am was not aware of this. Thank you for your response. I don't host anybody's site, so it wouldn't apply to me anyways. But it's good to know.

Can you host someone's site if you don't charge for it? logically not...

Thomas

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j40u

13 years ago

Originally Posted by SirThomas

Will, I am was not aware of this. Thank you for your response. I don't host anybody's site, so it wouldn't apply to me anyways. But it's good to know.

Can you host someone's site if you don't charge for it? logically not...

Thomas

Yes, you can host a client's website and not charge for it on Hostgator's Baby plans etc. You don't need a reseller account UNLESS YOU CHARGE your clients for hosting.
Regarding suspensions to baby packages, Hostgator will suspend your account if you are using too much resources or your clients are using up too much emails (approx 500 email per hour.)

I also suggest referring them to a host with your affiliate link, the troubles that come along with 'hosting' for your client may bite you in the ass so if you really want that extra cash, it might be more wise to charge for 'maintenance' instead of losing a customer over your crappy 'hosting' if their site ever goes down.

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Will Perkins

13 years ago

Originally Posted by JasonFou

Yes, you can host a client's website and not charge for it on Hostgator's Baby plans etc. You don't need a reseller account UNLESS YOU CHARGE your clients for hosting.
Regarding suspensions to baby packages, Hostgator will suspend your account if you are using too much resources or your clients are using up too much emails (approx 500 email per hour.)

I also suggest referring them to a host with your affiliate link, the troubles that come along with 'hosting' for your client may bite you in the ass so if you really want that extra cash, it might be more wise to charge for 'maintenance' instead of losing a customer over your crappy 'hosting' if their site ever goes down.

Good point, something I used to do when I got started. Refer them, get the $50-125 commission, never worry about tech support.

OR

Do the same thing, then charge for maintenance and still get cash monthly.

As for the 500 emails per hour, that's the limit for HG accounts. You cannot send more than 500 per hour, it will literally stop sending emails.

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Joe Mobley

13 years ago

Mike,

Let me help you out here.

If you are selling web sites, and hopefully monthly hosting, buy reseller hosting now.

Beyond Will's point (and he is correct) the day will come when you will have (or want) to give someone else access to a clients cpanel.

You may want to outsource part of your site building. You may have a client that wants/needs/demands access to parts of his web site that is embedded in the cpanel. Whatever.

The longer you wait to go reseller the more the cost in money, aggravation, and frustration you will incur. Believe me you will be kicking you own behind for not doing it sooner.

The difference between a shared and reseller account is around 16 bucks. About 1 monthly hosting fee from a client.

You're a businessman, make sound business decisions. Going with a reseller account in your situation is the only way to go.

You can thank me later.

Joe Mobley

Originally Posted by mrcouchpotato

I currently use Hostgater for my ISP and with my package, I get unlimited disk space, unlimited bandwidth, and unlimited add-on domains.

A reseller account allows you to resell full access to your client's space including the Cpanel.

Most of the offline businesses I plan on dealing with will have no idea what a CPanel is or what to do with it. I will most likely be creating a website for them using Wordpress then hand over the keys (username and password). I'll also show them how to update it on their own.

So, is there any reason why I should pay more per month for a reseller account when I can simply use an Add-On domain with my account for free? (Actually I pay $9.95/mo for all the unlimited stuff).

Once I give them the username and password for their Wordpress account, I don't think there would be any reason for them to use the Cpanel, would there?

Mike

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SirThomas

13 years ago

Why not open a separate account for your clients? Every host will pay you a referral fee and you don't have to provide any technical support in case of emergency.

Sure, it's less money than hosting yourself, but if you're not too technically savvy, this might be the best option...

Thomas

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BudgetSEO

13 years ago

It'd be a great idea to get a reseller and accommodate your clients on it, ask them to pre-pay a years hosting, its a win win situation.

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Will Perkins

13 years ago

Originally Posted by SirThomas

Will, I am was not aware of this. Thank you for your response. I don't host anybody's site, so it wouldn't apply to me anyways. But it's good to know.

Can you host someone's site if you don't charge for it? logically not...

Thomas

Yes, you can. You can host a website on your account if it were to be your friends for example.

Originally Posted by SirThomas

Why not open a separate account for your clients? Every host will pay you a referral fee and you don't have to provide any technical support in case of emergency.

Sure, it's less money than hosting yourself, but if you're not too technically savvy, this might be the best option...

Thomas

You could technically do this, athough you cannot charge an upsell on the pricing. Meaning if HostGator or any other host charged $7.00 a month, you cannot charge $8.00 or $9.00 a month. You can charge 7, that's it.

Personally I'd recommend just going the reseller route, consider even using these guys: InnoHosting - Web Hosting cPanel Reseller Hosting WHM with free WHMCS free RapidSSL - 24x7 Support
*Yes this is a personal recommendation, I've known the owners since they opened up.

They provide free end-user support. Meaning if you use the support panel they provide you (WHMCS) they'll do all your support for you. Besides billing that is, obviously.

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SirThomas

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Will Perkins

Yes, you can. You can host a website on your account if it were to be your friends for example.

You could technically do this, athough you cannot charge an upsell on the pricing. Meaning if HostGator or any other host charged $7.00 a month, you cannot charge $8.00 or $9.00 a month. You can charge 7, that's it.

Personally I'd recommend just going the reseller route, consider even using these guys: InnoHosting - Web Hosting cPanel Reseller Hosting WHM with free WHMCS free RapidSSL - 24x7 Support
*Yes this is a personal recommendation, I've known the owners since they opened up.

They provide free end-user support. Meaning if you use the support panel they provide you (WHMCS) they'll do all your support for you. Besides billing that is, obviously.

If they do the entire technical support on reseller accounts, this might be a great solution. Thank you. Are those guys real good?

Thomas

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Will Perkins 13 years ago

Originally Posted by SirThomas

If they do the entire technical support on reseller accounts, this might be a great solution. Thank you. Are those guys real good?

Thomas

Yea, I'd recommend them; they have pretty good support along with speeds etc...
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hotlinkz

13 years ago

Require that they create or authorize you to create their own hosting account. You simply contract to maintain the content.

You can still earn initial and monthly commission for referring them to a hosting solution you use and trust.

The last thing you want to do is give the impression that you are a technical connectivity support point. Your tasks should be limited to creating profitable marketing campaigns and content management.

Take it from a voice of experience. Just imagine the spectre of having an upset client with a 9 to 5 business call you at 3:27am because they can't get to their website that YOU are hosting. Even though they babble incomprehensibly, you know that they are only shouting..."Make it go!"

Don't do this to yourself!

Originally Posted by mrcouchpotato

I currently use Hostgater for my ISP and with my package, I get unlimited disk space, unlimited bandwidth, and unlimited add-on domains.

A reseller account allows you to resell full access to your client's space including the Cpanel.

Most of the offline businesses I plan on dealing with will have no idea what a CPanel is or what to do with it. I will most likely be creating a website for them using Wordpress then hand over the keys (username and password). I'll also show them how to update it on their own.

So, is there any reason why I should pay more per month for a reseller account when I can simply use an Add-On domain with my account for free? (Actually I pay $9.95/mo for all the unlimited stuff).

Once I give them the username and password for their Wordpress account, I don't think there would be any reason for them to use the Cpanel, would there?

Mike

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Evolve91 13 years ago

Before getting offline clients became a "Buzz" in the IM community, I started doing offline for few business owners that I personally know just to raise a little extra income.

I had each of them get their OWN hosting accounts and I have access to their hosting admin for doing updates, adding squeeze pages or changing the current ones, etc.

Recently I decided to expand and really grow a business servicing small businesses in my area and pondered the idea of getting a "reseller" hosting account.

hotlinkz post makes sense in one way because it keeps us from having that 3 am call BUT, there are other considerations.

We can either own and control the sites and lease them out, and in that case they would be on our own hosting.

Or, we can sell a site and/or package and in that case I would want THEM to have their own hosting account. (using my affiliate link of course)

I think it just depends on how you want to set up your business. Are you going to lease sites out, or sell them outright? Both?

As far as myself, it will depend on what the client wants. If the site is leases, its on my hosting. If the site is sold to them, its on their hosting.
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KathyK

13 years ago

Originally Posted by hotlinkz

Require that they create or authorize you to create their own hosting account. You simply contract to maintain the content.

You can still earn initial and monthly commission for referring them to a hosting solution you use and trust.

The last thing you want to do is give the impression that you are a technical connectivity support point. Your tasks should be limited to creating profitable marketing campaigns and content management.

Take it from a voice of experience. Just imagine the spectre of having an upset client with a 9 to 5 business call you at 3:27am because they can't get to their website that YOU are hosting. Even though they babble incomprehensibly, you know that they are only shouting..."Make it go!"

Don't do this to yourself!

I'm with hotlinkz here - don't do it! Take the referral fees and commission and run. He's dead right about those 3 AM calls.

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iAmNameLess

13 years ago

uhhhhh^^^ What?

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Will Perkins 13 years ago

Originally Posted by iAmNameLess

uhhhhh^^^ What?

What are you confused about?
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- edakehurst 13 years ago
  
  Real good advice in this thread.
  
  The two things I would point out to you are:
  
  1) If you host multiple sites under one hosting account and you have a security breach on one of them he could potentially infect the rest of the sites. This is definitely not a risk that any off-line marketer should be willing to accept.
  
  2) There may come a day when you and or your client choose to part ways. If you have their site under one hosting account mixed with other sites you've created a potential problem. Under reseller account what if they host themselves they can just hire someone else to maintain their site give them Cpanel access.
  
  As has been pointed out, the increased cost of using a reseller account is really not that much, plus it can be passed on to the client in increased hosting fees.
  
  Hope that helps.
  
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- iAmNameLess 13 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Will Perkins
  
  What are you confused about?
  
  LOL!! There was another post above mine, and it was nonsensical psychobabble. I suppose it was deleted.
  
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  Will Perkins 13 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by iAmNameLess
  
  LOL!! There was another post above mine, and it was nonsensical psychobabble. I suppose it was deleted.
  
  I was about to say lol... I'm like, what could he possibly be confused about...?
  
  Oh well, it's all good :p
  
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  ronakins 13 years ago
  
  Hi,
  
  I've been following this thread with interest as I have decided to stop procrastinating and start providing websites for local businesses.
  
  Re the web hosting would it be possible to charge clients a monthly fee but then give them the technical support number of the web hosting provider, in effect redirecting them so you don't get the 3am calls!!
  
  ..Ronica
  
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ronakins

13 years ago

It's OK I contacted Hostgator and got the answer to my question.

My clientswill need to contact me directly with the questions. Looks like I will be doing down the referral/affiliate route lol.

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Is a host reseller account needed?

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