Quote:
|
Originally Posted by cltwebs
I was wondering if it was truely worth the $99 annual fee to be a reseller?
|
That depends on what you want to do with it.
my experience:
pro:
* good prices. I have not found any better prices that weren't somehow bundled as a loss leader with another package.
* good control panel (for customers) -- it really is a turnkey system.
con:
* I don't like the lack of control -- There is very little you can do to differentiate yourself from other resellers.
You can create header and footer banners, put one link, and one "info" page on the site.
You can turn off products, e.g. if you don't want to sell their hosting package, but you cannot turn off the aggressive upselling.
You cannot create your own bundles.
You cannot run split-tests on pricing -- everyone sees the same price.
The only way you can get it under your own domain name is by framing the site (nasty, but better than nothing).
results:
I have just about broken even based on the money I saved from giving myself wholesale rates for my own domain name registrations (I have 180+ registered) and from the meager commissions I get from half a dozen clients. I plan to do better this year by actually promoting it.
It can be a good lead generator for hosting, if you turn off their hosting packages. (I assume you have a stake in wwwkeepers).
If you are a control freak like I am, you may not be happy. But if you want a "set it and forget it" store it's great -- their upsells are very powerful.
caveat: it is a very
low margin business. You need to position yourself very carefully.
Dream BIG!
-- Terrel
p.s. Email me if you are interested in doing a joint venture.