With reseller web hosting, an individual purchases web-hosting space and sells it. In order to be successful, the reseller must understand the demands of a customer and market accordingly. Resellers can find good providers. Some hosts win awards for their dedication, such as Heart Internet winning the About.com’s 2011 Best Reseller Host Readers’ Choice Award. Remember, clients are looking for the cheapest web hosting they can find, but want reliability and customer service that feels like they have paid millions.

Resellers put their reputation on the line when they offer up another’s product. It is crucial that they are offering services they would use. Make this possible without cheapening the product. Research the provider. It is of no benefit to clients to find they are moving from one hosting site to another because of issues that were avoidable with proper investigation.

Here are some important tools on which to base a reseller web host business:

Flexibility – Depending on the company from which the hosting space was purchased, they may or may not allow resellers to split the bandwidth and hosting space as they see fit per client. If clients need this kind of flexibility, check that the original host allows it.

Downtime/Uptime – Analyze the service provider to insure they are passing on reliable web hosting. In some cases, downtime can occur because of the bandwidth being stretched too thin. The server may also be attacked. A good provider will get clients back online quickly; making sure client information has not been lost.

Bandwidth – Make sure that the company one is selling for can handle clients. Some allow overselling, but this is only beneficial if it does not create a hazard with your own customers. If hosting falters too often, slowing down a website, a reseller can lose their reputation. Reputation is everything via the Internet. Bad reviews can ruin one offering reseller web hosting. Clients, though looking for the cheapest web hosting want the utmost reliability.

Support and Customer Service – Clients want numerous ways to contact support. They also want quick response, no matter what time of day. Offer them the option of email, phone, and chat support. Though you are selling the space, make sure your provider has supplied you with the answers necessary to respond quickly. They should excellent support 24/7. Check their faqs section. Check their forum to see how their clients are feeling about the service provider.