cPanel-based Reseller Webspace Hosting
The cPanel reseller hosting model operates by dividing cPanel-based web server(s) into predefined reseller plans, which are then marketed as individual reseller packages. Each single cPanel reseller webspace hosting account is powered by the WebHost Manager (WHM) administration tool. WebHost Manager is the place where the reseller creates the shared web hosting packages marketed under his own brand. Here are the standard steps an ordinary cPanel-based website hosting reseller must go through:
1. Pick a billing/invoicing software platform
So as to collect money from their customers, the resellers must add a billing platform connected to the cPanel/WHM module. The most popular invoicing solutions for cPanel and WHM are ModernBill, WHMCS, ClientExec and AWBS.
2. Create a merchant account
A merchant account for credit/debit card transactions is needed. Preferably issued by a bank (Bank of America, HSBC, Barclays, etc.) or some kind of a billing gateway (PayPal, WorldPay, 2CheckOut, etc.). Without the merchant account, the reseller will not be able to accept any credit/debit card payments from his web hosting customers. This merchant account needs to be opened inside the preferred invoicing platform by the keen reseller.
3. Set up a domain name reseller account
If you are about to offer domain name registration and transfer solutions to your customers, you have to open a domain reseller account with a given domain registrar and to link it inside the billing gateway.
4. Create the shared web site hosting packages
The cPanel-based reseller hosting business mode of operating enables the reseller to promote shared hosting packages exclusively. Using the WebHost Manager interface, the wholesale website hosting resources must be severed into smaller accounts.
5. Set the prices for the shared web space hosting accounts
Now is the time for the reseller to choose the prices for the offered shared web hosting plans. While doing this, it's good to pay good heed to the fact that inside the payment gateway (which is separate from cPanel and WHM, i.e. a 3rd login location for the reseller so far and second for the customers) the clients will be able to inspect their invoices (due or paid) and the earlier transactions made, i.e. this is the Billing Manager for the enthusiastic cPanel hosting customers as well. cPanel has nearly 150 sections inside (the client needs to pick up promptly), but does not offer any Billing or Invoice Manager. Can you believe that?
6. Select the prices for the domain names
The user interface provided by cPanel also does not support quite vital domain name manipulations, such as registrations, transfers, renewals, parking, DNS registrations, Domain Name System record modifications, etc. So, this invoice software system is also offering a place for the exalted cPanel site hosting customers where they can execute some (still, not all) of the abovementioned critical domain management and manipulation activities. So, now is the time for the reseller to pick which Top-Level Domains (TLDs) will be offered and to select their corresponding registration, transfer and renewal price tags.
7. Include a customer support platform
Another thing that is unavailable in the customer interface offered by cPanel is a technical support section (a customer support system). Based on the billing gateway the reseller has selected already, a customer support system is either available or not. If it is not available, the reseller has to find a ticket system and to install it somewhere. Somehow the shared web hosting clients should be aware of its presence.
8. Link the order wizard with the site
At last, now is the time for the reseller hosting website itself. There the shared web page hosting accounts and domain names can be obtained by the prospective clients. The entire website must perform in perfect coordination with the invoicing system. This suggests, within the website, the order wizards and the order pages have to be connected properly.
Let's summarize the login locations present with the cPanel-based website hosting reseller accounts. There are at least two and maximum 4 places to log in to, which can be very disconcerting for the resellers and especially for the customers.
For the reseller the login places are:
(1) cPanel (for the reseller website); (2) WHM; (3) the invoicing gateway; (4) the customer support platform (this is as long as the invoicing gateway does not already contain it - some do, others don't).
Login places for the keen cPanel web space hosting clients:
(1) cPanel; (2) the billing gateway; (3) ultimately the customer support ticket platform.