Domain reselling lets a hosting reseller or agency sell domain registrations under its own brand without becoming an ICANN-accredited registrar. You buy domains at wholesale prices through a registrar's reseller programme and sell them to clients at your own price, usually together with hosting.
Before you start
- A reseller account with a domain registrar that offers an API.
- Billing software such as WHMCS to take orders and renewals automatically.
- Terms of service that cover domains, renewals and expiry.
How the domain supply chain works
| Level | Role | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ICANN | Sets policy for gTLDs, accredits registrars | Fees per registration-year |
| Registry | Runs a TLD's database | Verisign for .com |
| Registrar | Accredited to register domains with registries | Wholesale reseller programmes |
| Reseller | Sells the registrar's service under its own brand | A hosting company or agency |
| Registrant | The domain owner | Your client |
The registrant is always the client, not you. The domain must be registered in the client's name with accurate contact details.
Pricing domains
- Your cost is the registrar's wholesale price, which already includes the registry fee and the ICANN fee for gTLDs.
- Renewal and transfer prices can differ from first-year prices. Price all three.
- Many resellers keep a modest markup on domains and earn more on hosting and services.
- Avoid selling first-year domains below cost unless renewals reliably make up for it.
Automating with WHMCS
- Install the registrar module in WHMCS and enter your API credentials.
- Set TLD pricing for registration, transfer and renewal.
- Enable domain sync so expiry dates and statuses stay accurate.
- Turn on renewal reminders and auto-renew options.
- Let clients manage nameservers, contacts and EPP codes from the client area.
Your responsibilities as a domain reseller
- Accurate registrant data: registrars must verify contact details; invalid data can get domains suspended.
- Renewal notices: ICANN rules require expiry reminders before and after expiry for gTLDs. Your registrar sends some, but your own reminders reduce lost domains.
- Transfers out: you must provide EPP codes on request and must not block legitimate transfers.
- Funds: keep enough balance with the registrar so renewals do not fail.
Important: Never register a client's domain in your own name. It causes ownership disputes, and the client legally owns their domain.
Handling expiry and redemption
When a client does not renew, the domain moves through the grace period, redemption period and finally deletion. Restoring from redemption costs a fee charged by the registry, so communicate prices clearly and send reminders early.
Frequently asked questions
Can I resell domains without becoming a registrar?
Yes. That is exactly what reseller programmes are for. ICANN accreditation is only needed to connect directly to registries.
Who owns a domain sold by a reseller?
The registrant named in the registration, which should be your client.
Can I resell ccTLDs?
Usually, if your registrar supports them. Check each ccTLD's eligibility and transfer rules.