3 All too common issues resellers face
You’ve already planned how you’ll market and secure your first 10 customers, what your prices will be, and maybe even what you’ll spend your first bonus on if everything goes well. Before all that, however, you’ll likely tackle at least one of these three common issues as a reseller. Let’s ensure they don’t hinder your operation just as you’re getting started.
This post serves as a guide for three general issues resellers might face. If you still feel stuck after attempting to patch up the issue yourself, please reach out to our support team at support@hostafrica.com.
Reseller issue #1 – Domain serverHold error code
One of our most faced support issues for resellers is when a domain’s status goes into hold. This is a server status code error or Extensible Provisioning Protocol domain status code error (#EPP): serverHold.
This can happen for a number of reasons, but commonly occurs when a domain has been added before the hosting package has been created.
So, a simple way to understand this is to think of ordering an item for delivery but giving no address for where it should be delivered.
In the same way, your domain name is registered, but because the domain registry can’t find a package (DNS records) for it, the domain goes into serverHold status
How to fix a serverHold error code
Start by heading to our WHOIS lookup page and we’ll show you whatis the problem.
Simply enter your domain into the field and confirm that you’re not a robot. After hitting the enter key you’ll see a list of information about your domain. Scan down and look for Domain Status. If it shows OK then you’re okay. Alternatively, if it shows #EPP serverHold, then you’re not okay.
Head to your WHMCS client area home page and click on Domains.
NOTE: Only do this after you’ve secured your hosting package, or it won’t work.
Once you’re in there you’ll see the list of domains you currently own. Move to the domain in question and click on the arrow next to the spanner. A drop down will appear. Click Manage Nameservers.
Once you’re in there, you’ll see the two nameservers:
- ns1.host-ww.net
- ns2.host-ww.net
Swap them around. That should patch the issue. If it still remains, reach out to us and we’ll change it manually from our end.
You can check to see if it worked by heading to the WHOIS page again.
Reseller issue #2 – Adding an account to prevent serverHold error for your client
So, the second issue resellers may run into is related to the first in all but one key area. As a reseller you need to create a cPanel account for your client first so the DNS zones exist prior to the new domain registration. Doing this prevents the domain from going into hold.
Essentially, the package delivery issue all over again, but this time you ordered a package for a friend (your reseller client) and didn’t give the address.
How to fix client serverHold error by adding an account
So, our approach to this issue takes a more preventative tone. Ensure your reseller clients stay happy by setting the stage for the problem not to appear in the first place.
Head to Create a New Account under the Account Functions dropdown.
There you’ll be able to nip the problem in the bud by giving your reseller client the platform they need to graciously accept their delivery using a verified address.
If, however, you’ve already ordered the domain before creating the account, you can revert to the solution we gave for the first issue.
Keep in mind that for any solution to work a hosting package or cPanel account must exist.
Another solution for this problem is changing the nameserver. To do this follow the same instructions as you did for issue one. Head to your WHMCS client area and swap the nameservers around from the Manage Nameservers page.
NOTE: You’re only changing the 1 to a 2 and vice versa.
Once that’s done save the record and give some time for the dust to settle (usually a few seconds). The problem should be sorted.
Reseller issue #3 – Reseller accounts going over quota
The third and final common issue reseller’s face is a bit of a sneaky one. It’s being penalised for going over your quota, and usually unknowingly.
The issue is that while accounts may have been set up properly, sometimes the packages that need to be assigned to each account are not created. Each package should be for a different tier of product you offer.
So, if packages are not created, clients run the risk of using all the resources available to the reseller, which can take them over the limit on some occasions. Of course, when the bill arrives it’s the reseller that has to cover the extra cost. Ensure that packages are made and assigned to each client before they start.
So, similar to our Reseller packages having Starter, Basic, Power, and Expert, you’d want to include a couple of different web hosting packages for your clients.
That way you can allocate certain resources depending on the package they opt for and not get a bill for resource usage that you didn’t partake in (directly at least).
That’s because even if you weren’t the one going over the resource limit, your client went over the quota. That reads as your account using more resources than what was originally stipulated. You see the confusion.
How to fix reseller accounts going over quota
To deal with this stealthy issue, simply create a few packages and set limits on the resource usage for each one.
Head to Add a Package underneath the Packages dropdown.
Once you’ve clicked on it, you’ll see a screen where you can adjust the resource usage for the package you’re about to create.
Just be sure to allocate a specific package to whatever account you create after this. You can do this in the Create a New Account section when you’re (you guessed it) creating a new account.
We’re here to help with any reseller issue you might have
As you can see, these fixes are pretty straightforward and don’t require too much technical know-how. In fact, as a reseller these shouldn’t be too much of a stretch to patch yourself.
If you do find yourself in a sticky spot despite the solutions to the reseller issues we presented, feel free to drop us a line. We’re always here to help and will ensure your problem is taken care of efficiently.
