Thinking about offering web design services without building everything yourself? You’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs and agencies wonder how they can meet client demands, grow their business, and still keep things manageable. That’s where web design reselling comes in—a flexible way to expand your service offerings without needing technical expertise.
This article will break down what it means to be a web design reseller, why it’s a smart move, and the essential steps to get started successfully.
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What is a Web Design Reseller and How Does it Work?
Becoming a web design reseller means you’re selling website design and development services to your own customers, but you’re not actually doing the website building yourself. Instead, you partner with a web design agency or a specialized provider. They do the heavy lifting behind the scenes—creating, managing, and sometimes even maintaining websites—while you focus on selling and growing your business.
You present the service under your brand, set your own pricing, and manage client relationships. To your customers, it looks like you’re delivering the complete package. In reality, a team of design experts is working in the background. This model is also known as “white label” web design reselling.
How Can You Become a Web Design Reseller?
To get started as a web design reseller, you follow a clear, step-by-step process:
1. Research Web Design Reseller Programs
Look for reputable providers or agencies offering reseller or white label web design services. Many agencies, like those found on industry-focused marketplaces, specialize in working with freelancers, agencies, and marketing professionals who want to expand their service offerings.
2. Evaluate Program Features
When comparing reseller programs, check for:
- Range of services (basic websites, e-commerce, SEO, mobile-friendly designs)
- Support options (training, sales materials, technical help)
- Pricing structure (wholesale versus suggested retail prices)
- Branding options (is the service truly white label?)
- Turnaround times and scalability
3. Sign Up and Onboard
Most providers require a registration or onboarding process. This may include:
- Signing a reseller agreement
- Reviewing the provider’s portfolio or demo sites
- Attending onboarding webinars or training sessions
- Setting up your own brand portal (if offered)
4. Set Your Pricing and Packages
Once you understand your provider’s costs and capabilities, create your own service packages. Decide if you’ll offer single-page sites, small business websites, e-commerce stores, or custom solutions. Set your retail prices, keeping your profit margin and local market rates in mind.
5. Start Selling to Clients
Begin marketing your web design services to your network, either as a standalone offering or as part of a broader digital marketing package. Use the sales tools and proposal templates many providers supply to help you pitch professionally and close deals faster.
6. Manage Projects and Client Relationships
After a sale:
- Gather your client’s requirements and content
- Submit them to your reseller provider
- Communicate progress and feedback between the provider and the client
- Deliver the final website, branded as your own work
7. Offer Ongoing Support (Optional)
Decide if you want to upsell ongoing maintenance, website updates, or hosting services. Many clients value having a single point of contact, even if the technical work is being handled by your partner agency.
Key Benefits of Web Design Reselling
This business model offers attractive benefits for freelancers, consultants, agencies, and entrepreneurs:
1. Low Overhead and Risk
You don’t need to hire design or development staff, or invest in expensive tools. Your provider has the teams and infrastructure in place.
2. Quick Business Expansion
Add professional web design to your service list overnight, letting you break into new markets or upsell to your existing customers.
3. Scalability
Since your partner is handling the web design workload, you can rapidly scale your business up (or down) based on demand, without worrying about workload spikes.
4. Focus On What You Do Best
Spend your time on sales, customer service, and managing your business—not designing websites.
5. Higher Profit Margins
You buy website services at wholesale rates and resell them at retail prices, with you keeping the difference.
6. White Label Branding
All websites and communications can be branded with your business’s logo and style. To your clients, you’re the expert.
7. Access to Industry Experts
You leverage experienced designers and developers—often the same professionals larger agencies use—without hiring them directly.
Challenges and Considerations
While web design reselling is attractive, it’s not without its challenges. Here’s what to watch out for:
1. Managing Quality and Consistency
It’s critical to choose a partner agency with a track record for quality and timely delivery. Poor work reflects directly on your brand.
2. Communication Gaps
You’re the go-between for your client and the agency. Make sure you clearly relay information both ways to avoid misunderstandings.
3. Limited Customization
Some web design reseller programs follow strict processes or use templates, which may limit flexibility for highly customized projects.
4. Brand Reputation Risks
If your provider misses deadlines or makes mistakes, your business reputation is at risk, even though the provider is at fault.
5. Margins and Pricing
Be considered with pricing—balance competitive rates with sustainable profit margins. Don’t undercut your value or that of your provider.
Choosing the Right Web Design Reseller Partner
Selecting the right partner is key to your success. Keep these criteria in mind:
- Portfolio Quality: Review their sample work—does it match the caliber you want to offer?
- Service Range: Look for agencies that support different industries, web platforms, and features (such as e-commerce, mobile responsive designs, SEO).
- Support: Ensure you’ll get sales materials, technical help, and fast responses.
- White Label Capabilities: Can the provider fully brand communications and websites as your own?
- Project Management: Do they offer clear processes, status updates, and tools to track progress?
- Pricing Structure: Are wholesale rates reasonable, and does the provider offer clear pricing with no hidden costs?
Step-by-Step: How the Web Design Reseller Process Works
Let’s break down the typical flow of a web design reseller project:
- Client Acquisition
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You find and sell web design services to your customer.
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Requirements Gathering
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Collect the client’s project goals, content, branding, images, and preferences.
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Brief Submission
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Submit all details to your provider via their portal, form, or dedicated project manager.
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Design and Development
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Your provider builds the website based on the input, often within set turnaround times.
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Review and Revisions
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You review the draft, collect feedback from your client, and request changes.
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Final Approval and Launch
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The site goes live under your brand, and you deliver it to your client.
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Ongoing Management
- Optionally, offer your clients continued support, maintenance, or marketing services.
Practical Tips to Succeed as a Web Design Reseller
- Choose Your Niche: Target specific industries or business sizes to stand out and attract consistent clients.
- Build a Strong Brand: Invest time in your own website, marketing materials, and client communications.
- Educate Your Clients: Help clients understand the value you’re offering and why a professionally designed website matters.
- Automate Sales and Communication: Use proposals, templates, and automation tools to streamline your workflow.
- Set Clear Expectations: Be upfront with timelines, deliverables, and what’s included in your packages.
- Stay Proactive: Check in regularly with both your provider and your clients to head off issues early.
Cost Control and Pricing Tips
- Understand Provider Pricing: Know exactly what you’re being charged for (design, revisions, add-ons, rush services).
- Set Smart Margins: Most resellers aim for a 30%-60% markup, but your final price should factor in your market, value, and support level.
- Bundle Services: Offer web design alongside hosting, SEO, or content creation for higher average sales and ongoing revenue.
- Watch Hidden Fees: Ask about costs for extra revisions, premium plugins, or special features.
- Scale Discounts: Some providers offer savings if you resell multiple sites per month—ask about volume pricing.
What to Look For in a Top-Tier Web Design Reseller Program
Industry leaders tend to offer:
- User-friendly reseller dashboards and project management tools.
- Rapid delivery times (often 1-3 weeks for standard sites).
- Flexible options for custom development and integrations.
- Dedicated account managers.
- Branded client reports and ongoing support resources.
Many agencies tailor their programs for digital marketing agencies, IT consultants, or even locally-focused entrepreneurs. You can leverage their reputation and quality while building your own brand’s trust.
Conclusion
Web design reselling is a smart business expansion opportunity, whether you’re an agency owner wanting to broaden your offerings, a freelancer looking for scalable income, or an entrepreneur seeking a new venture. With low overhead, the ability to scale quickly, and access to top talent, you can offer high-quality web design under your brand—without building a team from scratch.
By choosing the right partner, setting clear packages, and delivering attentive customer service, you’ll build profitable, long-term relationships with clients who view you as their go-to digital expert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a white label web design reseller program?
A white label web design reseller program allows you to sell website design services under your own brand, while a partner agency handles all design and development work behind the scenes. Your clients only interact with you, and all work appears as if it was done by your business.
How much money can I make as a web design reseller?
Your earnings depend on your sales volume, price points, and profit margins. Many resellers see profit margins of 30%-60% per website, with higher profits from ongoing services like maintenance, SEO, or content updates.
Do I need web design skills to become a reseller?
Not usually. Most web design reseller programs provide all the technical skills and tools you need. Your focus will be on sales, client management, and gathering requirements. However, basic web knowledge helps you better serve clients and communicate with your provider.
What happens if my client wants changes or has problems with the website?
You act as the main point of contact. Clients let you know what they want changed or fixed, and you communicate these needs to your provider. Many agencies include revisions in their packages, but check the limits and costs for extra rounds.
Can I offer additional services like hosting, SEO, or maintenance?
Absolutely! Most successful web design resellers bundle services to provide more value to clients and generate ongoing income. Check if your provider supports add-on offerings, or consider partnering with third-party vendors for specialized services.
By understanding the ins and outs of web design reselling, you can confidently offer quality websites to your clients, all while growing your business efficiently and profitably.