Squarespace Domain Reseller Program
TL;DR:
- Squarespace offers a reseller program that lets you sell domains directly to customers
- You don't need to be an accredited registrar to participate
- You handle billing and customer relationships while Squarespace manages technical support
- The program creates recurring revenue through domain sales and renewals
- Integration happens through Squarespace's API for seamless checkout experiences
Squarespace's domain reseller program gives you the ability to sell domains without the headaches of becoming a registrar yourself. You keep the customer relationship, earn revenue from each sale, and let Squarespace handle the technical bits.
Getting Started
Contact Squarespace directly at reseller@squarespace.com to express your interest. You'll need to complete an application form that covers your business details and technical requirements.
The approval process varies depending on your business size and technical setup. Squarespace will review your application and get back to you with next steps.
Setting Up the Integration
Once approved, you'll work with Squarespace's team to integrate their reseller API into your website. This API handles domain searches and purchases directly within your checkout flow.
The integration means customers can search for available domains and complete their purchase without leaving your site. This keeps the entire experience under your brand and reduces the chance of customers dropping off during the buying process.
How the Business Model Works
As a reseller, you maintain the billing relationship with customers throughout their domain subscription period. You set your own pricing and keep the markup between what you charge and what you pay Squarespace.
Revenue comes from both initial domain sales and renewals. Since customers return to your platform for renewals, this creates ongoing touchpoints to sell additional services.
If customers also sign up for Squarespace website subscriptions alongside their domain purchase, you earn from those sales too.
Support and Management
Squarespace handles all backend domain management. This includes WHOIS privacy settings, DNS record management, and technical support issues. Your customers will manage basic domain settings through their Squarespace account, but they'll come back to you for renewals and billing questions.
This division of responsibility means you can focus on customer service and sales rather than technical domain administration.
Making It Work for Your Business
The program works best if you already have a customer base that regularly needs domains. Web design agencies, marketing companies, and business service providers often find the most success with domain reselling.
Consider how domain sales fit into your existing service offerings. Bundling domains with other services like website design or hosting can increase your average transaction value.
FAQs
Do I need special technical knowledge to become a reseller?
You'll need basic API integration capabilities or access to developers who can handle the technical setup. Squarespace provides documentation and support during implementation.
How much can I earn per domain sale?
Earnings depend on your markup strategy. Squarespace doesn't publish their wholesale rates publicly, so you'll need to discuss pricing during the application process.
What happens if I stop being a reseller?
Domain ownership and management would typically transfer back to Squarespace or the customer directly. The specific process should be covered in your reseller agreement.
Can I sell domains without selling Squarespace websites?
Yes, the program allows you to sell domains independently of website subscriptions, though bundling both can increase your revenue per customer.
Jargon Buster
API (Application Programming Interface) – A set of tools that lets different software systems communicate with each other
DNS Records – Settings that tell the internet where to find your website when someone types in your domain name
Registrar – A company authorized to sell and manage domain names
WHOIS – A database that shows who owns a domain name and their contact information
Reseller – A business that sells another company's products or services under their own brand
Wrap-up
Squarespace's domain reseller program removes many of the traditional barriers to selling domains. You get to focus on customer relationships and sales while leaving the technical management to Squarespace.
The program makes most sense if you already work with businesses that need domains regularly. The recurring revenue from renewals can provide steady income alongside your other services.
Ready to explore how this could work for your business? Get the full breakdown of advanced Squarespace strategies at Pixelhaze Academy.