Partnering with a web design reseller can be a strategic move for agencies aiming to scale their services without expanding their in-house team. However, choosing the wrong partner can damage your brand, reputation, and client satisfaction. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when engaging a web design reseller.
Failing to Check Their Portfolio
Many agencies skip due diligence and don’t properly review a reseller’s past work. A portfolio offers insight into design style, technical capability, and industry versatility. Without this, you risk working with a partner whose quality or aesthetic doesn’t align with your brand.
Overlooking White Label Capabilities
Not all resellers are set up to deliver truly white-labelled services. If they’re not equipped to work behind the scenes without branding their output, it could lead to client confusion or even reputational damage. Always confirm their ability to integrate seamlessly with your brand.
Ignoring Communication Standards
Slow response times, unclear processes, and poor language proficiency can hinder project timelines. Clear, consistent communication is essential for collaboration. Don’t assume their communication style matches yours; test it early on with small projects or trial tasks.
Choosing Price Over Quality
Tempting low rates can lead to subpar results. Cheaper providers may cut corners, deliver generic templates, or lack attention to detail. Instead, focus on value, evaluate what’s included, such as support, revisions, and post-launch fixes.
Not Defining Project Ownership
Ambiguity around who handles client queries, updates, or ongoing maintenance can cause confusion. Clarify responsibilities from the start. Establish whether the reseller deals directly with your client (if ever) or remains strictly behind the scenes.
Skipping Technical Vetting
It’s easy to be dazzled by aesthetics and forget the backend. Confirm the reseller uses best practices for responsiveness, loading speed, SEO, and accessibility. A beautiful site is worthless if it’s technically flawed or unstable.
Neglecting NDAs and Contracts
Verbal agreements won’t protect your business. Ensure you have a written agreement in place outlining confidentiality, intellectual property rights, timelines, and deliverables. An NDA is especially crucial when outsourcing to protect client information and your own brand integrity.
Disregarding Cultural Fit
A reseller should align with your business values, tone, and work ethic. Differences in working hours, attitudes towards deadlines, or customer care philosophies can create friction. Prioritise cultural fit as much as technical skill.
Selecting a web design reseller is not a decision to make lightly. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll build a more reliable, efficient, and client-focused design partnership, one that strengthens rather than risks your agency’s reputation.