Does anyone here use ResellersPanel.com? If so, then no doubt you're aware that they ask for your social security number upon signup. Why would this be necessary, especially over a form that is not encrypted? Would they not allow me to sign up if I refuse to enter my social security number?

Perhaps I should use something else? I am looking for a reseller hosting account that would cost no more than $10/mo. without clients. In other words, I don't want to start paying $50/mo. when I don't have any clients yet. That's why I liked the idea of ResellersPanel--it did not cost money to use. Anyone know of a good resellers account that cost no more than $10 per month without stuff added on for clients? Obviously, it would need to be expandable and should also offer a good management interface/control panel for me and all clients to use.

Please let me know what you think, thanks.

I've never heard of the practice of collecting SSN's from customers. A hosting company has no valid reason for collecting this information and I would be very, very wary of one that tried.

I'm not aware of a host offering the kind of reseller plan you describe, but it is an interesting concept. . .

I expect they need your social security number as they are dealing with the billing for the accounts. I'm not sure of the exact legal positon with this, but I've seen a great many companies that pay you comissions/money requrie the SSN. It's not normal for a hosting company because they don't deal with paying you money, but ResellersPanel do.

I agree it shouldn't be done over a non-encrypted connection. Perhaps you could not fill it in, then contact them later to arrange it to be entered.

OK, if they're paying out commissions then I understand that they'd want SSN's for tax reporting purposes. I must have overlooked that in your first post.

Why would a reseller company need your SSN?

Originally posted by Sweedishboym2
Why would a reseller company need your SSN?

For the same reason an employer needs your social security number. They have to pay you. Therefore they have to pay taxes. If they pay you more than $x.xx in a year, you also have to pay taxes.

If it is a commission based reseller account then they have to collect a SSN or EIN to report where they paid out money. If you are just buying space and acting as your own hosting company then there is no reason for this. You will find that a lot of hosts will require a copy of your DL on some more expensive accounts though.

I know resellerpanel is a commission base reseller account, they do billing and support and everything for his reseller. then they pay the commission.

gravityfx, you run IPB on one mySQL database....

Also, I'm surprised they didn't collect a TIN (Tax Identification Number) from you either. But CafePress collects your SSN, once again proving the whole them paying you thing.

most resellers programs ask for it for US citizens