In the world of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), your business is often using suites of services from massive corporations like Google, Adobe, or Microsoft. But, oftentimes, you’re not going to deal with them directly. Instead, you can access the SaaS solutions you need through a reseller – a third-party company or individual that purchases software applications or services from a SaaS provider with permission to resell them to other customers. 

In this article, we’re looking at SaaS resellers, why a business would use one, and what to look for if you do.  

Why use a reseller? 

Because resellers act as a middleman between you and the big cloud services provider, there must be an advantage to using them over going direct to the source, right?  

Oftentimes, SaaS resellers will offer additional value-added services along with the software, such as customization, integration, training, customer support, or consulting. They may also bundle multiple SaaS solutions together to create a comprehensive software package tailored to specific industry needs or business requirements. Bundles and value-adds like these might not be available from the original software developer.  

Likewise, SaaS resellers can often walk business customers through several different software options, rather than just whatever one specific company has developed. B2B customers benefit from a reseller’s knowledge when selecting and implementing SaaS solutions.  

Of course, one of the most enticing incentives to go with a SaaS reseller is the pricing. Since resellers usually receive discounted pricing from the original provider, they can set their own prices when selling to their customers. This creates a mutually beneficial relationship between the SaaS provider, reseller, and end user. 

What to look for in a reseller? 

There are many resellers out there, so ensuring you choose a good fit for your business is a must. Some things to consider when making a choice: 

• Specific product offerings – a diverse portfolio of software applications indicates their ability to cater to different business needs and suggests a comprehensive understanding of the SaaS landscape. 
• Customer service environment – if they don’t have 24/7 customer service, and your platforms experience difficulties during their downtime, it could cause your business unnecessary disruptions to your service.  
• Their pricing model – compare their pricing with other resellers and directly with the SaaS provider. Ensure that the reseller’s pricing is competitive and provides good value for the services offered.   
• Experience in your industry – it’s beneficial to work with resellers who have a deep knowledge of the software products, understand your industry, and can provide valuable insights and recommendations.  
• Value-add – what does the reseller bring to the table on top of the software offerings?  
• Scalability – can the reseller keep up with your company’s potential future growth?  
• Contracts and flexibility – before signing yourself into anything, review the reseller’s contract terms, including licensing agreements, renewal options, termination clauses, and any potential restrictions.  

As with vendors of any business service, the best practice is to not settle for a vendor that doesn’t meet or understand your needs. Do your research, explore your options, and make an informed decision.  

In conclusion… 

There are a lot of benefits to buying your business’ SaaS solutions through a third-party reseller; better pricing, extra support, and industry expertise among them. However, when looking for a reseller to work with, ensure it meets all your business’ needs and has experience working with your industry.