I'm a bit perplexed about the business model. Tao is selling domains at $2 below Go Daddy's price, and on top of it, you are getting money back from Go Daddy for each domain you sell? I've read the actual ICANN cost to register is $6.75 (if I recall correctly), slim margins... I understand of course that volume is expected to make up for discounts...
I can not discuss the business model. But yes, all sales are split between the re-seller & the main company (GoDaddy)
Once registered through a re-seller, how does renewal work? Is it automatic through Go Daddy? Or does Tao have to submit a renewal?
Yes, all renewals are through the dealer you purchased from, which in my case would be Tao Domains, which is just like any other business you deal with. If you wish to set up automatic renewals, you can, but it isn't required. It makes things much easier and makes sure you don't loose your domain name if you forget to renew. Renewal notices are sent out starting 90 days before expiration.
My concern is that something important linked to my domain (like renewal?) might be affected if a re-seller shuts down...
If a re-seller goes out of business, all registrations are picked up by the parent company, with no interruption in service. Also, re-sellers do not have access to credit card or other financial information stored for renewal purposes.
And how can you resell the .org so much more cheaply?? $6 cheaper...
Special buy rates.
And finally, what do people think about registering the .com and .org and .net for a domain? (and .info maybe?). Doesn't cost that much more per year to own them all...
That is always a good idea, to protect your business identity. I wouldn't worry too much about it for a weather hobby site, but for a business, it is always a good idea. For example, The American Flag Store has all of its domains registered to protect its business identity.
Bob