hi,

in the near future I plan to create my own hosting company(as its something i wish to do) and seeing that you guys here have some knowledge with this, i wish to ask:

1. should I be a reseller or get a dedicated server?
2. if reselling is best, how much does it cost?
3. what things should i avoid when running my hosting biz?

this is all i can think of for now, but ill post back if i remember any other questions

thanks

1. Start off with a reseller account then progress to a dedicated server once you have enough clients.

2. Reselling can be anwhere from $9 and above. Depends on if you want quality or not.

3. Avoid trying to attack the entire market. You will just get lost in the masses if you do not choose a healthy niche that is in need of hosting.

Ask away!

hmm well i thought of another one

i see hosts that offer items like web mastering, web design, programming,ect should i also try to do the same? i am good in some of those fields(except web design )

EDIT: just thought of anoth

should i get a credit card processor service or use paypal or both? or i guess what would be the best way to collect the order money?

yes, start off with a reseller account and make yourself on up.. Soon, when you are breaking even and have enough money to support a dedicated server, do so, but make sure that you know what you are doing, security wise and hardware wise.. build you company on support and good hardware and bandwidth.. Thats what does the trick

Hi maggot05,
Here are a couple of things to take care of before hand.
1. Create a business plan. This will be your roadmap.
2. Protect yourself by incorporating your business. This helps to reduce or eliminate personal liability, and your business name is protected so no one can steal it (depends where you are incorporated at)
3. Get a small business bank account.
4. Make sure you have some type of legal counsel available i.e. Have a lawyer to help you with contracts etc.
5. Get a merchant account, and this is not needed immediately since you can have people pay by cash,money order and\or by check. Eliminates processing fees, and you get all the money.
6. Prepare the content for your web site
7. Build a website
8. Register domain name
9. Get a reseller account using a strong provider.
10. Create business cards.
11. Promote your site to the market of your choice.

Best of luck in everything you do
-Bones

Definetly start off with a reseller, and stay on one until you can hire a system administrator for a dedicated. Thats when you should be upgrading to a dedicated, when you are making enough money to pay for the dedicated, and a system administrator, as well as other costs.

cool thanks guys, im liking all of these comments

Bones, how do i incorporate my business?

though i do plan to start with a reseller, though im looking for a good one, so far im thinking about going to the one my paid host has, i like their deal with the non-competition between me and them and also their uptime.

i have another question, how low shouldi go on pricing? i see places that charge 2.99,4.99,6.99,ect which is best or is it a personal choice?

I thank you all for the great comments and wisdom.

What state are you in, Maggot05?

(US State, that is)

Hi maggot05,
I would recommend a business lawyer do this.
-Bones

well i plan to start small since i dont have that kind of $

having a lawyer might be nice once i get higher up on the scale but for just starting out i just need the basics(where to start, what to offer,ect) so far i just plan to be a reseller until I can get off on my own with my own servers.

oh i do have a very good question? should i run this hosting biz alone? currently that is my game plan but if thats a bad idea, please speak up b4 i choose that idea.

I like these suggestions you guys are giving out its all very helpful.

I would suggest getting a lawyer to write you up something good! If you are looking for a partner for $$ don't go into business. There is only one legal way of doing business and that is the right way!

Remember that with a partner you share the costs. Make sure you can get someone you trust.

ok, though i still might wait on the lawyer as i really am just starting out with nothing but knowledge

Yes and knowledge can get you in trouble don't forget. Some of the brightest people out there still don't understand the whole acept of the "Law" what business laws there are etc...