How do you go by planning a hosting business? What kind of plans do you make etc.

Well, when planning any business, you might wanna look at: http://www.sba.gov , mainly http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/startup/guide.html

Basicly, you need a good plan, amd some money.

Not much I can say.

Yes I guess money is a very important factor.

[EDIT] That's a very detailed site.

Yeah, also, I good plan, ready for loses, staff, sales plans, etc, is just as important.
The startup cost will cost a bit more:

3rd party payment processor(Paypal, 2checkout)

Helpdesk(Osticket, Perldesk)

Billing System(PHPCoin, Whoiscart)*

Support: Outsource(Ehostcare) or Normal staff members

* Denotes Optional

I never really thought about all the stuff you need to buy.

Yeah,
Also, do you plan to get a server, or a reseller plan, or become a server reseller?

There are many different routes you can take to start. Go ahead and set up a business plan. Also write down why you want to start your own web hosting business and what your advantages are. What are your skills?

Do a self-assestment and plan thoroughly. Check your finances and come up with a plan how you support your expenses while starting a business.

Good Luck.

Chris

Research
Plan

Start off a a few bucks a month reseller plan if you are short on money or not sure if hosting is for you.

I might do some hosting when I finish school. Thats a while til and so I've got plenty of time to plan.

Red the small business assiociation website - it's good

I'm not in the industry, just an outsider looking in.

Don't forget to be realistic in the hosting plans you are going to offer.

Also think about how many clients you think you can cope with, don't overstretch yourself by saying yes to everyone who wants to host with you.

Then once you have thought about how many clients you can cope with, then research a suitable plan and think about what profit you would like to make without pricing yourself out of the market.

Even if you are more expensive than the market you are aiming for, focus on good customer service, clients will always pay a little more for excellent customer service.

No point in being in the game if you are going to loose money.


Does anyone else agree with my philosophy, or is this an outsider talking out of his backside?