I can't imagine how complicated it is to start your own web hosting business, and how much money you need to invest on it. So, do you think it is a good start to sell hosting packages as a web hosting reseller?

It sounds like you should do a lot more research before deciding.

Build a solid business plan first and then go from there.

Good luck!

If you are starting web hosting business, I would recommend to get a hosting provider who provides a good support to you and your clients too. I don't think there is any problem to sell reseller package at start. Also I agree with Plexihost.
Good Luck !!

A lot of successfull providers have started as resellers. Best to have a business plan upfront ... dot all the i's and cross all the t's . Good luck.

NO need huge investment..you can start with a reseller hosting many of resellers provide all tools like billing software, Templates for your website and domain reseller accounts etc..

Yeah, having a solid business plan is really a must in this industry. You can make it or break it. You can use reseller hosting to get your leg up, so long as you have a business plan and your eyes set on a good direction you'll do okay.

Starting as a reseller is a "cheap" solution to start with, but choose wisely which provider you take, as the quality of their service is reflected on you. Then start looking for customers.

Look for a good and reliable reseller. Read some reviews, before jumping in.

Yes, months of research and a solid business plan are absolutely necessary before launching a business (not just a web host, but any business).

Yes, same idea to suggest author's topic. Try a reseller before upgrade your business with VPS or dedicated server.

Check out InnoHosting or EZPZ Hosting. Start-up cost over there will be ~$20/mth.

start with a reseller and grow from there> reseller>vps>dedicated>colocation>your own Datacentre

yes a good business plan is essential. as well as emergency planning.

a senario. you are a one man host with several clients, suddenly you are taken ill and find yourself hospitalised.

What would happen to your business/clients?

A good business plan is always the best way to go when starting any kind of business. Without one, businesses tend to fail, however, I don't think HostGator having 3 servers in a basement had a business plan. It really just depends on the business and technical skill of the founder.

My suggestion for starting a hosting company would be to go with reseller hosting if you don't have much experience or don't have all the time in the world to devote to your customers. Reseller hosting is just the easiest option to start out, given that you are provided all the relevant tools to start-up.

Tons of research needed prior to start such a business because errors are not tolerated.

You also need to be very customer oriented..nothing should matter except their satisfaction !