I've done a lot of domain name reselling, but haven't yet dabbled in web hosting. How does someone get started in this? It seems like a smart option. Any tips would be appreciated.

If you don't count the "server in my bedroom" at 14yrs old step(which I don't) than I started with a small dedicated server. Back then that's all you could really do, although now there's VPS and reseller accounts that mite be your best bet at first.

I personally suggest a VPS to start because it's affordable, and youhave total control(even if you don't need it). The most important part about a VPS vs a reseller account IMO is that your resources are dedicated.

I suggest you can start with shared web hosting as it is easier than dedicated server relatively speaking.

I'd also recommend a Reseller account with a reputable provider. Using a reseller accounts allows you to focus on marketing and capturing sales, rather than server management and monitoring.

Additionally, its always a bonus if you can find a company that provides end-user support. This means that your reseller account provider supports your customers for you, once again allowing you to focus on sales.

Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone.
What is the difference between a reseller account and a VPS?
Do you recommend any specific companies to work with?
I think that it makes sense to take your advice and look into reseller accounts. That seems like a good place to begin.

Reselling really is the way to go and it can help if you have a little gimmick or something that helps you to sell. I started by offering hosting to the customer's whose websites I built, and I went from there as I got a semi decent reputation. It's a lot of work though, nothing comes over night.

A VPS is rather similar to a dedicated server. So the owner, in this case its you, would have to administer it, ensure its secure and resolve any issues that may arise. A reseller account still allows you to create your own web hosting packages and accounts, but your provider administers the server for you.

I recommend Hostgator. Having used them in the past I can attest to their prompt support and reliable servers. However there are many other hosts out there..

I will suggest you must have to start with dedicated webhosting.Its more reliable.

Maybe with the right company, but someone still has to manage it. I'd look more at the company than the package, and wouldn't see the point in starting with dedicated and having it sit empty.

Start small, build up.

1. You need to understand that web hosting is really competitive area
2. You need to know for whom and how will you sell web hosting
3. You need to be good at marketing

In simplier words that easy said then done

I got started in '96 as a General Manager for an ISP, primarily selling Internet Access and networking - with web hosting as a value add. In your case, I'd start with a reseller package, then upgrade to a managed VPS plan as you grow.

I started in a bad way, I started when I was 14, I use to play Socom FTB2 for PSP and use to be a big hacker in the game yes a hacker. I hacked my PSP and then I got into the hacking industry I would go hack stuff like my PSPs, Phones, And IPods then i started hacking accounts on gaming sites nothing to big all I was doing was giving myself a lot of XP for ladder sites there gaming sites more like. Then I wanted to create my own site like a gmaming one and I started working for a company selling hosting for a hostign account then I started doing web design then here I am now with my own company.

For start your webhosting company is best Reseller - low prices and later move to dedicated..

Yes, you should start Selling Hosting off a Reseller from a good provider. Get a cheap Reseller first and just look over the stuff you can do, Look at A Resellers Book and read or skim threw it and learn what you can do!

You should invest some money on adverting and time on forums participations.

Try to build a strong reputation and then is just time for you to get involved in this business.