I am considering the webhosting business as a career option. I've resold now and then, but I wish to settle with webhosting I do not have too much of capital, though. Would a VPS help me to slowly work my way up?
Are you familiar with Server Management? If not then I suggest you get a Reseller Account first since you don't have to worry about the server updates/security but if you want to start out with a VPS I suggest the following companies since they manage your VPS: KnownHost LiquidWeb Servint Good Luck.
Yessir, I'm more than familiar with server management. I'm quite comfortable with my Linux terminal as well. All I'm saying is, could I start to make a living based on a VPS? How do I expand? Next step is a dedicated, or a colo? A short business plan is what I'm looking for. I'm 15, so when it comes to business, I need some starters. But believe me, if I get those starters, I'll do more than fine.
As soon as your bank notices your bringing a steady income of money in they will send a form to the tax office and youll be bankrupt in no time. wait till your 16 if you wanna start this, that way you can claim tax and not get shut down as soon as the tax office catch on. Happened to me mate..and i reccomend you start on a reseller...i was 15...and thoguht i knew all about it and all that..but when it comes to it...the market for hosting is massive..but the gap is practically non-existant..people dont want a small host..they go with the recommended hosts..the big boys. unless you have 1000+ marketing budget dont expect do more than break even within a year of starting up.
Yep. Doing junior college. @your username: I did free offshore hosting (resold) some time ago. ever heard of mywarezhost.org? we're offline for long now though... Edit: @above: I turn 16 this year in December. My father is the legal registrant for my PayPal, he's more than happy to let me use one of his credit cards. I know what you mean about the recommended hosts. That's the risk we take, friend. Small customers gather over time. You just have to start some time :/ Edit2: I'll take into account your advice with the reseller This time I don't plan to oversell. Be realistic, and think for the long run.
Well, this are the steps (in my opinion): Reseller Account (Most of the time includes Billing System) VPS (Control Panel & Billing Panel fees) Dedicated Server (Control Panel & Billing Panel fees) You don't have to go specifically in that order, you can go from Reseller Account to Dedicated Server if you have the money or even start with a VPS but I really suggest for you to get a Reseller Account to see how it goes since right now there are just way too many hosts and competition.
I would recommend you start using reseller then only use vps when your client grown. Then use dedicated server and then rent a server at data center.
I would recommend that you keep you day job for at least the first 6 months. After that if you work hard then you could very well make a living out of it.
Thanks, all. I have decided to have a partner as well, as school is leaving me with little time. I am considering getting into a good under-grad school, doing a post-grad, getting a job for a few months, stocking up, and then investing into the hosting market. Yet I know, starting now shall help me gain my initial clients, which take care of you. Now photoshopping away for a design. Thanks a lot for your time and advice, I've repped posts that contained some great advice
Yes, a few final questions. Firstly, would a brief, to-the-point design, just like DP's, work? Lastly, I am not compromising on the pricing structure, but providing top-notch security with script installation and assistance help/support. This isn't too much of a question, but I'll let you know if this approach works soon enough
i am not in hosting business but researched a bit. they say virtual hosting does not seem professional. But very good for start. You will give 7/24 support, not easy. When i was your age 4 years ago nobody told be about programming, internet. even they did not allow me to discover internet. They said work on your lessons. Damn their brains. So I started everything 10 months ago. But worked hard. Still trying to learn more. If i started early maybe i now had a business maybe in hosting maybe in e-commerce. you are lucky. good luck with your business. Let us know if you come to a good point in the hosting business.
Hi I am looking for a reliable offshore reseller to start my own hosting company I am looking for SSL WHMCS domain name reseller and as much space and bandwidth as possible I did come across this site http://www.sabzhost.info/reseller-hosting/index.html they seem to offer what I need I just wondered if anyone had any other suggestions, I have searched the forums but most of the offerings seem to be scammers after a quick buck I currently use Santrex.net and lease WHMCS monthly I have not managed to find a domain reseller so I was hoping to find an all in one solution so to speak thanks Mike
The company I shall be launching soon is based in Neatherlands. You may want to check us out. Will throw in a link in this thread later. @RosenCruz: I don't think they are. Just saw their website. For future reference, stay away from hosts with .info domains. Just shows they're in to make a quick buck. I am planning to target the corporate audience more than the shared hosting clients at the moment. Far cleaner than shared hosting. Let's see how it goes. @mike: We may just have what you need
Start off by buying 2-3 small servers and them sell hosting on them. Then you may buy 20-50 servers also.
Competition in web hosting is so strong, I wouldn't even bother making a business plan if I had less than 100k usd. It is all so expensive - design, servers, colocation, software, support, sales reps, admins.... not to mention advertising, which will suck all your money with little effect.