usually you order online and they set up the server for you within 12 to 72 hours as the case maybe, they have online chat, calling them is when they can't deliver along the time of delivery.
Rackspace is considered to be large host provider. They don't offer there packages right on there. Many host now a days are resellers. So I was wondering on how to purchase from a larger host.
If you are looking for a small to mid sized hosting plan from rackspace because they are well known and all that, you probably wont find what you are looking for. Rackspace is strictly dedicated hosting. If you want to use them, you will have to pay monthly for a pricey server. If a dedicated server is what you are looking for, then you can ask them about prices and they can work up a price/estimate for you.
I'm in Texas and rackspace is great..As a matter of fact, they have recently bought an old shopping mall and are turning that into a DC in San Antonio, TX.
I too am not a fan of malls..but I don't think they are going to let you walk right through the doors of their precious new datacenter..lol. Although I think ThePlanet might