How Do I...?

[LeetPCUser]

How do I start a site to sell web space? Do I have to have my own server or are their sites that have plans very cheap that I can create accounts with? I was just wondering because I was interested.

 

[hbalagh]

its called a hosting reseller account

 

[Sabre]

Yep, reseller hosting is the best place to start!

 

[will7]

There are really, two main ways for you to start selling webspace:

Reseller Web Hosting:
This is where you order a hosting account from a 3rd-party company and they run the account, but keep your anonymity. This allows it to appear to the client as if you are actually selling the space when, in actual fact, the parent company is doing so - you are sort of the "middle-man".

The parent company is only there, however, to provide the hosting, most times they will not provide support and will not contact your clients in any way.

Examples:
www.hostgator.com
www.site5.com
www.donhost.co.uk
www.sonataweb.net

Dedicated Servers:
This is really only used if you are planning on starting a fully-fledged web hosting company! This is where you rent the servers for a set amount per month (usually between $200 and $600 per month) and you "own" the server.

This server is then yours to do with as you will. The hosting company you are renting the server from will either manage the server for you or leave it up to you (often-times, managed servers cost more). It is also up to you to provide support for your clients as well.

Dedicated Servers cost more, but it allows you to, within reason, completely custom-build your own server to what you need.

Examples:
www.allmanaged.com
www.theplanet.com
www.servermatrix.com
www.ev1servers.net

Well, hope I helped, just explained a bit more on the two main methods of selling web space.

Will.

 

[LeetPCUser]

Does anyone know a site that takes paypal for reseller?

 

[will7]

You'll probably find that most reseller sites do accept Paypal, check out some of the ones I gave you

 

[HHDomains]

Most hosts accept Paypal.

One thing you should consider is whether or not you have the time to dedicate to this.
Even if you are a reseller, the minute you begin to get clients you are responsible to those clients for all support issues.

 

[will7]

Yeah, I'd just like to back up HHDomains! It's not easy to run a web host, you're on call basically all the time. When a client needs you, you have to be there for them! Don't expect any holidays until you are a big enough company to have people to cover your a** while you're gone!

Contrary to what a lot of people would have you believe, running a web host is not easy and it is, most definitely not a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes years of hard work, dedication and growth to get any real return on it or to get a rest

 

[LeetPCUser]

I heard if you want to be a reseller you should start a business otherwise you are liable to getting sued...is this true?

 

[Sabre]

I heard if you want to be a reseller you should start a business otherwise you are liable to getting sued...is this true?

Simply, No.

Thread Moved to more appropriate section :bingo:

 

[LeetPCUser]

But the guys I work with, very good with computers, swore that I should start a LLC or something. This is like over $200 for filing fees and an annual fee!

 

[Sabre]

But the guys I work with, very good with computers, swore that I should start a LLC or something. This is like over $200 for filing fees and an annual fee!

You can if you want, but its not essential.... :talk:

 

[LeetPCUser]

But then can't they sue?