HI, i am 14 years old and i have a dedicated server i bought a few months ago which has whm/cpanel on it unmetered bandwidth wich is actualy unmetered and alot of disc space. I no longer use the site i had on the server and is paid up for the next year. I would like to start a web hosting business on it. I would like to offer shared hosting. Can someone tell me what i need to do to get my hosting business up. I am a php/html expert if that will help me in any way.

Thanks in advance,
Daniel

Rent the server out, pick up your skateboard and go hangout at the mall with your friends...

i do hang out with my friends but i realy want to make this server usefull buy having a hosting business onit. Its my dream!

There is no such thing as unmetered bandwidth and the only thing a 14 year old is an expert at is being awkward.

Go live your life! You have the rest of your life to slave away, take advantage of your youth.

I hate to chime in and say the same thing, but its true, you have your whole life ahead of you. Go live life as a kid while you can. I realize you want to make use of this server. If that is the case, try selling it off to someone and use the money to buy something else.

I realy want to make a hosting business so will some one with a heart please point me in the right direction

or can someone atleast give me a link to another thead or a website eich will help me

www.google.com

If you search in the Running a Web Hosting Business forum you'll find oh so many threads on how to get started. The general process is:

1. Write a business plan
2. Get registered
3. Launch
4. Work hard
5. Reap little financial reward

Who is going to support your customers while you are out riding your skateboard and hanging out with your freinds? When I was 14 all I did was think about chicks, play nintendo and go out and hang out with freinds..

Who is going to support your customers and monitor your server while you are at school ?

Originally posted by psihost
Who is going to support your customers and monitor your server while you are at school ?

I think that was already brought up in the previous post by OKI-Paul.



HI, i am 14 years old and i have a dedicated server i bought a few months ago which has whm/cpanel on it unmetered bandwidth wich is actualy unmetered and alot of disc space. I no longer use the site i had on the server and is paid up for the next year. I would like to start a web hosting business on it. I would like to offer shared hosting. Can someone tell me what i need to do to get my hosting business up. I am a php/html expert if that will help me in any way.

Thanks in advance,
Daniel



Also, if in the US how are you going to register your business? Parents going to help you out? You can't even drive yet ;)

1. rent a server
2. ???
3. profit!

all you have to do is search on WHT with that topic staring a business, there will be billion of thread show up.

it seem like we cover this topic every two or three week. it's kinda getting old and people don't bother to search.

14 Year olds, don't have enough experience to run a sucessful business. You would need to find an older partner with more experience .

I would say that the average 14 year old doesn't have the experience, dedication or attention span to run a successful business. There are, however, exceptions to every rule, and there have been some extremely successful young entrepreneurs.

I agree with Dem0n.. if you're serious about pursuing this, try to find a partner. You'll need someone over 18 to register the business anyway.

Originally posted by Dem0n
14 Year olds, don't have enough experience to run a sucessful business. You would need to find an older partner with more experience .

Originally posted by serverunion
There is no such thing as unmetered bandwidth

Of course there is. Now 'unlimited' bandwidth is a fantasy, but unmetered is common.

Although maybe stated a bit harshly, I do agree with the sentiment of most of the posters above. Age isn't really the restrictive issue, it's the amount of time and dedication that you are able to supply.

Whatever you decide to do, good luck to you.

Originally posted by serverunion
There is no such thing as unmetered bandwidth...

Yes there is. He said unmetered, not unlimited.

HTH,
Matt :)

Sorry AdrenalineX, I think we posted simultaneously :)

A note to Daniel - I started young in this business. If you really want to go for it, then do it, but make sure you do things properly. I'd suggest you chill out for a year, then take a year before your 16th birthday to write a full business plan, maybe design your site if you're as good with HTML as you claim, and generally get some ideas rolling. Web hosting is a lot of hardwork. Like anything in life, it'll become easier if you plan properly.

Finally - don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something because of your age. I was coding at the age of 8/9 and was working occasionally as a freelance graphic designer at the age of 13. Just go for it, but plan well. Don't let your business take over your studies either - I struggled with that but all went well in the end.

Cheers,
Matt :)

Everytime someone comes to this forum asking for help and advise about starting/running a webhosting site the vast majority of people turn into unhelpful wannabe comedians.

Just help a guy... it would only take the same amount of effort as it does then effort you put into putting them off.

yeh, you guys being a lil harsh. Just search these forums and freewebspace.net/forums for help!

Everytime someone comes to this forum asking for help and advise about starting/running a webhosting site the vast majority of people turn into unhelpful wannabe comedians.


Hello Boomers,

I agree with your statement, however, I see where these people are making their remarks from also. If an individual has the intensions on starting any business they must do the research on the business itself.

If you want to open a Tim Hortons, you will be required to do your own research and gather information on what it takes to operate and establish a Tim Hortons franchise. You will also research the market size, location, along with all the legal actions which need to be taken/met. Age has nothing to do with running a business, then it should not be a factor for him to gather valid information which is made available the Internet and local business establishments which will provide substantial information on many inquiries.

If an individual is not able to take a few hours to research how to establish/organize a web hosting company they are not ready to run the actual business.

To form a legitmate business it takes a lot of hard work and time.

The way i have learnt it is that.. to make money.. you need money.

Thats the best way to go about, so save your money - once you have alot (high xxxx region) maybe then decide what to start on the web.

Uni - Youre 100% right that someone does have to be willing to put in the time and effort to do the research. But who are we/they to assume that this individual, or indeed the mass of other people hasnt done - or isnt planning to do research?

- Infact posting on forum where a large number of people who run hosting companies does indeed sound to me like research. And as for people saying 'do a search on the forum' - How many times does someone ask a question, then a week later someone else asks the exact same question and then gets additional info.

I just absolutely hate it when I see posts from people asking for help/opinions/advice only to be shot down. Forums are *meant* to be the kinda place you goto with your questions - to get as close to 1-to-1 interaction as you can on the Net.

What's most disheartening is the patronising behaviour exhibited by some members to younger entrepreneurs. Please keep in mind guys that the web is an international entity, and the law varies in each country.

It's a big mistake to assume that it's illegal for a minor to start business - it's not illegal in some countries if done properly.

I understand some people are saying just to enjoy your youth Daniel, which is a good point. It really is a *lot* of hardwork running a business, moreso than school or college work or exams. What I would suggest is that you find a good reseller provider (httpme.com might be a good start) and stay with them for as long as it is viable to do so. Don't get a dedicated server just because it's fast and shiney - that's a mistake I made and I had to work hard to get enough sales to catch up with the expansion. Having a reseller account is a lot easier in terms of management - less infrastructure to deal with and no system administration to work with.

Good luck!
Matt :)

Well, please do follow this advice: speak to your parents before you start selling hosting. If things go wrong, they can be sued for your actions. I'm not sure on this issue, because differente jurisdictions have different laws. But in general, parents can get sued for their son's actions.

Customers will depend on you. They will need you to keep everything working. Do you have the time to manage your server? If the web server stops working, do you know how to fix it? If a client asks you for an invoice, what will you do?

HLDAN1 - What I would personally suggest you do, is as you have already paid for the server is to offer hosting to your friends. Keep it local and in a circle that is manageable - strictly friends and family.

The reason I suggest this is these people are more likely to be patient towards you in terms of solving/fixing any problems. Theres alot to running a hosting business, alot of people think its a fairly quick and easy solution to getting some regular cash.

Your knowledge of HTML & PHP while useful arent going to help you too much as being a system admin is a totally different thing.

- Either way whatever you decide, take your time - theres no rush, learn to walk before you run... and good luck :D

Originally posted by hldan1
i do hang out with my friends but i realy want to make this server usefull buy having a hosting business onit. Its my dream!

Say bye to the friends ;) I spend nearly 20+ hours on the computer daily.

Don't be stupid, age doesn't matters, I'm 15 years old and I teached the system-manager of my school how to fix computers, I actually run a DJ business with all the profesionallity needed, even more.

If you want to set up a hosting company, it's easy, register a domain name (www.godaddy.com or somewhere else) then create an account on the server for this domain, create a lay-out, make some hosting packages, then you need a way to provide support, use live-chat and whenever you're at school tell costumers to ask support an email address, (between 7am and 2pm GMT-5).

It's kinda easy, it's just about thinking, there are a lot of hosting companies, why can't you own at least one? you can.

Originally posted by fushy
Don't be stupid, age doesn't matters, I'm 15 years old and I teached the system-manager of my school how to fix computers, I actually run a DJ business with all the profesionallity needed, even more.

If you want to set up a hosting company, it's easy, register a domain name (www.godaddy.com or somewhere else) then create an account on the server for this domain, create a lay-out, make some hosting packages, then you need a way to provide support, use live-chat and whenever you're at school tell costumers to ask support an email address, (between 7am and 2pm GMT-5).

It's kinda easy, it's just about thinking, there are a lot of hosting companies, why can't you own at least one? you can. :emlaugh:

I say more power to him!... the fact that this young gent has his head far enough out of his @$$ to recognise the server as a paid asset and want to capitalize on this asset is commendable. Rather than dump on his request, I'll try and help out.

Pick a business name and register it with the I.R.S., get an E.I.D. number.

Register with your state, county and city if applicable. Make friends with someone that can show you how to keep your financial books straight.

Next, spend a few days browsing and googling for hosting companies which offer services similar to those you plan to offer. Take lots of notes on everything!

Use those notes to build your hosting packages and set your pricing. (How competitive do you wanna be?)

Figure out how many accounts you will have per server assuming a median hosting plan.

Multiply median hosting plan price by your percieved capacity and compair that to your monthly cost. If it seems profitable enough to you great, if not, play with the numbers to see if you can make it profitable and still be priced attractively to customers.

Make a business plan document...
Basics of a business plan:

# What service or product does your business provide and what needs does it fill?
# Who are the potential customers for your product or service and why will they purchase it from you?
# How will you reach your potential customers?
# Where will you get the financial resources to start your business?

Sign up for a credit card online merchant account.

Make your web site and shopping card.

Market your services.

Be responsible about your business and take good care of your customers.

Hope that helps.
Francisco

Thanks Francisco and the other helpful ppl from this thread for speaking up and helping instead of being discouraging.

I've never understood why everyone on this forum is so hateful to those who are young. All I can say is I'd hate to be one of their clients! :D

Anyway, as far as the age thing goes, it's a bunch of BS. I started young (and I'm still young! :) ) and have been quite successful. Age and experience have absolutely nothing to do with it - you don't need a partner; you can go it alone just fine! What does matter is how much you're willing to learn along the way. Stay committed, stay focused, and you'll do fine! :)

Cheers all!

The last thing we need is more 14 year olds - or 15 year olds - in the webhosting business. :rolleyes:

Don't come down on me for saying that. If the rare tweenager who is capable of pulling it comes along, all they have to do is not mention their age and no one will be able to tell.

Age and experience have absolutely nothing to do with it - you don't need a partner; you can go it alone just fine!


I must disagree with the following statement. I was once 14. Actually, I got into UNIX Administration around that age, specifically BSD Free/NetBSD. I am now twenty, turning twenty-one in August. From the time I was 14 until now (six years) later I must say I have gained a rather broad array of knowledge from the experience which only comes with time. It is very true that wisdom does come with time.

As time passes you experience more and therefore learn more and obtain more knowledge from past experiences. Nonetheless, I am not insulting your knowledge nor your intelligence due to your age. I'm a firm believer that age has nothing to do with knowledge, however, experience is vital in any industry.

Balance is also an important factor. When there is a lack of balance and life becomes an all or nothing proposition that's not good :(. Don't miss out on social norms. I balanced my self-education and social activities.

Something you must realize is that you learn from experiences. This is done by accumulating both knowledge and perspective. You should never over nor under generalize. More years provide more opportunity for learning and building on that learning. Of course, it all depends how you spend your time throughout the years. Some people create more experience and opportunities to grow in a short time than others do over much longer time spans. Sort of what your doing. Nevertheless, like everything there is a price to pay for a high level of wisdom/knowledge and hat is to miss some of life's experiences. But the rewards are even greater than the sacrifices because if you become a leader you will inspire, guide and create a positive change for who knows how many X? individuals?

You have to make a self assessment and see what you really want from life. Don't listen to some of these people. Just because your young it doesn't mean you should waste time going drinking and trying a smoke or trying to fit in with today's fake/demanding society. You will be twenty and established while the majority of the population will be just starting school (who live on residence to party and drink) or working as a Burger King Employee.

I finished high school early along with College and now have a stable and well paid job related to my career choice. I make enough money to dump into my business even if I didn't have clients my bank account wouldn't be hurting. I would be able to buy all the things I do today and still save a good amount. I balanced my time with my family, friends, and going out, however, there were many days which I decided to spend learning new things and reading, reading and some more reading.

All I'm saying is, you should take the time to research this business. I'm sure you are familiar with search engines, online resources etc. You won't have someone write you a blue print for your business here.

Also, just because your in school it doesn't mean you can't provide support. If you setup your business right and automate a lot of the tasks and if everything is running nice and smooth you shouldn't receive any e-mails.

It's not like you'll be dealing with dedicated servers, co-located or major accounts. Even then, with a proper business layout the dedicated servers and co-located servers are left to be managed by the administrators of the servers themselves. The way they configure, install and setup their system is totally up to them and you are not responsible for anything which may happen to their server. Unless, it is hardware related then it would be a situation which must he taken care of from your end. Either way, you will not be handling such clients to start with.

Hey, younger people these days have a pretty innovative mind. I believe albrookdata.com gave you some good pointers on what you'll need to start a business.

Best Regards,

Matthew

im 14 aswell and thinking of runnning a hosting website...

If you start running one be sure to offer your customers something that other hosting companies wont give...

theres too much competition going around...

If you start running one be sure to offer your customers something that other hosting companies wont give...


It's pretty hard to be innovative in web hosting as most of the new niches are being presented by numerous web hosting company's. Now, it appears web hosts are resulting to giving away free goodies such as PDAs, USB devices etc which is rather sad. Sending thank you cards or a small little reminder to show your appreciation will leave a greater impact on the customers impression.

You def. want to wait until your older to run a web hosting business; why not wait - LIVE a little!

UniServe Hosting,

My point was not that experience *never* matters - my point was that it does not matter when you're starting up...if you wait to have experience before doing something, obviously, you'll never do anything!

Experience comes with time and involvement and there's just no way around that.

Have a look here:
http://www.webhostingtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=272345
and here:
http://www.webhostingtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=332733

Remember it is hard work :) Good luck

Originally posted by globalwebbrands
UniServe Hosting,

My point was not that experience *never* matters - my point was that it does not matter when you're starting up...if you wait to have experience before doing something, obviously, you'll never do anything!

Experience comes with time and involvement and there's just no way around that.
I think it's more a matter of LIFE EXPERIENCE than anything else.

Believe me, a lot of maturing is done between the ages of 14, 16, 18, and 20. Quite simply put, 14yr olds simply do not have the logic that 16,18, and 20+ year olds possess.

But do as you wish. I'm not saying that 14yr olds *should not* start a business, but rather, I am saying that age *does play a vital role* in running a business.

I think it's more a matter of LIFE EXPERIENCE than anything else.



I suppose that shows how much experience he has :)

Quite simply put, 14yr olds simply do not have the logic that 16,18, and 20+ year olds possess.Hence the reason why they can think outside the box and usually have success beyond that of those who are older. :)

A web hosting business is not a small task. You have to be reliable and there for people when they have problems. It is also not the real cash cow if you know what i mean. You have to ask your self why will people choose me over others? if you still want to run one after you think about those things. PM and i will try to steer you right.

Originally posted by HOST78
:emlaugh:

I was wondering if anyone else noticed all of those typos/bad grammar! I am not opposed to young entrepreneurs, but obviously this one needs to spend more time at school.

If you're serious about starting a web hosting company, do some research around here, you can find plenty of information. Just read MuzzleFlash's signature!

Originally posted by globalwebbrands
Hence the reason why they can think outside the box and usually have success beyond that of those who are older. :)
I think you may have it backwards... by your logic, 7 year olds should all be millionaires and run businesses?

Why can't 7 year olds run web hosting businesses? The same reason why 14 year olds cannot.

But then again, no one is stopping anybody from doing anything.

Having a sever is not a good enough reason to start a hosting business. At your age if you want a hobby might as well be something that fits into your life like a game server. It at least has cool points

You people really don't get it..you're so wrapped up in your own little bubbles...

The guy asked for help, not criticism. Some of you have said he should try to learn more first - well, why the %$@! do you think he was here?

crymany!!! <<<pulls hair out - leaves WHT because it is a bunch of old, stupid, selfish people>>>

I started out young (not in hosting, but webdesign anc computer repairs) at around 15 and I have learnt alot of life lessons, some that cant really be tought (im now 21).
Im very sure there are some 16 year olds out there who are AMAZING at server administration but I definantly believe that they may lack the people skills such as how to deal with a angry customer, an anal customer or people trying to take advantage of you.

Also running a business isnt always about how skilled you are at the job. In webdesign I'd say the skills is about 20% of the picture, most of it is marketing convincing customers that you are the best, can get it done easily etc..
If you have ever seen those crappy Frontpage template websites that a business paid thousands for, you will see what I mean, the designer got thousands because they are great at marketing.

Anyway, my point is that running a business isnt just about your server admin skills, there is much much more to it.

Originally posted by MadDev
angry customer, an anal customer or people trying to take advantage of you.


I'm not very good with people who are angry, anal, and want to take advantage of me. You have to run really fast from them.

Originally posted by globalwebbrands
The guy asked for help, not criticism. Some of you have said he should try to learn more first - well, why the %$@! do you think he was here?


I think he's gotten some good suggestions. The best of which is to forget about it. More than likely will not be worth his while. There will be time enough for spending long tedious hours with machines later on. Not a thing in the world wrong with telling him to enjoy his youth and learn more.

Personally,
My take on it is that he did not ask for advice on whether or not he should embark in the venture. He asked HOW to embark in the venture. Therefore I don't think anyone has the right to tell him whether or not to do it unless you are his parent or mentor figure etc. Further it is not our place to make judgement on the probabilities of his success in the venture. Either way the point is mute; I seriously doubt he continued monitoring the thread after the first few people that dumped on his idea. Hopefully he didn't lose interest in the venture. I think Teddy Roosevelt put t best when he said: "Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat." I think he should give it his best shot. If he succeeds, great! If not, then what he learns from his experience will be well worth the effort. Also, lets preserve a little humility when it comes to life experience...most of the people on this thread who make a big deal of his lack of maturity or experience are in there 20's... maybe 30's; I have a parrot thats older than that. Drive and ambition are far more valuable assets when it comes to success in business.

Those who told him to enjoy his youth and come back later were telling him how to start a web hosting business. You might not like it but there is alot about growing up that prepares you to run a business and part of that growing up has a lot to do with the balance that comes from waitng.

So thanks for the motivational speech and a lecture on what is our place to believe or express on an open forum but running a hosting business because you have a paid up server is the kind of "mighty things" and "glorious triumph" we dream of when we skip our youth or forget the promise of it.

OK, I am going to give my take on the highly controversial issue of age in the hosting business!

Well, granted that about 99% of 14 - 16 year olds cannot, and should not be running a business - hosting or otherwise. I agree that they do not have the first idea about it and are more concerned about going to the local mates' party than the customer who has a problem with his MySQL database.

But, the fact is, that there are exceptions to every rule. On the odd occasion, a teenager comes along who does have the qualities to run a business.

People are getting to learn business at early ages nowadays, and the amount of resources available to people to learn is increasing.

I run a web design business and I'm slowly progressing along - I'm only 15. Now, fair enough, I don't run a hosting business (I'm planning to start around the 16 - 17 year age). But, around my area, there is a business place where they had a seminar for new business owners.

I went to the seminar and learned a lot. Then, I was assigned my own business advisor who also tought me a lot. As I said, there are lots of resources available.

Now, it takes a lot of confidence to walk into a place full of about 15 over 25 year-olds, and, a lot of teenagers don't have that confidence.

But, what I'm saying is, if someone has the dedication and determination to do something, and also has the resources and technology available to them, I say good luck to them - no matter what they're age.

I'm sure I'm going to get flamed for this post and people saying that "I don't know anything, I'm only 15" but, that's your opinion. You don't know me, have never seen me and so don't know what I can and can't do and what skills I do and don't have. Don't judge a book by its cover as they say.

So, in conclusion, its true that most teenagers don't have any idea about how to run a successful business, but, on the odd occasion, someone comes along with the dedication, determination, resources and skill to do it.

Will.. If anyone ever says that someone your age shouldn't be in business.. doing business.. or what have them. Shoot their brains out aite. You surely do have talent.. ur design biz.

Two Thumbs Up.. Two Toes Flying!

Keep up dude!

Originally posted by VP-Sandip
Say bye to the friends ;) I spend nearly 20+ hours on the computer daily.

All that proves is that you are not a very good business man!

I don't mean to rude or anything. Just think about it and you should get my point.

Originally posted by razil
Will.. If anyone ever says that someone your age shouldn't be in business.. doing business.. or what have them. Shoot their brains out aite. You surely do have talent.. ur design biz.

Two Thumbs Up.. Two Toes Flying!

Keep up dude!

Thanks razil. Funnily enough, I have had a lot of people say the exact same things as you - even my business advisor said I had a definite future!

I think I'm part of the 1% of teenagers who have a head for business :)

I mean, not like I haven't had people say negative things, everyone'll get that. It's just a matter of preparing yourself and being prepared to see past the possible rudeness and look at what they are trying to say and convert the critiscism into help.

Well, thanks again!

Say bye to the friends I spend nearly 20+ hours on the computer daily.

Wait, so, you only get 4 hours sleep, maximum a day? Man, how can you survive like that? Surely that would have a negative effect because sleep makes you grumpy and if you make one bad remark to one of your customers, your entire company reputation could be damaged.

Also, when do you go out and meet personally with your clients? When do you talk to them? When do you physically converse with them?

Sounds to me like spending so much time on your computer and not interacting with others (suggested by the "say bye to the friends"), then your business is just gonna go down the pan.

Sorry to be so harsh, I don't know your business, I don't know how you work. But, from the quote, that's what it suggests to me!

Unlike some members here on WHT, I say go DO IT! Good Luck.

Remember that many of successful businessmen are not the most brilliant but simply those who take the right risk at the right time.

If "I" were you, I would work as a support technician for an already established web hosting company (a lot of companies will let you do it remotely from your house) to get a feel of it. If you liked it, then start your own. Make sure to have a good budget handy because it will take a while before you actually start to make profit.

If it worked, great. If it didnt, it will be experience for your future businesses. Just make sure someone is somehow watching your server while at you are at school.

If you are unable to obtain a support position with an established hosting provider and happen to have an extra machine or two around, I have found what I believe to be the next best thing. Set up a test box or two with the various control panels set up on them, then troll (err, browse) the support forums of established hosting providers. Find out the issues that are occuring and attempt to duplicate and resolve them on your test box(es).

Good luck to you.

Thanks for the great support guys! I'm working on web design for a while, in the meantime I'll keep learning about the hosting business. But, for the time, web / logo design is my main focus - that'll switch to hosting soon enough though.

I'll tell you guys when I start up though!

Age may be a temporary barrier to starting a business, but there is a huge amount of preparation that can be done at any age.

I would recommend reading the excellent Rich Dad, Poor Dad book by Robert T. Kiyosaki. Although this is strictly not a business book, I was able to use many of the concepts in here to build my business in a way which rewards success with more free time - not more hard work.

I only wish I had read it when I was 14!

people who start businesses when they are 14, end up being self made millionairs in there 20 ies.

you have nothing to loose, i'm not a critic but its very likely that you will fail the first time. but its a lesson you better learn now then when you are in your 20ies.

With every set back stand up even stronger and you will succeed.

I totally agree with you there saghir69.

The only real failure is someone who doesn't try at all.

There are only two possible outcomes: you win, or you learn.

I Agree wholeheartedly. You only get one chance at life so I say try and make the best of it you possibly can! If you got the skills use 'em!

Ahem...

When running a webhosting buisness it is impossible to fail.
So if you fail you havnt realy failed. youve just found out a new method on how not to run the hosting buisness, so basically each time you are 'failing' you are actualy improving. :) you understand what im saying?

You could start of by providing hosting for a few freinds you know who are looking for reliable hosting. once that is successful you can start providing it for everyone else.

Good luck.

you have nothing to loose
except the business, reputation and possible livelihood of all the clients who chose to host with an unprepared host. or don't clients mean anything anymore ?

When running a webhosting buisness it is impossible to fail.
The industry is littered with the carcasses of failed hosts. It's more than possible to fail, its a certainty for 90%+ of the current market.

You won't have someone write you a blue print for your business here.
Very true - afterall why would you expect other hosts to provide a step-by-step for you to be their competitor ?


My advice ...
sell the account, spend the money enjoying yourself, come back when you know what to do and how it works and have the business plan all drafted up. Otherwise the first week it doesn't generate enough cash to go to thecinema, you'll close up shop and dissapoint lots of people.

Okay hldan1,

Listen in and listen close. I'm 16 years of age.
I was in the exact same position as you this time a few years ago and can appreciate your position. I believe that qualifies me adaquetly in answering your question.

At 13 I wanted to start up my own hosting company, and by the age of 15 I did. Everything was sorted. In fact, the company is currently on hold but I may decide to take it somewhere over the next few years.
However, I put everything into it - I bought my own server, domain, software, hardware, internet connection - everything....on the day of launch my dad enlightened me on what are harsh but true facts as these are they:

1) Who will support your customers ? (as already mentioned)
2) How will you cope financially if upgrades or repairs are needed?
3) Will it distract you from your exams?

The latter was just one of a multitude of questions and at the time - I kind of shrugged them off in a normal teenage manner. However, listen to this and believe me now when I say -

It will distract you from your exams and studies

Just wait until you get out of school.
I'm not disputing that you could not be successful but you don't want to limit down all your life choices by failing your exams.
In fact, I remember starting a thread very similar to this one at the time with pretty much the same responses.

I'm not going to tell you what you can and can't do, but i've been there and done it so I think you would be wise to take our collective (WHT :stickout: ) advice on board.
I am happy I waited and now can concentrate on my computing college course and a possible hosting or internet-related venture. :)
If you really have the burning desire and passion, you will act upon it more open-mindedly and maturely when you leave school.

Secondly, I would just like to confront this issue of you being an "expert PHP programmer". I'm sorry but quite frankly I don't believe it, you may be good but expert is a whole new form of good.:rolleyes:

Make the right choices mate - you'll thank us later, take it from me...

Regards and best luck,

Jord

Thats a bloody flamebait.
If you leave out the part about you being 14 yrs old it wouldn't be that bad.
The industry is pissed off at kiddie hosts who think that they can run a hosting company just bcoz they have a server, cpanel and a website template.
The industry despise that because kiddie hosts cant do things right in general and abandon their projects when they get bored, leaving clients high and dry. It gives the industry a bad name and driving prices insanely low , so low that it is bound to fail. e.g. 1GB/10GB - $0.99/mth or $0.99/yr.

Originally posted by hldan1
HI, i am 14 years old and i have a dedicated server i bought a few months ago which has whm/cpanel on it unmetered bandwidth wich is actualy unmetered and alot of disc space. I would like to start a web hosting business on it.

By the way, people may have noticed that in my first post in this topic, I said I was talking about the people that have the business acumen, skills, qualities and organisation needed to do it. Those people do exist, but, as I said, there are only about 1% of teenagers that could pull it off!

The other 99% would, as people have said, get bored, not stick with it, and go to town or the cinema and end up being low-lifes in the future, IMHO. Sorry, but, its true!

Originally posted by Dem0n
14 Year olds, don't have enough experience to run a sucessful business. You would need to find an older partner with more experience .

ur wrong , i have "friends" or know people that run 100mbit unmetered / unix boxes for (wahtver reason =) that are 14-15and know more than i do..

im just catching up on them...well i got myself a managed team so basically i lay back and let them do the work ..lolz im 17 now.


and starting a webhosting/dedicated server site soon ...

hldan1,
I think over the responses provided, minus the shouts for you to go do something else, the how was definately provided.

1. Learn about hosting
2. Learn about Linux/Windows OS
3. Break the server a couple of times
4. Start Over
5. Write a Business Plan
6. Buy Domain
7. Build Site
8. Incorporate - for the sake of your parents, please incorporate
9. Host

Now you didnt say WHO you were going to host, so as someone previously said - and I agree - start out hosting for family and friends - that way its not such a big deal if something goes wrong. They'll be a little more understanding and forgiving.

When you get the hang of it, join the ranks! Then, write your own book entitled "WHT I Made It"

Peace and Good Luck. I wish my nephew would excercise a brain cell and do something like this.

LH

Forgot to subscribe....sorry

Well him Being 14 isnt really a barrier for him to start a business.

If he is very smart and intelligent enough to understand the key things that are required to make a business a success i dont see why not.

I know a person who started working for a big hosting company when he was only 15 but ofcourse he didnt tell them his real age at the time because NOBODY was going to employ him or take him seriously but he had better skills and knowledge than your average 25 year old. So i dont think its his fault that he is smart enough to do the job , but is not taken seriously due to his age..

Anyways he worked there for a year or so now and he actually told his boss his real age..

Obviously he was shocked but then realised the potential the kid had in the future.

Good luck :)

Heres a bit about me

As of now, I'm almost 14 years old. I run a website with streaming online radio. At age 11, I helped build an indian porn website. I also host websites, but not commercially. I have a dedicated server with servermatrix & a vps with powervps. If i decide to start a commercial hosting bussiness, I am sure it would be an immediate success. I am fluent with several webdevlopment languages & have some flash skills as well.

To Hldan1,
You shouldn't refrain from starting a webhosting bussiness because of your age.
You should refrain from starting a webhosting bussiness because;
Dude, You have 1 dedicated server :dgrin:

You couldn't possibly start a "bussiness' out of that. At the max, if you find the customers you could make a quick thousand or so.

To start a successful commerical webhosting bussiness, you need to own/rent a datacenter. In your case, it seems otherwise. You need to own your own servers. Also you need suport tech, original software all the more if you are in the USA, qualified professional & such. You'll need the funds to set all of this up

If you can meet the above requirements, theres no reason why you should hesitate to start the bussiness.
Unless you go to school ofcourse:roll2:
School in my opinions destroys all creativity & capability in you.

EVILISCIOUS,

So you're suggesting that nobody should start a webhost without an entire datacentre.... u...huh...

Well, I really dont know what to say to that one!

Why bother spending more money than you need to in the beginning...

Here's a "Smart" idea based on your theory...
Start Business > Rent 10 servers, $1500/month >> Get 15 clients first month, $100 revenue >> Monthly Loss, $1400.

Why get more than you need?

I know plenty of people with successful businesses running off a reseller account... then again, I guess you & I must have different definitions on the term "Successful".

If said purchase not rent

However, if i spend 1500$ renting servers & setting up the bussiness..I'd spend equal amounts on advertising & promotions;)

I am not directly implying that one must own an entire datacenter in order to start a webhosting bussiness. But if you look around, most successful webhosting companies do. Again, all my statements make sense if someone wants to make serious money in the industry & acheive a rocksolid reputation

Uh.. how many companies do you really think buy multiple servers before starting? I mean.. skip resellers, skip VPS's.. go directly to dedicated (or even a datacenter)? Unless you already have enough pre-orders to help you retire, you're going to take very heavy losses as LSChosting said. That's just not smart.

As you kill, so you eat
Or is that
As you reap, so you sow

EVILISCIOUS, I can't agree.

I know many a host that started out with one server and over the course of a few years grew to 50 or 60 servers, so I'd have to say you are dead wrong on that note.

In the hosting game, slow and steady wins the race.

Everybody has their way or at least A WAY that has worked for them. I don't advise that what works for you - which is entirely against the grain - will work for everyone, and it certainly isnt a blueprint for positive cashflow in the beginning stages.

If its working for you then great, but the suggestion that buying some servers makes the customers pay is questionable.

Then again, who am I? Just some lady with an opinion...

LH

Originally posted by EVILISCIOUS
If said purchase not rent
oh dear....

ok, so change $1500/month, to $30000 startup + colo costs/month...

Well that's much better now isnt it :rolleyes:

LCHOSTING, you're looking at it from a different perspective

Heres a scenario of what i intended to convey

3000$ Startup, 3000$ in promos
200 customers, possibly more
Keep growing!

:-)

Originally posted by RefreshNet
Unless you already have enough pre-orders to help you retire, you're going to take very heavy losses as LSChosting said. That's just not smart.

Going back to what I said, 6K up front will land you 200 customers that fast? I want to know where you're advertising. :P

The pricing was hypothetical

Do you have a money tree in your back yard? If so can I borrow a branch? I still have to worry about things like food, clothes, software, and oh yeah, rent........

I have a money tree in my back yard ... chocolate coins do grow ... right :eek:

Seriously, EVILISCIOUS, come on man! The whole idea of business is to expand gradually and build up. You will not get anywhere if you just buy loads of stuff and make a loss for months ;)

Start off slowly, don't run before you can walk, so to speak. Start with reseller, once you outgrow that, VPS, then dedicated, the colo and finally, own datacenter. Most new hosts won't even get near the later stages!

It was like my parents. We once ran the most successful taxi company around. No joke, we beat all the competition and people used to actually turn down other cabs just to get in ours!

Anyway, eventually, the death of the company was a combination of business mistakes and other commitments. We went out and bought a 2nd car and started a 24-hour service much to early and we just didn't have the staff to cover it. A common error - trying to outgrow your business.

I'm planning on restarting the company and doing it right though, when I'm older, but, I just told the above for example-sake. There are lot of the above cases that happen.

I don't know if your method works for you, even though I highly doubt it, if it does, good luck. What I am saying is that in most cases, buying loads of stuff and forking out tens of thousands of dollars and then spending the same amount on marketing, doesn't always result in a successful business!

Originally posted by will7

Seriously, EVILISCIOUS, come on man!

What you are saying is right, However...
I differ in practices
I'd rather do it big time or not at all

But thats me

Like I said before. What works for you is definately against the grain of prosperity for the rest of us. While I don't have faith in your path, if it's workin' for you then its workin' for YOU.

Your theory of "if you build it they will come" has been proven false over and over again. I'll remember to take your advice with a grain of salt in future posts.

LH

owning any datacenter would cost you quite a few millions and most hosts started quite smaller than that then expanded into a datacenter when need was there

Go for it - just make sure you have the knowledge and capacity to learn as you go along. I ran azurehost last year when I was only around 13. I ran it for a good few months before deciding that hosting wasn't in my interest - however I did manage to get things setup, run the server smoothly along with keeping my clients happy whilst continuing my education in school. I'm now going onto making a download site which requires less of my personal time however.

Webhosting takes up a lot of your time, it's not your average job if you want to do it properly. I was often online early in the morning to check tickets and such, then as soon as I returned home I was on 6-7 hours ofter after getting to bed.. Basically from 4pm - 11pm+. It's not fun at all and definately not easy money if that's what you think it is. Early mornings, late nights.

Everyone stereotypes people here however, for example, if you were told a 14 year old wanted a webdesign from you, you'd automatically assume that their Grammar, spelling etc. would not be up to scratch and you'd end up with a filled inbox of: 'd00d, wazzzup wit my desin i orderd it lyk 4 dayz ago'. It's like saying that someone is too old to do something. For example, you'd discourage a 95 year old from driving - not based on ability but just because of his age.

Yes, in general people of my age aren't going to be English professionals and such, but that doesn't mean none of us are capable of such things. Judge a person on how they act, not by a number.

Can I get first dibs on your clients when you sell them for "a new business venture" or "personal/family reasons"? j/k

Ha ha .. ha .. not. :P Make sure to keep us updated on how it goes!

Heres a bit about me

As of now, I'm almost 14 years old. I run a website with streaming online radio. At age 11, I helped build an indian porn website. I also host websites, but not commercially. I have a dedicated server with servermatrix & a vps with powervps. If i decide to start a commercial hosting bussiness, I am sure it would be an immediate success. I am fluent with several webdevlopment languages & have some flash skills as well.

Does anybody else see anything wrong with that?

I didn't model. I meant used my webdevelopment skills
I dont see anything wrong in that

Originally posted by EVILISCIOUS
I didn't model. I meant used my webdevelopment skills
I dont see anything wrong in that

An 11 year old developing a porn site. Told your parents about that one? I mean since theres nothing wrong with that. and if your parents know and are fine with it I suggest you trade them in for a more responsible version.

They dont know.
It would be irrelevant even if they did. I am not a sort of person who requires parenting. I know whats good for me & whats not.:)

Lets stay on topic here

Originally posted by EVILISCIOUS
They dont know.
It would be irrelevant even if they did. I am not a sort of person who requires parenting. I know whats good for me & whats not.:)


The topic is running a webhosting business.

Its not managing a server
Its not knowing PHP, JAVA, ASP or any language

Thats knowledge. It requires wisdom to run a business. You have just proved you do not have wisdom and probably have no concept of the difference between the two. You are not fit to run a web hosting business. Not without wisdom or without knowing the difference.

In fact you have just made yourself the prime example of why a 13 year old should not run a webhosting business. If Mommy and Daddy find out what your about and rightfully put an end to it with some serious well deserved discipline including you curtailing your online activity I wouldn't want to be hosted on your server. who would?

If you can't make long term commitments without the possibility of being overruled by Mom and Dad any time who needs you in business?

Of course you will say you can make long term commitments without the possibility of being overruled but that would be just another empty statement in perfect keeping with your statements about needing no parenting at 13 years old (or almost 14 as you said). Legally you have no rights. Your parents do. Simple cold hard fact. End of story.

Demostorm, you dont even have a vague clue about what I am. You have made offensive statements based on my age.
You are the prime example of someone who discriminates by age.

You do not intimidate me in any way. Neither of my parents are going to, or can do anything about it if they find out about my endeavours. I am here on this forum to discuss webhosting & not discipline. Definitely not to listen to you make upleasant statements about me, keep that in mind.

Have a good day

Truth often hurts but I made no offensive statements only ones you didn't like. Any 13-14 year old that claims he doesn't need parenting , his parents can't tell him what to do and school destroys all capability in you is not emotionally or rationally ready for business and is not mature enough to get my hosting business.

I know you think you are and I applaud you for initiative but you'd do well to learn a little humility in life. When you go into a new city you'd be a fool to think you know the city better than those who have lived there before you. Your parents have been to places and times you haven't been.

You can still actually become the man you could be. Thats not offensive. Thats potential being wasted and yes rushing certain things before reaching to a good age can lead to that. In rare cases it doesnt' but you are not now the exclusion to the rule - not yet at least or you would make more sensible comments.

Not to worry. Tomorrow is right around the corner and you could be then. I don't know you past your comments but despite saying some things you don't want to hear I still gather you are a bright young man with promise. Take a little descipline and I am confident you will fulfill that promise.

Daniel,

Comming from someone who wanted to start a hosting company at sixteen I would say wait. I am very ambitious and wanting to know everything and do everything the best so that I can shine. And Yes, I can do it I just have to set my mind to it.

I am eighteen now, I started a web hosting review and directory site. I have been the designer of a 4,000 product ecommerce site and now I am starting my own hosting company. I have 16 other individuals helping me launch this. In matter of fact, we did so two nights ago at 12:06 am.

If you would like, you can ride along for the start up of Biz Hosting Network and I will show you the in's and out. Will you get to play around with a server? No However, you will get to see what a business plan looks like, what our support staff deals with, and the overall operations of a Web biz.

You can get me via email: zach.mcclung@bizhostingnetwork.com or via AIM: BHNSupport. I am on nearly 16 hours a day. Its not a job it is a mentor ship.

Originally posted by EVILISCIOUS
I didn't model. I meant used my webdevelopment skills
I dont see anything wrong in that

Wait, isn't viewing pornographic images as a minor illegal? So, surely when you built the site you must have seen the images and so broke the law, you only being 11 and all ...

Also, if you won't tell your parents, then you really shouldn't be running a business. What happens when you get a lawsuit coming through the door, what you going to tell them?

Tell them about your business. They will most likely support you. I told my mom and dad and they are supporting and backing me all the way. They have experience in buiness (see taxi example) and they can help me do it legally.

But, if you don't tell them, you will just cause a rift between you and them :bawling:

Will7, thanks for the advice.
I dont see any lawsuits coming my way in the near future.

Btw, have you asked yourself why viewing pornography at age 11 is illegal? The idea is absurd. I refuse to obey mere rules. I use my intellect- which is my greatest ability as a human being to decide on something. I will view pornography as it pleases me. It is my sole discretion

By the way, thought I better say that my parents were also behind my business - my father more so than my mother. (My mother is generally not computer savvy and still won't purchase anything online). If you don't have support from your parents and don't tell them. Somewhere along the line you're going to get screwed over.

Damn,

I withdrawl my previous offer. At the age 11 you were designing porn sites. Your parents do not know about anything your doing? Self manageing? Buddy, you need to come into reality. You are fourteen years old. Your stubborn and to think that you would be able to provide hosting?

I personally feel this becomes an issue of ignorance?

"Satanists, They Fear us for we think too differently"
-http://www.churchofsatan.com
:)

I dont think any more posts by me on this thread will serve any purpose. If you look at me from a different perspective, without considering my age..You may be able to understand me better.

Originally posted by EVILISCIOUS
If you look at me from a different perspective, without considering my age..You may be able to understand me better.

That just won't happen, especially with how everything is run in today's world. I honestly doubt that people would EVER let age NOT play a factor in a situation.

At this point its not about age. Its about maturity and those in this thread who don't have it.

Although I do think people in his age group should wait and enjoy their youth I have to say that I know of alot of people in the age group far more mature than our resident satanist.

Originally posted by EVILISCIOUS
"Satanists, They Fear us for we think too differently"
-http://www.churchofsatan.com

Once again, does anybody else see anything wrong with that? I mean come on, a 14 year old satanist..... Where did this thread go to?

This forum has gone haywire. If you are serious. If you still have both parents, ask your dad about registering the business for you. If he feels you arent responsible enough, then Id take his word for it. You arent around enough to handle things yourself during the school year, and with business, it takes time to grow. 9/10 times, you wouldnt have enough structure before school starts to outsource support. You would be 100% paypal bound, because you arent old enough for a merchant account. Some advertising venues will not even listen to a 14yo, because they cant bulk discount to you or contract you legally.

I have come across some nice dads, that have called and wanted reseller accounts for their sons, but if you have a supposed 'unmetered' server prepaid, are you going to have the funds next year to handle it? Im sure its got a hefty pricetag unless they lied to you about bandwith.

In short - Either dont do it. Or Get the parents approval and have them help you manage it.

Can I ask a silly question.
What will happen if a 14 years old guy is running a hosting company & has customers but he is not legally registered? Can he be sued from it?

It would really depend, If he were to be sued though I believe his parents would be held accountable