Hi
I would like to be a reseller but Im not sure how I would get customers to start off.
If I buy a reseller package before I have any customers it might be a waste of money, what if i dont get anyone that wants me to be their host?
On the other hand I may get one customer then buy a reseller package, but what if they are the only one thats wants to host with me and I dont make enough money to cover my costs as with a reseller package you normally buy a bigger and more expensive package than a user would need so I would have a lot of space left...
I would really like some help as i am a newbie to hosting...
thanks a lot
If anyone can tell me how they got started that would be great

Most people seem to get the idea that you can jump into the driving seat with a hosting company and you'll be an instant success.

You won't.

Surprisingly, the hosting industry is just the same as any other industry. You need to make a good plan, work out what your costs and expenses are, see if you have the time to dedicate to help it grow (and believe me, it takes this...).

If you're business minded and are prepared to plan and go that extra step to get those clients, then you will do well.

Buy a reseller package and other things before you get clients, it are called investments :)

Every business needs investments, which needs to be earned back in the future. If you're doing the right way, you describe this and more in your business plan.

Good luck!

Find a host with patient support. ;)

Hi
Thanks for the help :)
Anyone know a host with a resellet plan for beginners?Something that is very small and affordable to get me started so I can develop and grow in the future?
I would like a host with a reseller package that does a good deal that is right for me as I don't think I will have many customers as I start off but I am willing to give the extra effort to grow.
Thanks again

wanabehost,

9/10 of providers offer very affordable reseller plans, most in the sub $30 range. The risk is very minimal and by selling 2 or 3 accounts you should be able to cover your costs.

But 'reselling' is a business and like any business you should not go in with your head in the sand. If you currently do not have the capital to cover future payments or at the very least $30 .. then perhaps you should wait a while.

If you currently do not have local connections then you'll need to invest in some online advertising, expect to spend at least $200 for your first client.

Some places to buy advertising:
1. Google Adwords
2. Overture
3. Do a google search for 'tech related' sites, most of them offer advertising space, although the traffic to these sights might be minimal, they are a very target audience.

Take care and best of luck to you

Hi
Thanks for all your help again
This is great info for a newbie : )
I do have the money to back it up but I just think it would be a waste if i bought a plan then i didnt get any customers, it could waste quite a lot of money.
I think that if a company offered a service where someone bought accounts to reserve then paid for them when they got customers they would make a lot more money and more customers, i know i would do that.
If it is in the rules to pm me with an offer is you own a company please do so, if not im sorry but i am a newbie so im not too sure about the rules.
Thanks again for all the help : )

Why would a hosting company allow you to "reserve" their accounts? What if you never sell any in a year? Their server resources will be tied up.

Besides, what you need can be done without any such offers: Simply pick a host, design a website around their reseller program, and when an actual customer signs up, you can then turn around and buy the account from the host. No initial investment required.

Peter

Originally posted by wanabehost
Hi
I would like to be a reseller but Im not sure how I would get customers to start off.
If I buy a reseller package before I have any customers it might be a waste of money, what if i dont get anyone that wants me to be their host?
On the other hand I may get one customer then buy a reseller package, but what if they are the only one thats wants to host with me and I dont make enough money to cover my costs as with a reseller package you normally buy a bigger and more expensive package than a user would need so I would have a lot of space left...
I would really like some help as i am a newbie to hosting...
thanks a lot
If anyone can tell me how they got started that would be great
No offence, but by the sounds of your post, you're in no position to start a hosting business and take the responsibility of hosting other folk's precious websites.

You need to make investments. Setup a business plan. Get your business registered. Create a cashflow and stick to it. Don't take this as negative criticism. It's just the way I see it from your post. :)

I agree here . There are
also the cost of advertising, cc processors, and unexpected costs that you will have
to pay as well. You have to plan long term.
Where do you want to be next year? How much will you spend this year? You really have to put your heart and soul into this. Take a piece a of paper and pencil ( remember those sticks with the black point? )
and write down step by step , what you will need to start out, how much it will cost,
don't forget a thing. Most of this info you can find here on the forum. And what ever
you do don't give up your day job!
rinnando