Well, I've started the setup process of my new hosting business. I'm pretty excited but I don't want to miss anything and would like to set it up correctly.

I know I need to do the following, based on my research on these forums over the past few weeks. My question is, do I have everything listed below I need to do to get my business up and running? BTW, keep in mind I've already drafted my business and marketing plans, so that's already factored into the equation. :)

Business Side:

1. Register a DBA (already in the process of doing this)
2. Obtain a business license (required for my city, but I'm already in the process of doing this)
3. Obtain a business checking account
4. Obtain a merchant account (looking at CDG Commerce for this one)

Technical Side:

1. Obtain a web hosting reseller account (done)
2. Design a web site (already in this process of doing this)
3. Integrate a shopping cart (looking at ZenCart)
4. Integrate a payment gateway (looking at Authorize.net)

If there is anything I've forgotten or overlooked, please let me know. From what I've read this appears to be what I need to do to setup my site first. I'll begin implementing the procedures and processes spelled out in my marketing plan once I'm officially open for business. :)

Instead of getting a shopping cart script, I would look more at an all-inclusive billing system such as modernbill or whmcs.

reseller account? may be you should try going for an low or mid entry dedicated server :)

Regards

Reseller account is fine if you are new to it and don't know about server management, or you can start with fully managed VPS.

But whatever way you start, most important is

BACKUP

You should have a full action plan for backing up your hosted accounts (full backups).

reseller account? may be you should try going for an low or mid entry dedicated server :)

Regards

Why not a reseller account? If you are just starting out, not only does a reseller account help keep start up costs low, but if you do not have experience in managing and securing a server, then it is best to get a reseller account rather than spending extra money on management...

reseller account? may be you should try going for an low or mid entry dedicated server :)

Regards


It makes absolutely no sense to get a dedicated server when you have zero clients. Start out with a reseller account and work your way up. Just make sure that you have a long-term plan which includes how you're going to upgrade when needed.

Don't forget to figure in taxes. Those will bite you on the butt if you don't set money aside from your monthly sales.

--Tina

Thank you guys (and ladies) for the advice. Much appreciated. :)