I have noticed so many webhosting companies. Anyone with some knowledge starts one. So how do you do it? Where do you begin?

Not that I am going to start one, but I am lil bit curious about they all manage to start one so easily. :D

http://www.webhostingtalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=94

Setting up a hosting reseller account is the easiest way.

If it has a billing software included even better.

At first create your business plan. Then find a reliable reseller hosting provider and registrar and create your Web site. You must advertisement lastly.

Start out with a reseller, and work your way up as you learn more. That is the way I did it. :)

Yeah, I'll toss my suggestion in there as well that starting out with a reseller plan might be the best way to go. That way you have an easier time managing things as you are just getting started. :)

a couple of years ago if anyone asked this question on WHT the answers would all have been based on learning server admin (even if you are starting with a reseller account) so that you can provide support to your clients and write a good business plan.

But is it legal to start hosting business just with reseller account or VPS/server? Do you need any license for that?

I would use Paypal, or other payment system for payments.

I have noticed so many webhosting companies. Anyone with some knowledge starts one. So how do you do it? Where do you begin?

Not that I am going to start one, but I am lil bit curious about they all manage to start one so easily. :D

To be honest, if I were to do it again, especially at this stage of the game. I would simply acquire an existing web hosting company.

But is it legal to start hosting business just with reseller account or VPS/server? Do you need any license for that?

It depends where you live as to whether you need a license to trade or not. You should speak to a local lawyer or accountant.

No need to waste money on a lawyer or accountant. The city clerk can answer this question for you. Assuming you are in the US, call the local town or city hall and ask the clerk.

Cost = FREE...

Usually the license is 10 bucks a year. Most incorporated cities require you have one. Generally, they will send you one either way. Especially if you are incorporated and list your address. They may find you before you find them. ;)

I live in UK, but if its only 10 bucks/pounds a year or a bit more then it's OK. Thanks I'll try contacting them.

if you live in the uk there is no need to contact them mrZilvi as it is perfectly legal to start a hosting company as i too am from the UK and hope to start one up soon

No need to waste money on a lawyer or accountant. The city clerk can answer this question for you. Assuming you are in the US, call the local town or city hall and ask the clerk.

Cost = FREE...

Usually the license is 10 bucks a year. Most incorporated cities require you have one. Generally, they will send you one either way. Especially if you are incorporated and list your address. They may find you before you find them. ;)
just to get this straight I would just have to call my city clerk and ask them for what exactly ?

I have noticed so many webhosting companies. Anyone with some knowledge starts one. So how do you do it? Where do you begin?

Not that I am going to start one, but I am lil bit curious about they all manage to start one so easily. :D

Reseller accounts are cheap these days, and with companies resellerzoom and innohosting that do end user support as well, it's pretty easy to start one without a lot of knowledge.

I would recommend reading these forums for a few days first. Go back into the archive and see what is going on. Read the normal web hosting category, too. See what problems customers experience. Buy a few books on how to run a business in general and what it takes to start a business. If you are still interested in starting a web hosting business start with a reseller account. Make sure the host in the background has a good track record, because you will need high quality support. Host some of your friends/family member websites to learn. Then slowly move forward once you feel ready for customers.

Continue reading. Don't ask generic questions because all you get are generic answers. Ask detailed questions and you shall receive detailed answers that help you much more.

Learn Linux (and maybe Windows) system administration to understand the technical side of the business. If you have only little money to start out with you will have to wear every hat in your company until you can start outsourcing or hiring somebody.

Good Luck.

Christoph

if you live in the uk there is no need to contact them mrZilvi as it is perfectly legal to start a hosting company

If you're in the UK you have to be registered with Companies House to have any sort of *company* :p