Hello!

I am new to this industry, and would like to start very small. Money is no object for me, but I would like to buy a VPS or dedicated server for starts and get everything automated. Is WHCMS or MD automated? I will start off by selling to my clan, real life, msn contacts, etc. I will use a third party 24/7 support, but will it be automatic for when I am sleeping? I think the account setup is automatic if someone signs onto paypal, but what about if they purchased a domain at the same time too. I do not mind if I have to manually accept each offer, but was wondering is there something out there that has it all automatic?

Thanks for your time.

WHMCS can actually do this for you. You can set it to setup both domains as well as hosting accounts automatically. However, i would recommend steering away from auto setup. Malicious users and scammers search for companies with auto setup. Also if you have a third party support company then more than likely they would be willing to activate and maintain things while your sleeping. Good luck in your venture!

I really do not think I will get malicious users as I will be more on the "undercover" side... I am pretty interested can you explain more? Budget wise?

As far as your budget goes for third party support, it really boils down to what are you willing to spend and what can you spend and still maintain a profit. Most companies work on a per ticket basis, normally charging anywhere from 3-5 dollars per ticket. However these are mostly bough it bundles. So say a bundle of 250 ticket at $5 per ticket etc.

That takes care of the support, what about a server to start off with and getting a licensed billing system so everything is automatic.

Finding the right dedicated server provider for you can be a long and tretorous task. It boils down to what you as the consumer are looking for. There are quite a few reputable dedicated server providers out there. It will just take some time and research to find out which one is right for you.

As for getting a licensed support system, thats not as tough as finding your server provider. I personally recommend WHMCS. You can get a license from licensepal.com for $12 per month.

I think I will be getting a small VPS to start off with, and will upgrade as I move along. How hard is the script to install? I may want to install it myself, or I can have them do it for the small fee. This WHMCS can be integrated with a VPS too? Or more when I upgrade?

Its very easy to install and it includes step by step instrctions on how to install it. WHMCS is actually just a PHP script so it will run on any server that you have PHP configured on.

I think I will get a VPS from JaguarPC.com for 20 $ and get a license for 12 $, so I am all set?

We are using WHMCS and are happy with it!!!

I think I will get a VPS from JaguarPC.com for 20 $ and get a license for 12 $, so I am all set?

Yes, thats all you will need to start your hosting company. :) Start small and then work your way up to a larger VPS then eventually to your own dedicated server setup.

Dan good choice in host and script!

Yup WHMXS is the way to go if you want full automation.

I also would like to know the profit potential in this? With a VPS, should be expecting how many clients?

Providing you're manually screening orders for fraud within on a daily basis, only using the automatic setup to basically set up clients when you're not around then you should be fine. Just be sure to double check their details after they signup.

Or, you could pay for a 3rd party integrated fraud checker service.

Providing you're manually screening orders for fraud within on a daily basis, only using the automatic setup to basically set up clients when you're not around then you should be fine. Just be sure to double check their details after they signup.

Or, you could pay for a 3rd party integrated fraud checker service.

Thanks for that info. But I had another request: I also would like to know the profit potential in this? With a VPS, should be expecting how many clients?

You can't never tell upfront how many clients per VPS . It depends too much on the type of customers and the quality you want to offer. If they are really cpu intensive (high traffic wordpress) or not (plain html). Or if they are really HD intensive or traffic intensive.

and yes... screen orders for fraud!!!

I have a big role in the Quake III community, so most likely they will be hosting CMS's, and regular HTML Sites. I can predict 50/50 , that half of the sites I host will be CMS and the other portion will be regular HTML/personal sites. Does this information help.