Hey all,

I'm wondering if some people could help me. I'm currently filling out an application for a government incentive in my country aimed at getting people off unemployment. It is for people starting up new businesses and they provide them with a small amount of money each fortnight to help get it off the ground - that is if their application is accepted.

One of the questions asks whether I'll be competing directly against existing businesses. If yes (as is the case with a web services business with hosting and so on), then it asks to demonstrate that there is an unsatisfied demand for the service, or the services are to be provided in a new way.

I will actually be providing such services in a way that I think could make them provided in a new way. However there's not too much difference really, so I think I will need to demonstrate an unsatisfied demand. Is there something I can use as a reference somewhere (e.g. statistics or something), to demonstrate an unsatisfied demand?

I know in my country - Australia - a lot of hosts seem to be way behind cost and plan wise in comparison to a lot of US ones. A lot of individual people over here I think are put off because they think it costs a lot. Some don't even realise you don't have to purchase hosting in your own country. :stickout So I think there is quite a demand and market I can tap into here once people realise they don't have to pay outrageous prices. I also know that there is a continual demand globally anyway - even with the number of hosting competitors around. I just need something showing this demand...? Or suggestions even on how I could show this demand? Anything specific to Australia would also be helpful...

Can anyone help me?

Thanks,
- Kurieuo.

You would be surprised at the amount of Aussie hosts we have here that have very very very good pricing.

So i don't think your case on pricing alone is strong enough.

Some forum members who are also aussie, "Editor" and "Aussie Bob".

They lurk here pretty often.

To be more explicit, I never said they're weren't any Aussie hosts - however I only know of about 2 or 3 here that I've come across on these boards. And a lot of people I've spoken to locally over here don't know any better and thought they had to pay high prices. So the fact that people still seem oblivious to the cheaper hosts I think speaks for itself.

However I don't think the case of pricing is really what they're really looking for, which is why I'm asking for help and in particular wanting some ideas on how I can show there's a demand for such services.

Kind regards,
- Kurieuo.

How about taking a poll? And submitting the poll results as proof?

I guess that's one way.

I'm just conducting a poll to see what people view the demand for web hosting as. Please give your honest opinions. :)

Thanks,
- Kurieuo.

Not a bad idea, especially considering the amount of people the browse here. :D

Vote at http://www.webhostingtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=75269

Bob...we're lurkers...? ;-)

Good luck with your initiative Kurieuo. Really, I mean that. Probably the best thing I could suggest as something that would appeal on paper to someone assessing your case...would be Web Centrals' pricing compared to <insert_any_US_based_Aussie_Host_here>, and demonstrate that demand is/would be high but local advertising is virtually non-existent for the product being contemplated.

I hope that helps.

Cheers

Gary

Originally posted by Editor
Bob...we're lurkers...? ;-)



Perhaps contributors would suit you guys better. :D

Gotten a few votes... a few more would be great. :)