I've been reading, researching and studying everything I come across on hosting. I just want to be sure i've got all the corners covered before I officially open for business.
I'm stuck at a fork and i'm not sure what's the best route to start with, Reselling or Dedicated. I know i'd feel a lot more legit if I went dedicated, but growth wise i'm not sure how long it would take to make a profit. Originally it seemed best to start as a reseller and move to dedicated when growth allowed it. My fear with this is being pointed out as a 'reseller', it's not a label i'd like made public. I know I can put a lot of effort into this and I intend to. There are many here that have past this point, i'd just like some advise to prevent a mess down the line.

Thanks.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a reseller. In fact, I think most of us started that way.

Here's the thing. If you have some cash and could stand to be out some money for the first few months, then go dedicated. You will not have to move your clients if you do. Otherwise, go the reseller route and build your business. As time passes and you have more accounts that will justify your getting the ded server, move them at that time. Your clients will understand that you are expanding and will want to provide them with a better control over the business.

Thankyou for the feedback. :)
I like the idea of dedicated as i'd have more control over the server and I believe i'd be able to do get things done easier. I figure i'd be able to offer better customer support this way as well. I realize there is more work in maintaining a DS. Probably a tough comparison, but as compared to virtual, would security and server resources be difficult to monitor and keep up with? This would be a solo operation for now, I want to be sure I can keep up with it. ;)

Yes, upkeep of the server is more time consuming (based on the fact that you are not reselling it!) but that has to do primarily with the accounts that you sell, not so much the hardware.

As long as you have a decent interface (cpanel/Plesk) you shouldn't run into many troubles.

I'm leaning more toward dedicated now, but i'm wondering.
I think user forums are a great addition to any hosting provider.
Is this a feature that should be added later or would it be good to have it from the start?
If I did go with reselling, would it be a bad idea to use a forum?

Thanks again.

It can be good and bad (I believe that this was discussed another time). People don't like posting to forums without getting a reply in a timely manner. This means you have to check the forum often and if you don't think that takes time, you've never moderated a forum.

Also, you'll get people posting things that don't reflect well and possibly random things that shouldn't be there. It has to be watched.

Thanks,
I'm not one for censoring posts, so I suppose that might get out of hand. From what i've seen, users don't take well to these actions. I'm trying to weigh the use of it with the extra effort it will take. I should probably give that one some time and see how everything goes.

I'm not big on forums myself. Mainly for the reasons BC mentioned. But also for a few of my own. Granted if you develop a community of your customers then it'll take off and it'll be a success.

We have one, but it's buried in back somewhere unused and now unlinked. Most of our clients are businesses or webdevelopers who for reasons of their own aren't really interested in chatting to their neighbours. I can count of one hand the amount of personal sites we host - we don't aim there and don't attract them. It's a large percentage of law firms, telecommunication resellers, small business, etc.

From a personal perspective I'd love a bustling forum full of happy people all supporting enquires and providing answers to newcomers, but the myriad of factors involved in making that happen are a very fine mix of clientele and other factors...

Many businesses these days don't want to advertise their base of operation for security or personal reasons. Granted a whois check will reveal that in a heart beat, but we're talking about real world business - many of whom wouldn't know an IP address if you prodded them with one.

On the other hand if your clientele was young gamers, or programmers et.al. then you'd probably have a better chance to getting things rolling...

Greg Moore

You don't neccesarily have to release your base of operation... Ahh, the power of cheese... I mean Post Office Boxes... Too much TV ;)