Online business venture...

[XiZiT]

Hey, I'd rather not go into specifics since I'm still in the planning stages but basically I would like to run an online video store selling movies (adult and non-adult). I would like to find the cheapest but quality host for the money, preferebly less then $100 per month. Is this possible?

Also I might have to incorporate myself, is anyone here incorporated and could offer some advice about payment and stuff like that?

I appreciate it, thanks.

 

[minendo]

Pick up a dedicated server at ThePlanet.

 

[slydecix]

You'd probably need hosting that includes an ecommerce package (such as miva merchant) to process credit cards.

I need to start looking into this actually, I'm developing a small online store for a freelance client

 

[XiZiT]

I found this site through yahoo. I think its a price mistake but nonetheless it mentions "Compatible With All Billing Scripts (iBill, CCBill, Epoch)" is this what you're referring too bull?

 

[RossMAN]

Here is what you will need:

• Domain (if you don't already have one)
• Web Hosting ($50/mo should be enough)
• If you're a one man operation I think it would be cheaper to file as an LLC rather than a corporation.
• Merchant account which allows you to securely accept credit cards online and you get paid once a week directly into your bank's account.
• Shopping cart which can cost $$$ I would recommend checking out osCommerce which is an open source FREE shopping cart which comes included with most web hosts who offer cPanel.
• Good luck, you're going to need it!

 

[lancestorm]

Great post RossMAN

 

[DaveSimmons]

selling movies (adult and non-adult).

Be sure to check the Terms of Service / Acceptable Use Policies for the company before signing up -- some companies prohibit adult content even on dedicated / colocated servers in their datacenter.

Also think hard about this, you'll be competing against Amazon, Buy.com, DVD Planet, DeepDiscountDVD for general sales, and DVD Empire for general & adult sales.

 

[XiZiT]

Thanks for the help, I kind of forgot about this thread since I've put off the business venture for a while --- the investmenet is too great at this point.

 

[hevnsnt]

just wanna say hi.