LowEndBox - Cheap VPS, Hosting and Dedicated Server Deals

LowEndBox KickStarter Competition

Win A Whole Small Business / VPS Provider Setup!
LowEndBox is giving away a whole package to kickstart you as a VPS Provider. Starting off with an Intel Xeon E3-1240 server for 6 months thanks to the guys at ColoCrossing and to manage your billing and signups a 6 month license from the team at WHMCS.

  • Intel Xeon E3-1240v2
  • 4 x 1TB Hard Drives
  • 32GB RAM
  • 10TB Bandwidth
  • 100Mbit Port
  • /26 Range (62 IPs)
  • Domain Name
  • SSL Certificate
  • WHMCS License
  • SolusVM Panel /
    Proxmox WHMCS Plugin

We like seeing people kickstart new projects and be successful, we don’t think there’s anywhere else like LowEndBox.Com or LowEndTalk.Com where people bring their small projects related to VPSs in to fruition like here. There is a number of people in this community that have the knowledge and have built up that knowledge over time to run a VPS Provider, they just need a bit of an opportunity to get started. So this is the first of our “Kickstarter” competitions!

Click “Read More” To find out How To Enter + Terms and Conditions.

# How To Enter
We have put together a list of questions below in relation to your vision and your plan, not overly scientific questions that we would like you to fill out. The survey asks questions pertaining to your business model, the plans you would offer, costings you may consider and a few other questions. It basically gives us a brief idea of where you would start, and where you would plan to go with your new provider. Fill these out and send your entries to win@lowendbox.com

Helping us sort through these entries are two experienced LowEndBox providers, Tim from Hostigation and Francisco from BuyVM. They’ve proven themselves in this industry, one of them is a “One Man Show” whom is incredibly successful, and the other is a small company built around half a dozen staff whom is also incredibly successful. Not only will their experience help sort entries, but beyond that going forward their experience and advice could prove invaluable to you as a new and upcoming host.

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QUESTIONS

Send all your entries to Win@LowEndBox.Com
## General Questions
a1) LowEndBox/LowEndTalk Username
a2) Email Address
a3) Age
a4) Country

## About You
b1) Why are you entering this competition?
b2) What experience do you have in the industry?
b3) If you have worked previously for other providers please list them?
b4) Have you ever worked for or been associated with a deadpool provider?

## About Your Vision
c1) What is your vision for your provider?
c2) What specifically will make your provider unique to existing providers?
c3) What qualities/skills do you possess that are advantageous to your vision?
c4) What qualities/skills do you believe are required for the long-term viability and sustainability of your vision?
c5) If you have these great ideas why aren’t you executing these ideas now? Why is your vision not already a provider?

## Building Your Vision
d1) What is your target market?
d2) How will you connect with this market?
d3) Are you confident that this market can sustain you?
d4) Are you willing to make financial self-investment to build your vision?

## Your Capabilities To Serve Your Vision?
e1) What is your level of technical experience?
e2) What is your level of problem-solving capabilities?
e3) How much time can you assign to make your vision of a provider become a reality?
e4) How much time can you assign over the long-term to ensure it’s viability and sustainability in to the future?

## Plans and Projections
f1) What virtualisation technology will you be working with?
f2) How many plans would you start with?
f3) Please list those plans in detail (CPU,RAM,HDD..etc) and assign a dollar value in USD or converted to USD.
f4) What is your 3 month milestone?
f5) What is your 6 month milestone?
f6) What is your 1 year milestone?
f7) What is your 2 year milestone?

## Margins & Profits
After the 6 months has passed your lease on the server will be $150/Month, an additional $16/Month for WHMCS and then an approximate of $10/Month depending on your Virtualisation Panel choice. Lets give you a buffer and associate your total monthly cost for the operation at $180.
g1) What profit margin are you aiming for in percentage?
g2) How many customers do you assume you can fit on your server?
g3) What is the minimum amount you expect to extract from your server per month excluding costs?
g4) What is the minimum amount you expect to extract from your server per month including costs?
g5) What is the maximum amount you expect to extract from your server per month excluding costs?
g6) What is the maximum amount you expect to extract from your server per month including costs?

PS: Thanks for entering!
h1) Anything else you want to add for us to consider as part of your entry?


# Terms and Conditions
By entering this competition you accept the following:
Server is provided to you for 6 months, after 6 months you can either lease the server for $150/Month or enter a lease to own agreement with ColoCrossing.
All software is provided to you for 6 months, after 6 months you agree to pay for the WHMCS license and other associated software license panels granted to you as part of the competition.
You accept that your entry will be reviewed by a 3rd party, in this case Hostigation (Tim) and BuyVM (Francisco).
You accept that should you be choosen the winner once all prizes are passed on you are responsible to adhere to all terms and conditions of the provider.
You will be required to signup directly with companies such as ColoCrosing and WHMCS directly, LowEndBox will have no relationship with your account.
Domain Name must be available and may not exceed purchase price of $25.
All decisions are final, and you accept that we may alter the terms of entry.
Competition closes October 12th 2012 00:00EST (UTC +10:00HRS)

87 Comments

  1. Jath:

    Im 14 do you think I can do this? I know a lot of about servers. I play minecraft alot.

    September 10, 2012 @ 4:44 pm | Reply
    • Alexander Barakov:

      Simple answer – Nope.

      September 10, 2012 @ 4:48 pm | Reply
      • Jimmy:

        But I’m 14 and run my own provider :S

        September 12, 2012 @ 6:59 am | Reply
        • Jimmy Chen:

          I managed to convince my parents to give me capital, now I run a small VPS/Shared Hosting provider. Doesn’t make alot, I break even with less than $100-300/month most of the time.

          October 17, 2012 @ 4:47 am | Reply
    • Zetta:

      As someone close to your age, I would say if you had to ask, you can’t do it.

      September 12, 2012 @ 4:06 am | Reply
    • Jath, you’re 14 and running PytoHost?

      September 12, 2012 @ 4:25 am | Reply
      • Jath:

        Nope thats not me, I wish I could win this server though so I could start a company! I would be so good.

        September 16, 2012 @ 1:13 am | Reply
  2. Alexander Barakov:

    Sounds like a great idea, was nicely surprised when I saw it. I wonder who will be te winner at the end. I just couldnt see an end date ?

    September 10, 2012 @ 4:49 pm | Reply
  3. Asad Haider:

    Perfect time for Randy to go for it and shine!

    September 10, 2012 @ 4:58 pm | Reply
    • Randy:

      Nah,I will shine at a later time

      All software is provided to you for 6 months, after 6 months you agree to pay for the WHMCS license and other associated software license panels granted to you as part of the competition.

      so the kids wont be able to pay after 6 monhs? :) what happen? can they just cancel the server.. ?

      September 11, 2012 @ 5:18 am | Reply
      • Asad Haider:

        I think the idea is they’re generating enough revenue to sustain themselves after six months.

        September 11, 2012 @ 11:35 am | Reply
        • Jack:

          I would hope after 6 months of running a service they would have enough to purchased owned WHMCS and Add a couple of hundred account credit for Solus and/or if they go with the proxmox way Just have someone code them a module?

          September 11, 2012 @ 5:13 pm | Reply
  4. Jack:

    Oh no…

    You accept that your entry will be reviewed by a 3rd party, in this case Hostigation and “BuyVM.”

    No one will be accepted if Anthony is reviewing them haha.

    Joking…

    September 10, 2012 @ 5:02 pm | Reply
  5. Christopher:

    This is awesome. I’m trying to start my own “one man show” business, with part of my services being cheap VPS setup for various purposes for a small fee. I’m going to evaluate if I have the skillz to run my own servers, maybe I’ll enter.

    September 10, 2012 @ 5:10 pm | Reply
    • Jath:

      We can do it together! Im 14 and I know A LOT about linux. I helped my friend setup minecraft on his VPS!!!

      September 10, 2012 @ 5:19 pm | Reply
      • John_R:

        I lol’d. Did you lol?

        September 11, 2012 @ 1:59 am | Reply
      • KLIKLI:

        I am just 4 and I know really, really LOT about Windows. I helped my friend setup Microsoft Office on his computer.

        September 11, 2012 @ 12:06 pm | Reply
        • sanva7:

          Go Randy!

          September 12, 2012 @ 3:22 am | Reply
        • Pebsie:

          Ahahahaha oh god my sides.

          October 23, 2012 @ 9:39 am | Reply
    • Bernardo Andrade:

      This is 3 days old already but i had to comment on this, ahahah.

      October 26, 2012 @ 11:34 am | Reply
  6. Shigawire:

    “100Mbit Port”.. I always think about that when I’m ordering a VPS. Is “just” a 100Mbit connection the standard in this business?
    I mean, you can put at least 32 VPS on that machine (and I am sure many will do).
    So, just do the math. 100/32 = 3.25 MBit/s. That’s not even a full MB/s.
    Sure, most of the people will just test around a bit, download stuff and then let the VPS work for the rest of the month. But even if just one person starts downloading it will become tight, or?
    Please correct me if I am wrong. I know, I have no experience, that’s why I just got my own little VPS.
    But I would expect something magnific as 2x 1Gbit ports.
    Maybe some of you will just shake their heads and say “what a dumbass” – probably you’re right. But clear me up, if you do so, please.

    September 10, 2012 @ 5:21 pm | Reply
    • Hi,

      Here’s the past 12 hours for one of my Netherlands servers: http://i.imgur.com/WlZoz.png

      I doubt you would use over 100mbit for 60 odd VM’s

      September 10, 2012 @ 5:26 pm | Reply
      • plopplop:

        Gigabit uplink is very useful for peak usage.
        On the average, I use way less, but it is still useful for some usagees.

        September 11, 2012 @ 9:51 am | Reply
        • I can’t see the 100mbit being an issue only if the node became under flood it would be however I have seen the reaction time and detection rate on floods at colocrossing and the Victims IP is usually nulled within a matter of minutes.

          September 11, 2012 @ 5:14 pm | Reply
  7. “Domain Name must be available and may not exceed purchase price of $25.”
    I already own the domain, will that be a problem?

    September 10, 2012 @ 5:22 pm | Reply
  8. Bobby:

    Give it to chicagovps or ipxcore

    September 10, 2012 @ 6:40 pm | Reply
    • LOL? We have something like 100 machines colocated with ColoCrossing….

      September 10, 2012 @ 6:47 pm | Reply
      • Bobby:

        a decent one?

        September 10, 2012 @ 7:41 pm | Reply
        • Mainly all E3’s by the sound of Chris ;) so probably a similar config to this comp.

          September 10, 2012 @ 7:46 pm | Reply
        • E3’s are the main brunt of the servers, yes. E5’s are rolling out soon.

          September 10, 2012 @ 8:40 pm | Reply
      • Bobby:

        One with ipv6?

        September 13, 2012 @ 9:51 pm | Reply
        • in November CC are having IPv6 done I think.

          September 13, 2012 @ 9:52 pm | Reply
  9. Maounique:

    I was thinking to enter, but, since buyvm will be reviewing, there is more snow in Maldives than chances for me to win :P
    Will be fun tho ! Good idea :)
    M

    September 10, 2012 @ 7:24 pm | Reply
  10. Bobby:

    Seriously, give it to an ace non-us provider here, like prometeus and let him feel the marked for free

    September 10, 2012 @ 7:42 pm | Reply
  11. It’s nice, but I will pass :D
    I don’t have experience on this

    September 10, 2012 @ 7:52 pm | Reply
  12. subigo:

    Just when I thought this industry couldn’t hit a lower bottom, it falls over itself and breaks its neck. Now “becoming a hosting provider” is a prize… I guess I’m alone when I say, lmao.

    It’s like a parody of a parody.

    September 10, 2012 @ 8:43 pm | Reply
    • Prize != award.

      September 10, 2012 @ 8:44 pm | Reply
      • Bobby:

        your service kinda pretty much a$$fucks rest :) Thanks for lasy email btw :>

        September 10, 2012 @ 9:15 pm | Reply
        • Bobby:

          well, fastest to show hd on netflix to lappland. Super service and actually stock lol <- lock no further

          September 10, 2012 @ 9:18 pm | Reply
    • Jath:

      The industry went up once you shut your company doors.

      September 10, 2012 @ 8:49 pm | Reply
      • subigo:

        harharharyousooriginal. Doors never shut. I sold that bitch and got out while I still could.

        September 10, 2012 @ 9:05 pm | Reply
  13. maounique:

    Why, think this is a cool idea. It will be proven once again that you cant pick entrepreneurs, they dont need support, will make money from selling sand in sahara.
    It will be just a nice show to watch, i hope the answers will be posted (without names, of course) in public.
    I will definitely watch this and, if it happens to spawn a company that will survive in spite of all odds, why not.
    M

    September 10, 2012 @ 9:51 pm | Reply
  14. Great idea! Looking forward to the entries and seeing how the winner goes!

    September 10, 2012 @ 11:29 pm | Reply
  15. Just a thought on this,
    Real entrepreneurs don’t and shouldn’t need to be funded. They will find a way to get funding and will make sure that it sells. A true talent can sell ice in Antarctica. However, I am looking forward to see if we can really find the next hostigation. I hope all those answers are made public (anonymous author? ).

    Best of luck to all the applicants :).

    September 11, 2012 @ 12:05 am | Reply
    • Maounique:

      Exactly my point, however, things like these are shedding some light on how things go and what the obstacles are.
      I would have tried it and kept a blog so everyone knows how it is going, what the issues are and why I failed.
      It is great for education and will hopefully reduce the number of “summer hosts”.
      M

      September 11, 2012 @ 9:17 am | Reply
      • Most likely it would be worst.
        Not sure how to say it, Unless colocrossing is bending above and beyond for LowendBox, A server setup such as this with a 2 year RTO contract would be around 250+. I might be missing something but this is the quote I was able to receive from them.
        Really interested to find even a lease deal with similar pricing for such a monster setup.

        September 11, 2012 @ 1:46 pm | Reply
  16. telephone:

    @Chief no publicity for the host after they’re chosen? I thought you would include X (guaranteed) posts on LEB.

    September 11, 2012 @ 12:12 am | Reply
    • Wonder if they will get listing on LEB during the initial startup period. If they do, it might be a bit unfair to others. ;)

      September 11, 2012 @ 4:42 am | Reply
  17. sanva7:

    Can colocrossing offer that package for $150/month or is this a special deal? I looked on their site for a dedi and it was very expensive.

    September 11, 2012 @ 1:49 am | Reply
  18. Jarland:

    I like this idea. And yes, you can be good at something and not afford to do it. Circumstances don’t always guarantee success to someone just because they have the knowledge and talent. It helps, sure.

    I look forward to watching this.

    September 11, 2012 @ 3:00 am | Reply
  19. Pengge:

    Sounds great.

    September 11, 2012 @ 3:55 am | Reply
  20. This is great, I’m looking forward to a new LEB offer ;) Hope it would beat all LEB providers here =)

    September 11, 2012 @ 4:13 am | Reply
  21. Shamli:

    I’m more interested to get the server/s with that specs with that price(USD150/m) though…and perhaps the lease to own agreement…

    September 11, 2012 @ 4:39 am | Reply
    • Edward @ SimpleNode:

      Same :P

      September 11, 2012 @ 5:56 am | Reply
  22. Randy:

    Good luck everyone

    September 11, 2012 @ 6:17 am | Reply
  23. Jason:

    “You accept that your entry will be reviewed by a 3rd party, in this case Hostigation (Tim) and BuyVM (Francisco).” – that’s it. Have the application to begin your own VPS host reviewed by…. other hosts. Seems slightly counter-productive, don’t you think?

    Good luck to those who enter. It’s a hard industry to crack these days!

    September 11, 2012 @ 7:53 am | Reply
    • @Jason

      Reviewed by two successful Hosts? Fransisco has a history of spotting deadpoolers soon after they start their business and Tim is one of the oldest hosts, you can’t overlook the amount of experience that those two have.

      September 11, 2012 @ 9:02 am | Reply
  24. We wish everyone a successful competition, this is a great offer from LEB.

    September 11, 2012 @ 12:39 pm | Reply
  25. Was surprised to see such a great thing on LEB but I wish everyone good luck!

    September 11, 2012 @ 12:57 pm | Reply
  26. Damn, would be perfect, but need i EU server, so I’m going to skip this one.

    Hope this competition will be won by someone competent, good luck guys! :)

    September 11, 2012 @ 7:25 pm | Reply
  27. MannDude:

    Which ColoCrossing location will this server be setup in, or is it winners choice?

    September 11, 2012 @ 8:23 pm | Reply
    • Jack:

      I’m not sure but I’ll take a guess of Chicago or Buffalo

      September 11, 2012 @ 9:09 pm | Reply
  28. Its a great offer, just a friendly reminder to the winner (find out upgrade paths/pricing on bandwidth (lets not overlook that you can face overages)

    September 15, 2012 @ 6:17 am | Reply
  29. Not sure if vps is going to last as a hosting option… Am I the only one who uses Amazon ec2?

    September 15, 2012 @ 2:13 pm | Reply
  30. Chris:

    Wow my friend.

    This is like saying, “Here you go guy’s, here’s 6 months you can go ahead and collect as much money as you can from customers that you can obtain with your “free setup”, and then after the fact, run with the money” Another dump and go host will be launching soon!

    I’m not trying to be negative, but look at all of them now that pay a little to get a dump n go host started, now, your giving it to someone free? It takes more then just giving someone a server and trying to let them, yeah them people you mentioned have successful businesses, not by handing someone a free server for 6 months and saying go be successful, Francisco has earned his spot as a successful man, Half of you most likely don’t even know the history of Frantech and BuyVM’s foot-steps in the hosting-world when they first came out, hard-work and blood, sweat, and tears where invested to get them here…

    This is a “LOL” moment, I was waiting to read at the end, “April fools”, and it be a LOL, or a big “Gotcha, Jk”. This is going to be lulzy.

    September 16, 2012 @ 12:26 am | Reply
    • That’s why there will be Fran and Tim to make sure the one they picked will be doing their job.

      September 16, 2012 @ 6:38 am | Reply
  31. Benny Buroco:

    Hello,

    What Location will Colocrossing setup this?

    October 1, 2012 @ 9:39 am | Reply
  32. Excited about this ending midnight today EST! Wonder who the winner will be.

    October 11, 2012 @ 10:30 am | Reply
  33. Competition has ended, Entries no longer accepted.

    Thanks to everyone whom entered, we will now start going through the entries.

    October 12, 2012 @ 12:58 pm | Reply
  34. We have finally gone through the entrants, Winner to be announced within 48 hours.

    October 21, 2012 @ 5:53 pm | Reply
  35. bring to court, :)

    October 22, 2012 @ 2:41 am | Reply
  36. I am so sorry, Mod, please remove my post.

    October 22, 2012 @ 2:43 am | Reply
  37. LowEndBox Kickstarter Competition Winner Zhuanyi!
    Read More: http://www.lowendbox.com/blog/lowendbox-kickstarter-competition-winner/

    October 23, 2012 @ 6:13 am | Reply

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