Forum Moderators: phranque
Technologically, yes, you can do it, but you'd really have two web spaces then.
Ask them and if they will not allow it, have a look for an alternative PHP / Apache type host. In my experience Apache types tend to be more open (excuse the pun), cheaper and more flexible. Mine expects me to do my homework (being on WebmasterWorld means you are in the right place for this) but helps out when I get stuck.
When I negotitated my existing arrangement (about two years ago, I had my business site and one client) I stated this as a requirement (along with a few other things). I can probably dig up the email I sent but I framed it as something like "I've got 20 years in IT and I'm new to this web hosting stuff but I want to resell and as I grow so will you." (You may have to change the slant to your situation of course ("I'm young and keen" etc).)
Most said "No" but a few said "No problems". I was suspicious at first but I then spoke on the phone and reconfirmed in emails.
I have not looked back.
The company I host with is fine with me doing this under the banner that it is one hosting account. In other words, they will point as many names as I want to one public_html (and email etc) but then I have to use .htaccess to make sure it winds up in the correct sub-dir (once you've done this once it becomes simple - just apply the same technique).
They would also allow my clients to do it (but I have to administer the .htaccess).
Each set of sites must all be owned by one business entity (and the set is subject to the monthly limits on the account).
On the face of it, it's not the cheapest hosting company on the web (not that it's that expensive either) and, most importantly, it does not charge me an arm and a leg if I want to scratch my nose (like most of the big ones do).
Most hosting companies are not this reasonable and it may also depend on your location (I'm in Australia and host with a local company).
Take the time to find a good one and ask good questions (in emails) and you will probably not regret it.
I should probably also point out that most of my clients are small businesses wanting to put their name up there on the web (ie. fairly low traffic) not revenue deriving ad sites. In other words the company I buy from does not sell "unlimited" bandwidth accounts - which in the long run is good for me as I (ultimately) have to share that bandwidth with others on the same server (and I do not want to share that with super high traffic sites).
Depends on the type of site(s) you're developing too in other words.
Enjoy!
