Starting a webhost — tech support, outsourced or in-house?

[iamsam]

I think this topic belongs in the e-commerce forum — I can't think of anything else where it might belong. Anyway, I was wondering about using your server to sell web hosting. I've got cPanel/WHM already, and I'm planning on using WHMCS to to handle billing. The server is already managed by BODhost, so I don't have to worry much about maintenance.

My concern is providing support to my customers. I obviously wouldn't be able to stay online all the time to answer tickets and I also don't want my customers to have to wait long for ticket replies. Basically, I'll need help on that end, so I want to know whether you think I should outsource tech support or hire in-house staff to do it? Which do you think would be more cost effective?

[Spooky]

Outsourcing is better, I think. That way you won't have to worry about training your support staff or worrying about their salary or other benefits you might have to give them (eg. medical, etc.). I'm sure there are some good outsourced tech support companies out there.