I was asked by an acquaintence about building his company a simple brochure site and for help in setting it up etc. The client runs a construction based company and doesnt want to deal with setting up a host or any of that. I wouldnt quite say hes a friend but I know him well and Im wondering what the harm would be in just hosting his site with my own host. I know hosting is cheap and it wont save him much but he just doesnt want to deal with that and I want to help him out.

Is there some unseen danger that I should be aware of? If I just charge him to set up his domain and host the site myself? I cant imagine there being any huge traffic and it will basically be a static brochure like all of my sites. The biggest risk I can see would be on his part.

Thanks

Regarding you I do not think there are any risk or danger involved.

Make sure it is seen as a business arrangement and not a favour for a "mate"

I would recommend custom nameservers that you own so you can easily change hosts if needed. I would also make sure you have a plan to bill him at least annually, so that he is responsible for part of your expense (not just the expense of building the site).

Your post doesn't give enough information to answer your question with complete accuracy. Do you own your own server? Is it capable of handling a lot of traffic if his site becomes popular? If not, does you host allow reselling?

My suggestion is to research hosting companies then add the fee for an annual contract to your fee. You can register it in your name and assure him he'll owe you for renewal fees for the domain. I would shy away from hosting him yourself when there are many resources that would reduce your level of stress and responsibility.

Originally Posted by chrishirst

Make sure it is seen as a business arrangement and not a favour for a "mate"

^ If you do not do this, you could have problems.

At least make an agreement in writing with him so that both of you understand whats going on, and if something does go wrong you have proof of the deal.