Although an average shared hosting account is generally set up automatically, there are always some setup jobs which are executed personally by the web hosting supplier. Installing a virtual or a dedicated server usually takes more efforts as a considerable amount of time is spent to install and configure the hardware and software setting, then test the machine to ensure its correct operation prior to it being handed over to the end user. To be able to cover the time spent on that, various companies have an installation charge that you have to pay at the time you obtain your brand new website hosting package. In some cases, that fee will not show up prior to reaching the payment page and you won't notice it before that on your main page near the website hosting package attributes. In the general case, this cost is one-time and it can vary from a little to a significant amount of money depending on the supplier.