How Much Does It Cost To Start An Ecommerce Retailing Business? (In 2023)
Please note that the data provided in this article are estimates and may vary depending on various factors, and should not be considered as perfect or definitive.
The cost of opening a an ecommerce retailing business can vary based on several factors. However for a an ecommerce retailing business you can expect to spend $62 to $55,061 with an average cost of $30,848.
- The minimum startup costs for an ecommerce retailing business: $62
- The maximum startup costs for an ecommerce retailing business: $55,061
- The average startup costs for an ecommerce retailing business: $30,848
Here's a detailed list of an ecommerce retailing business startup costs:
Learn more about starting an ecommerce retailing business:
Where to start?
-> Pros and cons of an ecommerce retailing business
Need inspiration?
-> Other ecommerce retailing business success stories
-> Examples of established ecommerce retailing business
-> Marketing ideas for an ecommerce retailing business
Other resources
-> Ecommerce retailing business tips
-> Blog post ideas for an ecommerce retailing business
Business Formation Fees
There are a few key costs associated with forming your business entity, such as setting up an LLC and getting trademarks, copyrights, and patents sorted.
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Set up business: LLC & Corporations |
Required |
$50 |
$500 |
Small Business Insurance |
Recommended |
$500 |
$2,000 |
Permit and License Fees |
Optional |
$50 |
$700 |
Trademark |
Optional |
$0 |
$700 |
Lawyer Fees |
Optional |
$0 |
$1,500 |
A Patent ➜ |
Optional |
$5,000 |
$15,000 |
Software Expenses
Your ecommerce retailing business needs software to run efficiently!
Why spend money on software? Because it can help you save time and automate certain parts of the business, so you can focus on the most important matters. Software and technology can help you grow your business, and save you from expensive personnel costs.
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
File Hosting Service |
Recommended |
$0 |
$299 |
Email marketing tool |
Recommended |
$0 |
$100 |
Accounting & Invoicing Software |
Recommended |
$0 |
$50 |
CRM Software ➜ |
Recommended |
$12 |
$300 |
Project Management Software |
Recommended |
$0 |
$25 |
Internal Communication Tool |
Recommended |
$0 |
$20 |
IT Support ➜ |
Optional |
$150 |
$2,000 |
Design Programs & Software |
Optional |
$0 |
$50 |
Social Media Management Tools |
Optional |
$0 |
$50 |
Payroll Software |
Optional |
$0 |
$200 |
Office Space Expenses
It will be your call to determine if you need office space. It is not a requirement but may be necessary as your ecommerce retailing business grows.
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Rent ➜ |
Optional |
$0 |
$5,750 |
Utility Costs For Office Space ➜ |
Optional |
$0 |
$1,150 |
WiFi & Internet ➜ |
Optional |
$0 |
$100 |
Employee & Freelancer Expenses
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Payroll Costs & Fees ➜ |
Optional |
$150 |
$250 |
Employee Hiring Expenses |
Optional |
$1 |
$2 |
Employee Rewards ➜ |
Optional |
$0 |
$100 |
Website Costs
Every business should have a website, and it's worth spending a bit of money to set it up right.
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Domain Name ➜ |
Required |
$12 |
$200 |
Website Hosting Costs ➜ |
Required |
$0 |
$300 |
Website Builder ➜ |
Recommended |
$10 |
$500 |
Business Email Hosting Service ➜ |
Recommended |
$1 |
$15 |
Website & Live Chat Tool |
Recommended |
$0 |
$200 |
Web Designer ➜ |
Optional |
$200 |
$6,000 |
Inventory Expenses
If you sell a physical good, you'll likely have to start with some inventory.
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Upfront Costs For Inventory |
Optional |
$300 |
$5,000 |
Inventory Storage |
Optional |
$0 |
$5,000 |
Package Design ➜ |
Optional |
$50 |
$3,000 |
Shrinkage |
Optional |
$0 |
$1,000 |
Distribution costs |
Optional |
$0 |
$750 |
Advertising & Marketing Costs
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Customer Research & Surveys |
Optional |
$0 |
$300 |
Direct Campaigns, Printing and Mailing |
Optional |
$0 |
$300 |
Affiliate Marketing Commission & Fees |
Optional |
$0 |
$250 |
Influencer Marketing |
Optional |
$0 |
$750 |
Google Ads |
Optional |
$0 |
$300 |
Facebook & Instagram Ads |
Optional |
$0 |
$350 |
Hey! 👋 I'm Pat Walls, the founder of Starter Story.
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