How Much Does It Cost To Start An Online Food Business? (In 2024)

Pat Walls

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Updated: January 18th, 2023

Start An Online Food Business

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 online food business can vary based on several factors. However for a an online food business you can expect to spend $62 to $82,811 with an average cost of $45,805.

The minimum startup costs for an online food business: $62
The maximum startup costs for an online food business: $82,811
The average startup costs for an online food business: $45,805

Here's a detailed list of an online food business startup costs:

Learn more about starting an online food business:

Where to start?

-> How to start an online food business?
-> Pros and cons of an online food business

Need inspiration?

-> Other online food business success stories
-> Examples of established online food business
-> Marketing ideas for an online food business
-> Online food business slogans
-> Online food business names

Other resources

-> Online food business tips

Equipment & Supply Expenses

Starting an online food business may require purchasing some equipment, whether that's for producing the product or packaging the goods, or equipment needed in the back office.

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Cleaning Supplies ➜	Optional	$63	$200

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 online food 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 online food 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
Package Design ➜	Optional	$50	$3,000

Food Business Expenses

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Kitchen Appliances	Optional	$2,000	$25,000
Food Licenses	Optional	$100	$500
Kitchen Facility	Optional	$0	$10,000

Training & Education Expenses

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Online Learning Sites	Optional	$0	$1,000

Advertising & Marketing Costs

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Business Cards ➜	Optional	$0	$50

Part of

Starting An Online Food Business: Everything You Need To Know

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