How Much Does It Cost To Start A Graphic Design 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 a graphic design business can vary based on several factors. However for a a graphic design business you can expect to spend $62 to $39,111 with an average cost of $22,698.
- The minimum startup costs for a graphic design business: $62
- The maximum startup costs for a graphic design business: $39,111
- The average startup costs for a graphic design business: $22,698
Here's a detailed list of a graphic design business startup costs:
Learn more about starting a graphic design business:
Where to start?
-> How to start a graphic design business?
-> Pros and cons of a graphic design business
Need inspiration?
-> Other graphic design business success stories
-> Examples of established graphic design business
-> Marketing ideas for a graphic design business
-> Graphic design business slogans
-> Graphic design business names
-> Graphic design business Instagram bios
Other resources
-> Graphic design business tips
-> Blog post ideas for a graphic design business
-> Graphic design business quotes
-> Graphic design business hashtags
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 graphic design 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 graphic design 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 |
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 |
Hey! 👋 I'm Pat Walls, the founder of Starter Story.
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