How Much Does It Cost To Start An Ice Cream Wholesaler? (In 2024)

Updated: January 18th, 2023
Start An Ice Cream Wholesaler

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 ice cream wholesaler can vary based on several factors. However for a an ice cream wholesaler you can expect to spend $62 to $106,447 with an average cost of $58,299.

  • The minimum startup costs for an ice cream wholesaler: $62
  • The maximum startup costs for an ice cream wholesaler: $106,447
  • The average startup costs for an ice cream wholesaler: $58,299

Here's a detailed list of an ice cream wholesaler startup costs:

Learn more about starting an ice cream wholesaler:

Where to start?

-> How to start an ice cream wholesaler?
-> Pros and cons of an ice cream wholesaler

Need inspiration?

-> Other ice cream wholesaler success stories
-> Examples of established ice cream wholesaler
-> Marketing ideas for an ice cream wholesaler

Other resources

Equipment & Supply Expenses

Starting an ice cream wholesaler 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

First-aid Equipment ➜

Optional

$3

$500

Retail Business Expenses

If you plan to have a brick & mortar location for your ice cream wholesaler, you must weigh the costs of your rent, as it may be the most expensive part of running your business.

Rent costs for your ice cream wholesaler very much depends on your location. This cost will vary by both region and specific areas of town: a lease in the heart of Manhattan could cost over $80,000/month in rent. Meanwhile, a storefront lease in Florida or Tennessee could cost less than $1,000/month.

Cost Required? Min Cost Max Cost

Shop Decor

Optional

$0

$5,000

Utilities (storefront business)

Optional

$0

$1,000

Building improvements and remodeling

Optional

$0

$950

Storefront Property Rent ➜

Optional

$1,250

$3,500

POS System

Optional

$0

$1,200

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 ice cream wholesaler 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 ice cream wholesaler 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

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

Initial Ingredients

Optional

$25

$500

Advertising & Marketing Costs

Cost Required? Min Cost Max Cost
Business Cards ➜

Optional

$0

$50

Customer Research & Surveys

Optional

$0

$300

Local fairs and festivals

Optional

$0

$500

Business Signage ➜

Optional

$75

$2,486

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