Start A Shipping Services Business
Startup Costs
Wondering how much it costs to start a shipping services business?
- The minimum startup costs for a shipping services business: $2,884
- The maximum startup costs for a shipping services business: $57,915
- The average startup costs for a shipping services business: $30,474
Here's a detailed list of a shipping services business startup costs:
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 | Min Startup Costs | Max Startup Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Small Business Insurance | $500 | $2,000 |
| Permit and License Fees | $50 | $700 |
| Lawyer Fees | $0 | $1,500 |
| Set up business: LLC & Corporations | $50 | $500 |
Software Expenses
Your shipping services 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 | Min Startup Costs | Max Startup Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Design Programs & Software | $0 | $50 |
| Email marketing tool | $0 | $100 |
| IT Support ➜ | $150 | $2,000 |
| Accounting & Invoicing Software | $0 | $50 |
| CRM Software ➜ | $12 | $300 |
| Project Management Software | $0 | $25 |
| Internal Communication Tool | $0 | $20 |
| Social Media Management Tools | $0 | $50 |
| Payroll Software | $0 | $200 |
| Online data storage | $0 | $299 |
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 shipping services business grows.
| Cost | Min Startup Costs | Max Startup Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Rent ➜ | $500 | $5,750 |
| Utility Costs For Office Space ➜ | $200 | $1,150 |
| WiFi & Internet ➜ | $50 | $100 |
Employee & Freelancer Expenses
| Cost | Min Startup Costs | Max Startup Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll Costs & Fees ➜ | $150 | $250 |
| Employee Hiring Expenses | $1 | $2 |
| Employee Rewards ➜ | $0 | $100 |
Equipment & Supply Expenses
Starting a shipping services 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 | Min Startup Costs | Max Startup Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Technology Office Equipment ➜ | $500 | $5,000 |
| Cleaning Supplies ➜ | $63 | $200 |
| First-aid Equipment ➜ | $3 | $500 |
Website Costs
Every business should have a website, and it's worth spending a bit of money to set it up right.
| Cost | Min Startup Costs | Max Startup Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Website Builder ➜ | $10 | $500 |
| Web Design ➜ | $200 | $6,000 |
| A Domain Name ➜ | $12 | $200 |
| Business Email Hosting Service ➜ | $1 | $15 |
| Website Hosting Costs ➜ | $80 | $300 |
| Website & Live Chat Tool | $0 | $200 |
Inventory Expenses
If you sell a physical good, you'll likely have to start with some inventory.
| Cost | Min Startup Costs | Max Startup Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Costs For Inventory | $300 | $5,000 |
| Inventory Storage | $0 | $5,000 |
| Package Design ➜ | $50 | $3,000 |
| Shrinkage | $0 | $1,000 |
| Distribution costs | $0 | $750 |
Vehicle Expenses
| Cost | Min Startup Costs | Max Startup Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Mode of Transporation | $0 | $10,000 |
| Commute cost | $2 | $4 |
Other Expenses
| Cost | Min Startup Costs | Max Startup Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | $0 | $1,500 |
| Credit Card Processing Fees | $0 | $300 |
| Time! | $0 | $500 |
Advertising & Marketing Costs
| Cost | Min Startup Costs | Max Startup Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Business Cards | $0 | $50 |
| Customer Research & Surveys | $0 | $300 |
| Direct Campaigns, Printing and Mailing | $0 | $300 |
| Affiliate Marketing Commission & Fees | $0 | $250 |
| Influencer Marketing | $0 | $750 |
| Press | $0 | $500 |
| Google Ads | $0 | $300 |
| Facebook & Instagram Ads | $0 | $350 |
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