Wondering how much it costs to start a shipping business?
Here's a detailed list of a shipping business startup costs:
Starting a shipping 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 |
First-aid Equipment ➜ | Optional | $3 | $500 |
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 |
Lawyer Fees | Optional | $0 | $1,500 |
Your shipping 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 |
It will be your call to determine if you need office space. It is not a requirement but may be necessary as your shipping business grows.
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Utility Costs For Office Space ➜ | Optional | $0 | $1,150 |
WiFi & Internet ➜ | Optional | $0 | $100 |
Rent ➜ | Optional | $0 | $5,750 |
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Employee Rewards ➜ | Optional | $0 | $100 |
Payroll Costs & Fees ➜ | Optional | $150 | $250 |
Employee Hiring Expenses | Optional | $1 | $2 |
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 |
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 |
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Mode of Transporation | Optional | $0 | $10,000 |
Commute cost | Optional | $2 | $4 |
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Business Cards ➜ | Optional | $0 | $50 |
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 |
Press | Optional | $0 | $500 |
Google Ads | Optional | $0 | $300 |
Facebook & Instagram Ads | Optional | $0 | $350 |