Start A Shipping Services Business

Advertising & Marketing Costs

Around $1,400.

What goes into advertising & marketing costs?

• Business Cards - $25
• Customer Research & Surveys - $150
• Direct Campaigns, Printing and Mailing - $150
• Affiliate Marketing Commission & Fees - $125
• Influencer Marketing - $375
• Press - $250
• Google Ads - $150
• Facebook & Instagram Ads - $175

Software Expenses

Around $1,596.

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.

What goes into software expenses?

• IT Support - $1,075
• Email marketing tool - $50
• Accounting & Invoicing Software - $25
• CRM Software - $125
• Project Management Software - $12
• Internal Communication Tool - $10
• Social Media Management Tools - $25
• Payroll Software - $100
• Design Programs & Software - $25
• Online data storage - $149

Office Space Expenses

Around $1,642.

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.

What goes into office space expenses?

• Office Supplies - $512
• WiFi - $55
• Rent - $1,000
• Utility Costs (office space) - $75

Business Formation Fees

Around $2,650.

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.

What goes into business formation fees?

• Small Business Insurance - $1,250
• Permit and License Fees - $375
• Set up business: LLC & Corporations - $275
• Lawyer Fees - $750

Equipment & Supply Expenses

Around $3,274.

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.

What goes into equipment & supply expenses?

• Technology Office Equipment - $2,750
• Cleaning Supplies - $262
• First-aid Equipment - $262

Other Expenses

Around $1,150.

What goes into other expenses?

• Travel - $750
• Credit Card Processing Fees - $150
• Time! - $250

Inventory Expenses

Around $7,550.

If you sell a physical good, you'll likely have to start with some inventory.

What goes into inventory expenses?

• Upfront Costs For Inventory - $2,650
• Package Design - $1,525
• Inventory Storage - $2,500
• Shrinkage - $500
• Distribution costs - $375

Website Costs

Around $3,365.

Every business should have a website, and it's worth spending a bit of money to set it up right.

What goes into website costs?

• Web Design - $3,100
• Website builder - $57
• A Domain Name - $106
• Email hosting - $40
• Server Hosting - $25
• Website chat function - $37

Vehicle Expenses

Around $175,275.

What goes into vehicle expenses?

• Fuel - $275
• Mode of Transporation - $175,000

Employee & Freelancer Expenses

Around $2,750.

What goes into employee & freelancer expenses?

• Payroll - $2,000
• Other Employee Expenses - $500
• Employee Reward Ideas - $250