OVERVIEW
START UP COSTS
The amount needed for your initial investment can vary drastically depending on the type of sales you want to conduct. Here's an overview of some of the costs you may incur (this is not an all inclusive list. Your business type will determine how much you'll need to invest:
EQUIPMENT
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Though there are some functions of business that can be performed on your phone, many actions like building a website, or setting up an online store (for example), require a full usage device.
OFFICE SPACE
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Unless you have space set aside for conducting your daily procedures, you may need to rent or lease office space
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If you plan on having a larger sized operation, you may need to keep your inventory separate from your home. Storage units are less expensive than renting office space, but monthly costs can still rack up as you'll want a unit that is climate controlled.
BUSINESS MATERIALS
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Letterhead documents, pens, pencils, paper, printer, etc. These smaller expenses can add up pretty quickly.
A WEBSITE
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The cost to set up a website initially can be free, but in order to have a professional and trustworthy look, you will need to obtain a domain and find website host, which comes with a monthly fee.
INVENTORY
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Last but not least, inventory. If you're selling used, or reselling, there's a good chance you have built-in inventory (your own closet) which saves you tons on initial inventory costs. There are also selling apps that will allow you to run a business without building a website, which saves you even more on monthly website fees.
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On the other hand, if you're opening a retail store you'll need a substantial amount of capital to purchase inventory (if you plan on doing your own shipping) or you'll need to invest in drop-shipping services.
SELLING USED
Initial Cost | $50 or Less
If selling on a platform that's already established like Poshmark (for example), your cost to start will only include the cost of shipping supplies like labels and tape. Your inventory can be your own used apparel.
Once you start purchasing inventory, your costs to run the operation will depend on your business budget and how fast you want your business to grow.
ONLINE RETAIL
Cost to Start | $50 Per Month
WEBSITE & DOMAIN
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You can obtain a website and domain name subscription for as little as $50 per month.
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This fee covers the cost of hosting as well as the applicability of accepting online payments
DROP-SHIPPING RESEARCH
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You can choose to drop-ship as opposed to purchasing inventory, allowing you to avoid up front costs
INVENTORY
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If you choose to purchase inventory, your costs could easily run into the thousands.
SHIPPING SUPPLIES
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If you're operating in house - meaning you're not using drop-shipping services, you'll need to keep supplies likes labels, tape and paper for invoices
ONLINE T-SHIRT BUSINESS
Cost to Start | $0*
If you're using the manufactures platform you can design and sell your shirt online for free, you'll simply pay whatever fees are associated with using the company's platform
If you're planning on starting your own website, a domain and host subscription can run you as little as $50 per month
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Purchase of Images for commercial use
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Design Software
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Research for quality manufacturers and drop-shippers
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Marketing & Advertising
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Office Supplies (if you're shipping your own inventory)
WHITE LABEL START UP
Cost to Start | $5000 (approx.)
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Website & Domain
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Possible visit to Manufacturer
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Samples & Inventory
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Cost of shipping globally
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Marketing & Advertising
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Office Supplies
PRIVATE LABEL START UP
Cost to Start | $50,000 (approx.)
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Website & Domain
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Visit to Manufacturer
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Samples and Inventory
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Cost of shipping globally
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Marketing & Advertising
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Office Supplies
SELLING WHOLESALE
Cost to Start | $5,000 - $10,0000 (Approx.)
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Visit to Manufacturer
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Cost of Manufacturing
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Inventory
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Marketing & Advertising
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Office Supplies
*"Office Supplies" includes but are not limited to: computer software, computer hardware, printers, paper for invoices, etc)
**Information listed on this page is only for reference purposes and may change over time.