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Startup Cost Estimator

Work out how much money you need to launch, including your first few months and a buffer for surprises. The amounts are examples, so swap in your own.

1. One-time setup

First year.
$
Free if you use Canva.
$
Test before you sell.
$
Free with your phone.
$
Depends on your country.
$
Equipment, a stand, etc.
$

2. First stock

$
$

3. Monthly costs

Your plan, per month.
$
Per month.
$
Ads, giveaways, per month.
$
Per month.
$
Before sales pay the bills.
months
Something always costs more.
%
Find this with the Pricing Calculator to see how many sales it takes to earn your money back.
$

Your estimate

Money you need to launch
–
  • One-time setup–
  • First stock & packaging–
  • Monthly costs–
  • Buffer–

How It Works

The estimate adds up three things: what you pay once to get set up, the stock you buy before your first sale, and the monthly costs you'll have before sales cover them. A buffer goes on top, because almost every launch costs more than planned.

Total = (setup + stock + monthly costs × months) × (1 + buffer %)

Keep It Low

The cheapest launch is a small one. Print-on-demand removes the biggest upfront cost, a free store plan can cover your first months, and your phone takes good enough photos. Start with what you need to make your first sale, and spend more once customers prove the idea works.

Already know your costs per item? Use the Pricing Calculator to set a price that covers them, then come back to see how many sales it takes to earn your launch money back. For the bigger picture, read Getting Started.