Start up costs

Deena - posted on 08/25/2010

Well I think it depends on what your goals are and how you want to run your business. In my business the start up is $39 and you get all the brochures, order forms, website, marketing tools and 4 mixes (food) to use for your first party. So basically you have exactly what you need to do your first party to start earning an income.

Now in my company you can CHOOSE to carry an inventory or not. My inventory consists mostly of the food we eat for our family, the food on my display, more mixes for my prize giveaways etc. I also have a little extra for when I do a garage sale and I'm getting ready for a craft show. I keep it very low though, I don't want it taking over the house and it doesn't at all, I either end up eating it or selling it, LOL!

What I do like is my customers can order online and have it shipped direct to them and if they order at least quarterly they get a 20% discount. Since my products are consumable I get lots of reorders. I usually combine the reorders with a party that I just did that way I don't carry an inventory.

Neha - posted on 08/25/2010

I work with a company that currently has a startup of $79 that includes $89 worth product, website, back office, sales materials, padfolio. That to me is a good deal.
I don't get the companies that charge hundreds of dollars to get started..it's just too hard for most people!
I also do not like carrying inventory. I keep one product on hand and it weighs nothing and is as small as a pamphlet. That's how i like it. I used to be with a skin care company that I had to carry a rolling suitcase of stuff to every show plus bags of more stuff. too much work.
I like simplicity :)

Kristi - posted on 08/12/2010

I think that there is a misconception for people out there that think they should get a business for free, there may be some free ones out there. Melaleuca and autoships was mentioned, but these are not auto ship as the customer orders each month exactly what they want, only if they don't place the order do they get a back up order, but there are others that do have autoship, and I have done those too, but I also was able to choose the products for shipment then also. In this economy I think nothing over $300 should be required as fees, my business is about $100 a month but I use everything that I purchase. I have seen companies that are $1500 or more to start work at home, to me that is a bit high.

Karen - posted on 06/18/2010

I started my business for $39.95. I bought product for my family to use. I did sell alot of that personal product as if it were inventory. I only buy what I plan to use, and sometimes I sell it. Not often. I can sell to people everywhere, because they can all be set up to buy it online for themselves. Then I don't have reciepts to keep and count, and my company does the bookwork for me. That's what my $39.95 paid for. I also pay $30 per year for the back office and legal department and everything. I have the option to pay for a personal website, and I do. It's $20 per month.
I have no other costs associated with running my business, unless I choose to invest in some form of advertising. I may have spent about $200 per year on advertising.
THis month, I made over $2000.
The best part is, I am helping others get what they want. Better health, AND finances. It's very rewarding in MANY ways.
I do treat this like a business, and I love it!.
Good luck in your research. There are loads of good options and a few great ones!

Debra - posted on 06/17/2010

Hi Katherine,

I guess it depends on the type of industry you join. I have been working from home for 10 great years and love it.

I currently work 2 home businesses ...

1) I have been with this service based company for 7 years and the entry level package is $50 now $9.95 until Monday June 21st. We get several websites to market along with an e-kit where you can download and print your business supplies for those who prefer to have documentation to review other than a website. Then we pay $50 a month to keep our business opened ( which does come out of your earnings - if you work your business ).

2) I just recently joined this company in December 2009 to supplement my income and they offer a 7 day jump start trial for $1.97 and if you choose to continue with the company then it's $19.95 a month to keep your business opened. They provide you with 2 websites, they provide you with all of the tools and training to help you get started and earning right away ( which I love ) and they also have a program that supports Single Moms who are struggling which is another factor that made me join the company.

As I tell all of my prospects that are looking into a business always do your research on the company and ask many many questions - it is key in helping you to find the right opportunity as well as an legitimate opportunity.

I wish you much luck and succes in your research!

Debra

Christine - posted on 06/17/2010

Yes but for Melaleuca, you still need to market or "sell" the membership for people to then purchase the products month after month on an autoship.

Linda - posted on 06/16/2010

I think start up costs will depend on the business you get into. Your original post is a little vague and doesn't give us a hint of what business might be on your mind.

I am an Independent Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay. Start up for a Mary Kay business is $100 plus tax and shipping. For this amount you get $323 of full size product and a lot of samples and business tools. I added it up once and it totals to right around $500 all together.
Inventory is optional. I choose to carry inventory for a few reasons... I have the customer base to support the inventory I carry, and I actually sell more if I have product on hand... impulse buying... we all do it.
With a Mary Kay business, you can choose to do parties, one-on-one facials or book sales/order taking. I do all three and some other things too...

As with any business, treat your business like a business and you get more results... treat your business like a hobby and you'll get little results.

Keishia - posted on 06/15/2010

thank you

Janeth - posted on 06/15/2010

I sell cell phone service, the only thing i carry is my cell phone. Even though you can use any cell phone that has a SIM card. The start up fee is $100 to $775 if you buy our cell phone. A samsung g1 android worth $400. All you have to do is refer 3 people and the burden is no longer yours. Your cell phone bill will be free and you will continue to earn commissions after that.

Again, i sell the wireless service. Not the phone. You can use any phone with a SIM card.

janeth.

Katherine - posted on 06/12/2010

That's actually a really good point Keisha.

Keishia - posted on 06/12/2010

Well US Federal law requires that all MLM/Network Marketing/Direct Selling homebased businesses have a entry level fee that the masses can afford, however this does not mean that b/c someone gets in at a very low start up costs that there are not additional costs required to experience the maximum potential income (bonuses etc) within a particular company.
That being said I think that $50 is a very fair start up cost. You have to look at it logically, in this world there is no such thing (other than the lottery) of paying $1 and getting millions with no other financial, time or effort committment from the individual who joins a particular company.
As for inventory...I think that kind of goes against the whole point of having a home based business. (just my opinion) I mean if you have items that you use from your company and you have extras to share or samples to show, that's fine, but inventory...I don't think so.
My 2 cents.

Marie - posted on 06/11/2010

Start up varies for every company. Our company is generally $29 to start which includes your membership kit and your year membership. Currently the $29 is on sale for $1, a great offer! All the benefits are included too. There is no inventory which I love. Our company made it easy for us by doing all the things that other home business owners would usually have to do themselves. No selling products, no delivering, no collecting money, they take care of it for us! No wonder more moms choose to work with us!

Katherine - posted on 06/09/2010

WOW, that's a lot of stock.

Jodi - posted on 06/09/2010

Well, it depends what sort of business you have!! I run my OWN online store (as opposed to being a consultant for someone else), and so I have about $70,000 worth of stock on hand in my garage....... I started with a small investment and have built up my inventory over a 5 year period as my business grew.

Tammy - posted on 06/09/2010

I guess the best way to assess whats best for you with regards to an online business start up, is to assess where you are at.
What can you afford, what are you able to do, how many hours can you dedicate and most importantly, what you want to be able to make. The like Amanda just said, go do your research. Theres so much on offer, you will have to find out whats best for you.

Amanda - posted on 06/09/2010

Obviously the less you have to pay the better, but it really depends on the company and what you are buying into! If it is a company with a long history and a track record of integrity and exceptional products than it would obviously be worth paying a little more! I prefer not to have to carry around inventory (too much hassle) and there are a lot of great options where you don't have to. Again, you have to do your homework, learn what the company is all about and evaluate it's worth and how it may help you meet your needs!! I love what I do, I can help others and build a better life for myself and my family! Plus I didn't pay much to be able to do it. Doesn't get better than that:)

Tammy - posted on 06/09/2010

I work online in the Affiliate Marketing area, no start up costs as such, but I do pay out for training and some tools of the trade. I spend around $150 a month for all of these but I have no inventory and now overheads. Profits are all mine, oh, and of course I have to share some with the Tax man

Jessica - posted on 06/09/2010

I am actually not really a stay at home mom. I have a full time job but I also sell Jewels by Park Lane part time. This month we are having a $5 startup cost, any other time it is $39 start up cost. At first I was pretty skeptical but in return I got over $1000.oo kit, of some of the most gorgeous jewelry. Also, I started in a month that also ran the $5 special and I have earned that back three fold. The customer specials we have are phenomenal so the jewelry is not hard to sell! I would be more than happy to share additional info with anyone if they are interested :)

Katherine - posted on 06/09/2010

My start-up is $120 and it's all the jewelry pieces I'll be selling, but their MINE. Well not all but a lot. So everytime I do a show I display my pieces. It is very cool. Funny thing is now I'm getting all of these interviews, first and second LOL

Roz - posted on 06/09/2010

I am firm that the start up costs should be equal to what you get in return. If you pay $400 to start up then you should get at least $400 worth of product or services to start. I once joined a company that it was $430 to start and in return you got 2 websites, your back office, a fake leather portfolio with 3 brochures. All of that was worth maybe $100. My enroller got I think $200 for recruiting me.

That didn't make me feel very good lol. I mean I'm glad she got some money for doing the work she did to help me enroll, but I don't think that was worth $200.

So for me it depends. If you are starting a sub chain shop in your town then the start up should be $200k because you need all that expensive equipment. But I know I don't want to pay that lol!

As far as inventory, NO I don't want to carry that around or have it in my house. My house is just over 1000 Square Feet so with 2 kids and me and my hubby we have no room for barely anything extra. That's why I love my biz where we offer a service. No products!

I do have to say though...if I were to have a company where I had to have products it would be a jewelry company. At least I could wear some cool jewelry AND count it as a business expense! WTG Katherine!!!

Mary - posted on 06/09/2010

I belong to a great group that has a very low start up cost ($29 - with a special right now for just $1.00) and you DO NOT have any inventory, no selling and no parties, you don't take orders or collect any money! I would not have it any other way. Also these are products that people use every day at great prices. To do something else would not make sense at all. If you would like to learn more let me know! I would love to help anyone!