As a matter of fact, with a budget of $120,000 or even lower, you can start a small to medium-scale pack-and-ship store.
Starting a pack-and-ship store is straightforward and doesn’t require heavy equipment and machines, because a pack-and-ship store is a retail service provider that specializes in packaging, shipping, and mailing solutions for individuals and businesses.
A pack-and-ship store offers a range of services, including packaging materials, custom packaging, and shipping options through various carriers such as:
FedEx, UPS, and USPS. With basic office equipment (furniture, telephone, printer, fax machine, and computer), and your working capital, you can successfully start a pack-and-ship store.
Factors That Influence the Cost of Starting a Pack and Ship Store
-
The Location of the Pack and Ship Store
The cost of renting or leasing an office space is tied to the location. For example, if you choose to start this company in a high-cost urban area, you will need to budget more money for rent or lease of office space when compared to renting or leasing a facility in a smaller town or suburban setting.
-
Licensing and Legal Requirements
The fact that factoring companies are required by law to comply with state and federal regulations means that before starting a pack and ship store, you should budget for licensing and legal requirements.
If you are offering shipping services, you should obtain a shipping license or permit. You may also consider budgeting for compliance with postal regulations and fees, such as those imposed by shipping carriers like FedEx or UPS.
Factor in legal consultation fees to ensure adherence to all local, state, and federal regulations. Note that the costs associated with obtaining the necessary licenses, permits, and meeting legal requirements can vary by state.
-
Staffing Cost
Your staffing costs encompass the salaries, wages, benefits, and related expenses tied to your workforce.
For a pack-and-ship store, you should plan to recruit a logistics manager, customer care officer, sales agents, support staff, and administrative personnel.
-
The Cost of Technology and Software
If you are planning to start a pack-and-ship store, you will need ShipStation, Shippo, or ShippingEas, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and other technology tools to manage your operations effectively.
-
Insurance Policies
You should at least budget for insurance policy covers such as Professional Liability Insurance, General Liability Insurance, Cyber Liability Insurance, Directors and Officers (D&O) Insurance, Crime Insurance, Commercial Property Insurance, Workers’ Compensation Insurance, and Business Interruption Insurance.
Note that the cost of purchasing these insurance policy covers, and the premiums you are expected to pay will be dependent on the risks your business is exposed to, and the rate of the insurance company.
-
Your Budget for Marketing and Advertising
If you are planning to start a pack-and-ship store, then you must create a robust budget for marketing and advertising that covers your website development, digital marketing, traditional advertising, and promotional materials.
-
The Cost of Office Equipment and Supplies
Before you can start a pack and ship store, you should create a budget for the following office equipment; computers and monitors, printers and scanners, fax machine or online fax service, photocopier, phone system,
Internet connection and Wi-Fi router, office furniture (desks, chairs, cabinets, shelves), file cabinets or document management system, conference room furniture (table, chairs), reception area furniture (desk, chairs),
Office phones and headsets, postal and shipping equipment (postage meter, mailing supplies), multi-functional device (printer, scanner, copier),
VoIP phone system (if using digital phone services), office security system. you should also be ready to spend on office supplies such as pens, pencils, highlighters, notepads, etc.
-
Your Operational Expenses
Your operational expenses, which can also be referred to as “operating expenses” or “opex,” are the ongoing costs associated with running and maintaining the day-to-day operations of your pack and ship store. These expenses are essential to keep the business functional.
In essence, if you are planning to start a pack and ship store, then you must be prepared to create a budget for ongoing operational costs, such as:
Working capital, rent, utilities, insurance, staff salaries, bank charges and transaction fees, legal and compliance expenses, office equipment maintenance, professional fees, and more, once your agency is up and running.
-
Contingency Funds
Contingency funds for a pack-and-ship store are financial reserves set aside for unforeseen or unexpected expenses and emergencies.
These funds act as a safety net, providing the business with a buffer to address unexpected financial challenges that may arise in the course of its operations.
Your contingency funds are important to your business because they will help you maintain your agency’s financial stability and ensure that it can continue to serve its clients and operate effectively, even in challenging circumstances.
Every new business should have a financial cushion to handle unexpected expenses, especially in the early stages of your agency’s operation.