Ecommerce Startup Cost Calculator
Inventory is the line that grows.
Capital to start
$65,760
including $10,960 contingency
Inventory is 36.5% of the requirement and it is the line that grows when the business works. Every reorder before the first has sold through demands more capital, which is why the second order kills more stores than the first.
How the Ecommerce Startup Cost Calculator works
Inventory is the largest line and the one that grows when the business works. Every reorder placed before the first has sold through demands more capital, which is why the second order kills more stores than the first.
Not financial advice. Marketplace fees change, and they vary by country, plan and seller status. Every rate here is an editable default, not a quoted price — check the platform's current fee schedule before you price a product against it. This is not tax or business advice.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start an ecommerce business?
Opening inventory dominates, then content and branding, then a launch marketing budget and several months of overheads. For a product business, inventory is usually half or more of the total.
Why does the second order cause problems?
Because it has to be placed before the first has been sold and paid for. Growth means always holding more stock than you have sold, funded from a balance that has not yet been earned.
How much contingency should I hold?
Twenty percent is a reasonable planning figure. Customs surprises, a failed sample and a slow launch each cost money that was not in the budget.
Can I start with less inventory?
Print on demand, dropshipping and made-to-order all reduce the inventory line to nearly nothing, at the cost of margin, control or lead time. Each is a legitimate trade.