Choose your business model first, whether you are starting part-time, going full-time on your own, or building a team, then select your market area so the cost ranges reflect local pricing. Pick your inventory approach as well, since renting keeps startup costs low while buying your own inventory raises them considerably.

From there, check the categories that apply to you, from legal setup and insurance to inventory, marketing, equipment, technology and a cash reserve. The calculator returns your estimated startup investment as an average with a sensible low-to-high range, so you can plan a launch budget you can actually stand behind.