Can I start a business with $0?

Yes, service-based businesses can start with minimal upfront costs if you already have a computer and internet. However, you'll still need to plan for ongoing expenses and personal living costs during the initial phase.

How much does it cost to start an online business vs. a retail store?

Online businesses typically cost $2,000-$50,000 to start, while retail stores range from $10,000-$300,000. The main difference is no physical location costs, lower inventory requirements, and simpler operations for online businesses.

What if I run out of cash before becoming profitable?

This is why the contingency fund is crucial. Have backup funding sources, ways to reduce costs quickly, and a clear timeline for when you'll need to make tough decisions about the business's future.

Should I quit my job to start a business?

Not necessarily. Many successful businesses start as side projects while maintaining your primary income. This reduces financial pressure and lets you validate your idea before going full-time.

How long should my startup budget last?

Plan for at least 6-12 months of operating expenses, including personal living costs. Many businesses take longer than expected to become profitable, so having a longer runway gives you more flexibility and reduces stress.

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Start eCommerce

Learn how to start an eCommerce business from scratch with guides, tools, and product ideas.

Start eCommerce | Startup Basics

Cost of Starting a Business – Calculator, Strategies & Examples [Guide]

ByUttam Kumar Dash July 14, 2025July 15, 2025

Find the true cost of starting a business with examples, industry breakdowns, and a simple 3-step calculator to plan your startup budget.

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- FluentCart 101
  A beginner-friendly intro to the FluentCart universe.
  
  Business Ideas
  100+ business ideas to start your dream
  
  eCommerce Checker
  Free checker for your eCommerce performance
For Developers
- By Dev For Dev
  FluentCart is built by seasoned developers for developers.
  
  Developer Docs
  Curated docs for developers, no vague context.
Resources
- Blog
  Your daily inspiration and knowledge hub for the market.
  
  FluentCart FAQs
  Find answers to all your questions in one place.
  
  Brand Guidelines
  FluentCart brand guideline for media and affiliates
  
  Sell Digital Products
  Start selling your digital products right from FluentCart.
Use Cases
- Digital Products
  FluentCart is designed to sell any kind of digital products
  
  Physical Products
  Selling physical products made simple with FluentCart
  
  Subscriptions & Licenses
  Manage and sell licenses or subscriptions with ease
  
  Industries
  Fluent Cart is fit and ready for a versatile range of industries
  
  Integrations
  Integrates with a wide range of plugins to be more powerful
Help
- Documentation
  Full user manual for FluentCart user
  
  Get Support
  Get high-end support 24/7 from the WPManageNinja team.
  
  Join Community
  Join the community and connect with other FluentCart users.