Free calculator

How Much Does It Really Cost to Start Your Boutique?

Starting a boutique can be simple, but it still helps to know what you may need upfront and what you may need monthly. Use this calculator to estimate your boutique startup costs based on the type of store you want to build.

Boutique type

Store model

🚀 Startup costs (one-time)

Leave any field blank if it doesn't apply — it counts as $0. You can launch lean and add later.

Shopify / store platform setup costOne-time setup help only — monthly fee goes below.Domain costUsually $10–$20/year on Shopify, Namecheap, or GoDaddy.Branding / logo costLogo, brand colors, fonts. DIY is fine to start.Theme or website design costFree Shopify themes work — premium themes run $200–$400.Product / inventory budgetYour first buy. Start small — 3–6 styles you can promote.Product photos / content costiPhone + good lighting can work. Or budget for a photographer.Packaging / shipping suppliesMailers, tissue, thank-you cards, labels for your first 50 orders.Apps / tools setup costReviews, email, popups, shipping app installs (most are free to start).Marketing launch budgetLaunch ads, influencer gifting, giveaway prize budget.Education / coaching / setup helpCourses, coaching, or anyone you're paying to help you launch.Other startup costsLLC, business cards, packaging design — anything else one-time.

📅 Monthly costs

Recurring costs add up fast. Be honest about what you'll actually pay every month.

Shopify / platform monthly feeBasic Shopify = $39/mo. Squarespace ~$23/mo.Apps / tools monthly costAdd up everything: reviews, popups, shipping, etc.Email marketing monthly costMany email providers are free under 250 contacts; paid plans typically start around $30–40/mo.Inventory / product replenishment monthly costWhat you'll restock monthly once sales come in.Marketing / ads monthly budgetMeta/TikTok/Pinterest ad spend. $300–$500/mo is a realistic start.Shipping / packaging monthly costRestock mailers, tissue, postage if you cover shipping.Other monthly costsAccountant, VA, software you forgot about.

These estimates are for planning purposes only and are not financial advice. Actual costs and profits can vary based on your products, platform, shipping, suppliers, and marketing.

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Turn these numbers into a plan with the boutique business plan guide, walk through the how to start a boutique roadmap, or check that your revenue target works using the Break-Even Calculator.

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