Starting a subscription box business can be a great way to get your products in front of new customers and grow your business. However, one of the biggest challenges you may face is getting funding for your business.
There are several ways to get the funding you need to start and grow your subscription box business. In this article, we will provide some tips on how to get financing for your business.
Before Seeking Funding For Your Subscription Box Business
Before obtaining funding for your subscription box business, you’ll need to do some preliminary work. First, you’ll need to create a business plan and determine how much funding you need.
You should also open a business bank account. This will make it easier to track your expenses and keep your finances separate from your assets.
Common Funding Options for Subscription Box Companies
Numerous business financing and funding options are available for a subscription box company. The most common ones are:
Bootstrapping
Bootstrapping a subscription box company is often the best option for new entrepreneurs, as it doesn’t require any outside funding. With this option, you can use your savings to cover initial costs such as inventory, shipping, and marketing.
This option has the advantage of being relatively low-risk since you’re not borrowing money from anyone else. However, starting and sustaining a business can sometimes be difficult without any outside investment.
Debt Financing
Personal Loans from Family & Friends
Another standard financing option is loans from family and friends. This can be a good option if you don’t have enough money to cover your start-up costs. However, it’s essential to establish a clear repayment schedule and to make payments on time to avoid damaging relationships.
Business Loans from SBA or Local Bank
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a variety of loans for subscription box businesses, including start-up loans, new equipment financing, working capital loans, and real estate loans. These loans are issued through local banks and come with relatively low-interest rates. Additionally, you can use traditional bank loans and lines of credit to fund your subscription box business.
Business Credit Card
A company credit card is a good option for financing subscription box businesses. It allows you to borrow up to a certain limit and use the card to pay for expenses such as marketing, supplies, and travel.
The advantage of a credit card is that it can help you build your credit history and score as a business. However, you should pay off your monthly balance to avoid accruing interest charges.
Equity Financing
Angel Investors
Angel investors are individuals or groups who invest in early-stage subscription box businesses in exchange for an equity stake in your company. This can be a good option for business owners who want to grow their business quickly, as angel investors can provide financing and mentorship.
However, angel investors often expect a high return on their investment, so you’ll need to be prepared to give up a 10% – 30% share of your subscription box company.
Other Funding Options
Several other funding options are available for subscription box businesses, including crowdfunding and grants. Crowdfunding allows you to raise money from individual investors through platforms such as Kickstarter or Indiegogo. Grants are available from various sources, including the government and private foundations.
Create Your Business Plan
As mentioned above, you will need a solid subscription box business plan for many of these options to make a strong case to potential investors or lenders. A well-written business plan can help you secure funding and grow your business.
Summary
Now that you know a few of the most common funding options for subscription box businesses, it’s time to develop your business plan. This document will be essential in helping you secure the financing you need to get your business off the ground.