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  • Step 2 - Requirements, Costs and Pricing Print Page
  • Step 2 - Requirements, Costs and Pricing

    Work out and control your costs

    Controlling costs is a core requirement for all successful businesses. Likely costs will include:

    Set-up

    What costs are involved in the purchase of capital equipment/premises?

    Staff

    What are your labour costs? Will you need full or part time staff? What training will they need?

    Maintenance

    What is the cost involved in production, service, delivery, and maintenance?

    Consumables

    What the overheads associated with insurance, light/heat, professional fees etc.?

     

    What are your location requirements?

    Clarence Hotel Dublin

    Ask yourself where your business will be located:

    • What type of premises is needed? 
    • Can customers access it easily? Will the location be suitable for your staff?
    • What is your budget? Is the rent affordable? 

    Estimate your pricing levels

    Research what competitors are charging and compare this with your own costs:

    • How you will determine your selling price? 
    • What is the going market rate? 

    Decide on your distribution channels and whether to sell direct or use intermediaries:

    • How will your promote your business? 
    • If you plan to use intermediaries what percentage commission would you offer? 

    Be realistic!

    Business group on steps
    Potential lenders, investors or grant providers will want a realistic cost estimate.

    Include assumptions so that those reading your cost projections understand how realistic your budgeting is. 

    It would also be useful to include a number of ‘what if’ scenarios from a budgeting point of view.