I need help with my business plan. How do I figure out my equipment cost....?

Question

I am starting my first business and I'm trying to start my business plan. When trying to figure out my budget for equipment like telephones, fax, computers, internet, rent, etc how do I get this information?

- Do I just call up Bellsouth and ask how much a business line would cost?

-Do I just call Dell or Apple and ask how much a business computer would cost?

-Do I just call the leasing office of where I would like my store to be located to get rental prices?

Like how do I get this information when I'm not an established company?

Answer 1

Generally cost of equipment should be what it costs to purchase the items and the associated costs to get them to a workable state for your purpose. So, the purchase price + delivery + installation cost + plus parts, etc.

As you want to start a business you want to keep costs lower. So you need to weigh the outright purchase as well as the rental options.

As you need to rent or purchase the items for your use, the quotation or final price on the invoice or the finally agreed price will be the cost.

Answer 2

You don't have to call these companies as the prices are listed on their website.  You can research their prices on the Web and make your estimates

If you want to have a more realistic business plan, then do a research on all your cost items.

Otherwise, you'll have cookie cutter estimates that may not be applicable to your reality (e.g. your rental space lease may be underestimated or overestimated if you don't base on your numbers in the going rates of your area)