start-up fee

USAGE SUMMARY

The term 'start-up fee' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to the cost of starting a new business or enterprise. For example, "The start-up fee for opening a new restaurant can be quite high."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Birmingham Solihull £48-a-month one-month rolling contract plus £30 start-up fee.

The Guardian - Money

Bath £68-a-month one-month rolling contract plus £35 start-up fee.

The Guardian - Money

Nauru's government collects only the crumbs: the one-time start-up fee and then annual renewal fees.

The New York Times - Magazine

Those who choose to subscribe will need to pay a first-month start-up fee of $19.99 and $9.95 thereafter for the premium monthly service.

The New York Times - Tech

Under the deal, ABC will pay what Mr. Braun called a small start-up fee and then will provide all the production costs for the shows HBO will develop and, if put on the air, produce.

The New York Times

But the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) said a £5m government start-up fee, which is due to run out in 2012, was being used to encourage people to join Unison.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

They include Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, as well as several very small island states.The member governments have stumped up $40m in premiums and start-up fees.

The Economist

Start-up fees for such service can run more than $10,000, said Jayson Fritz, owner and manager of the Texas-music station KFAN in Fredericksburg, Tex.

The New York Times

In this spirit, a growing number of Internet service providers have begun offering completely free Internet access: no monthly charges and no start-up fees.

The New York Times - Tech

DAFs can often be established with as little as $5,000 and do not charge start-up fees for opening an account.

Forbes

Whether it involves stuffing envelopes, processing medical insurance claims or assembling toys, most victims never get paid for their work or ever recoup their start-up fees.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the overall costs of starting a business, use "start-up costs" to encompass all expenses and "start-up fee" to refer specifically to the initial fee paid for services or access.

Common error

Avoid using "start-up fee" when you mean to refer to the broader range of expenses associated with starting a business. "Start-up costs" covers all initial expenses, while "start-up fee" refers to a specific initial payment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start-up fee" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a compound noun, used to denote a charge or payment required to initiate a service, membership, or business activity. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and broad applicability. The examples show its consistent use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start-up fee" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase denoting an initial charge for beginning a service or business venture. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. While often used interchangeably with "start-up costs", it's crucial to remember that "start-up fee" refers specifically to the initial payment, while "start-up costs" encompasses a broader range of expenses. The phrase is primarily neutral to professional in register and frequently appears in news, business, and wiki contexts. Alternatives like "initial investment" or "setup cost" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sign-up fee

Similar to joining fee, but more general and can apply to various services.

Setup cost

Highlights the expenses associated with setting up a service or business.

Establishment fee

Refers to the fee required to establish or set up something.

Initial investment

Focuses on the money needed at the beginning, broader than just a fee.

Initial outlay

Focuses on the initial expenses, often for a business venture.

Joining fee

Specifically refers to a fee paid to join a club or organization.

Commencement fee

Highlights a fee associated with the beginning or commencement of something.

Activation fee

Typically used for services that need to be activated, like phones or internet.

Registration fee

Specifically relates to the cost of registering for something.

Onboarding charge

Emphasizes the cost associated with bringing someone new into a system.

FAQs

How is a "start-up fee" different from "start-up costs"?

A "start-up fee" is a specific, often one-time charge to begin using a service or join an organization. "Start-up costs" is a broader term encompassing all expenses to launch a business, including equipment, marketing, and rent.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "start-up fee"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "initial investment", "setup cost", or "sign-up fee".

Is it correct to use "start-up fee" in formal writing?

Yes, "start-up fee" is a correct and commonly used phrase in formal writing, especially in business and financial contexts. However, ensure the context is appropriate.

What does a "start-up fee" typically cover?

A "start-up fee" typically covers the initial costs of setting up an account, accessing a service, or beginning a membership. This could include administrative costs, system setup, or initial training.