startup fee

USAGE SUMMARY

"startup fee" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a fee charged when a business or organization initially sets up, such as "The startup fee for our business was $200."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

A typical case was AtBigger.net, a San Jose, California operation that offered free lifetime access for a one-time startup fee of $60.

Forbes

At Language Odyssey, each program operator pays the parent company a $95 startup fee and turns over 35% of the $99 fee each student pays for a 12-week course.

Forbes

"These scams could be an offer to instantly exchange bitcoins for money after paying an initial startup fee or a promise to double your initial investment overnight.

Forbes

Since Barrett couldn't even pay the startup fee, he was promptly thrown in jail for a month until a friend lent him the money.

Huffington Post

Some examples include IRA contributions, down payment for a home, rental property, network marketing, startup fee, etc. 5) Pay off Highest Interest Debt first: If you are going to use your refund to pay down debt make sure you are paying off the debt that has the highest interest first.

Huffington Post

This service requires a 29$ startup fee, but the site claims it will be fully refunded if you aren't pleased with your results.[2].

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

There are startup fees of $35 to $40.

MIT Technology Review

Mr. Fuentes said government officials, primarily from Conatel, the phone company, demanded an additional $300,000 in "startup fees," which he and his partners painstakingly gathered or borrowed from investors, including some in the United States.

The New York Times - Tech

Bond concedes that big names come with higher startup fees, but the payoff is often worth it.

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 startup fees.

Forbes

Of note, the company says that there are no startup fees, monthly fees or minimum volume commitments, "making it suitable for small and large developers alike".

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the financial aspects of a new business or service, clearly define what the "startup fee" covers to avoid misunderstandings. Be specific about whether it includes materials, training, or other services.

Common error

Avoid using "startup fee" interchangeably with ongoing operational costs or subscription fees. "Startup fee" refers specifically to the initial, one-time cost incurred at the beginning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "startup fee" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is a correct and usable expression in written English. It identifies a specific type of cost associated with initiating a new venture or service.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "startup fee" is a grammatically sound and usable term, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, referring to a one-time cost for initiating a service or business venture. While relatively uncommon in general usage, it is frequently found in news, media and business contexts. It's important to distinguish "startup fee" from ongoing costs, using clear language to define exactly what this fee covers. Consider alternatives like "setup charge" or "initial investment" for nuanced communication. Using "startup fee" appropriately ensures clear communication about initial costs in commercial settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

setup charge

Similar to "startup fee" but uses "charge" instead of "fee".

commencement fee

More formal term for a fee associated with starting something.

initial investment

Focuses on the capital required at the beginning, broader than just a fee.

starting cost

A more general term referring to the expenses involved at the outset.

establishment cost

Highlights the expense related to setting up or establishing a business.

launch cost

Focuses on the expenses associated with launching a product or business.

initiation fee

Emphasizes the act of being initiated into a service or membership.

initial outlay

Highlights the initial expenditure or disbursement of funds.

joining fee

Implies a fee to become a member or participant.

onboarding fee

Specifically refers to the cost of bringing someone new into a system or service.

FAQs

What does "startup fee" mean?

A "startup fee" refers to a one-time payment required to begin a service, join a program, or launch a business. It covers initial costs and sets up the user or business for ongoing operations.

What can I say instead of "startup fee"?

You can use alternatives like "initial investment", "setup charge", or "establishment cost", depending on the specific context.

Is a "startup fee" refundable?

Whether a "startup fee" is refundable depends on the specific terms and conditions of the service or agreement. Always check the refund policy before paying any initial fees.

What's the difference between "startup fee" and a subscription fee?

A "startup fee" is a one-time initial cost, while a subscription fee is a recurring payment made regularly (e.g., monthly or annually) to maintain access to a service.