Startup cost: $200 - $2k

Setup costs for retail arbitrage can range from $200 to $2,000 depending on your approach. At the low end, you'll need money for initial inventory purchases from discount stores or online marketplaces. Essential costs include a seller account on platforms like Amazon or eBay, shipping supplies, and possibly a barcode scanner. Optional expenses might include software tools for product research or inventory management. Hidden costs could arise from storage fees if you need to store larger amounts of inventory. Many online sources suggest that while retail arbitrage can start with minimal investment, costs tend to creep up as you scale. To take this seriously, a friend should budget between $200 and $2,000 to cover initial inventory, platform fees, and basic tools required for retail arbitrage.