Startup cost: $500 - $3k

Setup costs range from $500 to $3,000 depending on the scale and quality of equipment and tools you choose. At the minimum end, you would need a good quality microphone, audio editing software, and possibly some basic marketing materials. On the higher end, investing in a professional-grade microphone, acoustic treatment for recording space, premium audio editing software, and possibly some initial advertising budget would be recommended. Essential expenses include the microphone and editing software, while optional expenses could be the premium tools and advertising. Hidden costs may arise from software subscription renewals or additional equipment upgrades. Online discussions suggest that costs can escalate once you commit due to the desire for better quality output. If a friend wanted to take this seriously, I would advise budgeting around $1,500 to $2,000 to cover initial setup and essential tools.