The 10 Best Business Startup Services
What is the Best Business Startup Service?
Starting a business is an exciting venture - but making it safely through all the legal and bureaucratic hoops can be a real headache. New entrepreneurs might feel overwhelmed by the labyrinth of legal requirements, paperwork, and ongoing compliance.
But don't give up before you get started. This is where Business Startup Services step in, offering a lifeline to help you through the initial setup and maintenance of your business structure. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur with a fresh idea or a seasoned professional looking to scale up a side hustle, these services are designed to take care of the tricky stuff, so you can focus more on what only you can do - running your business.
Friday, October 11th
2024 Business Startup Service Reviews
My Company Works
Since 2001, My Company Works has excelled in making business startup processes easy, quick, and affordable. Their comprehensive services range from formation packages costing $59 to $259 plus state fees, to a Premium service that automates compliance tasks. With features like access to over 200 customizable business forms via MyCompanyForms, the StartupWizard tool for guiding new business owners, and an exclusive vendor network, My Company Works supports entrepreneurs thoroughly. Their customer service is highly praised and available weekdays, and they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Holding an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau since 2003, My Company Works is committed to long-term client relationships and providing exceptional value with respect to business startup needs, earning our highest rating of 5 stars.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom, founded in 2001, aims to make legal help easily accessible for business owners like you. They offer a wide range of services, from forming LLCs, corporations, nonprofits, and DBAs to providing trademark registration and dissolution services. With plans starting at $0 plus state fees and going up to $299 plus state fees, you can choose the level of assistance you need. For $15.99 per month, you can get unlimited 30-minute attorney consultations, making legal advice affordable. However, their registered agent service is pricier at $249 per year. Despite some mixed reviews on processing times and refund policies, LegalZoom has a solid reputation with a 4.4-star rating on Trustpilot and an "A+" from the Better Business Bureau. If you're looking for comprehensive, tech-driven legal services, LegalZoom is a reliable option, though be aware of their pricing and occasional service inconsistencies.
My Corporation
My Corporation, a document filing service since 1998, has helped form over 1 million businesses in all 50 of the United States. They offer business formation packages ranging from $99 to $324, covering C-Corps, S-Corps, B-Corps, Non-Profits, Professional Corporations, DBAs, and LLCs. Their packages include features like document storage, annual report filing, and Registered Agent services. They also offer services beyond business formation, such as payroll, design, and marketing. While their customer support is highly rated on Trustpilot, their honesty in pricing is questionable, as they often charge more than the actual state fees. Despite offering a wide range of business startup services and having responsive customer support, this lack of transparency in their pricing lowers their overall rating.
Bizee
Bizee, formerly IncFile, has helped over a million business owners get started without the hassle. They offer a great Silver package for just the state's filing fee, including a full year of registered agent services, compliance updates, and unlimited business name searches. If you need more, they have affordable a-la-carte options or comprehensive packages like the $299 Platinum, which includes expedited 2-day filing. Bizee also stands out with their handy State Filing Times tool and a wide range of services like virtual addresses and tax consultations. Their bilingual customer support is top-notch, available Monday to Friday, and customers rave about their professionalism and efficiency. With tens of thousands of 5-star reviews and a user-friendly dashboard, Bizee makes starting a business easy and stress-free. They earn a high score in our rating of business startup services.
Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent has been in business for 25 years and is proudly family-owned and operated. They offer one formation plan advertised as $39 (though it's more like $90) plus state fees to start your LLC, nonprofit, or corporation, which includes a year of free registered agent services. Known for their privacy-focused approach, they use their address on public documents to protect your personal information. Their customer service, staffed by knowledgeable "Corporate Guides,” is highly praised, though availability can be inconsistent. Despite some issues with their online portal, their commitment to privacy and expert, human customer service stands out. Northwest Registered Agent earns a solid rating, especially for those who prioritize data security.
FileNow
FileNow, staffed by lawyers, entrepreneurs, and business experts, offers a straightforward and affordable way to start your business. With LLC and Corporation formation services priced from $49 to $199, they provide two comprehensive packages, both offering support, electronic document delivery, and deadline alerts. The Premium package includes a free year of registered agent services, an EIN, and more. For an additional fee, they also offer same-day business formation. FileNow's services extend to business license reports, DBA registration, and Certificates of Good Standing. Despite being a newer company with fewer reviews, they maintain an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau. Clients appreciate their clear communication and helpful customer service, available Monday to Friday. With a 30-day exchange and refund policy, FileNow stands out as a solid, no-nonsense option for business formation.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is a comprehensive business services platform dedicated to helping anyone start, manage, and grow their business. As a Public Benefit Corporation, they focus on making a positive impact, offering support to underrepresented groups, and providing grants to small businesses. Their services are divided into "Plan & Start” and "Run & Grow”, covering everything from forming LLCs and S-Corps to compliance and business expansion advice. ZenBusiness offers three plans for business formation, ranging from $0 to $349 (plus state fees). While they have a solid "A+” BBB rating and many positive reviews, some customers have reported issues with ongoing billing after canceling services. ZenBusiness' customer support is available on weekends, and their 60-day refund policy adds peace of mind. Ideal for new entrepreneurs seeking step-by-step guidance, ZenBusiness might be less appealing for those with experience who prefer transparent pricing and fewer upsells. This all earns ZenBusiness a "just-above-average” rating.
Swyft Filings
Swyft Filings has spent 12 years helping tens of thousands of small businesses start and thrive. They offer three packages for business formation, Basic, Standard, and Premium, with the Basic plan being free but quite minimal compared to competitors. The Standard plan at $199 includes an EIN and custom documents, while the $299 Premium plan adds same-day filing, over 250 customizable documents, and more. Swyft Filings also provides a range of business management services, though their registered agent service is notably expensive at $149 quarterly. Overall, Swyft Filings is a decent but unexceptional choice, particularly due to the high cost of their registered agent services.
Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer aims to make legal help accessible to everyone. With nearly 30 million users, it allows you to create and sign legal documents, get affordable attorney advice, and incorporate your business easily. Their Rocket Legal+ plan costs $239.98 annually and covers LLCs, C-Corps, S-Corps, and nonprofits. They also offer compliance management and tax assistance. You can access their support through chat, email, and phone. However, they use gimmicky tactics to mask their uncompetitive pricing. Despite an "A+” rating from the BBB, Rocket Lawyer has had issues with poor communication and unethical billing practices. Given these problems, it's better to look for more transparent and reliable services for starting your business.
Business Rocket
Business Rocket offers LLC formation plans ranging from $0 to $249, with services for setting up various types of businesses, including corporations, non-profits, sole proprietorships, and partnerships. They also help you obtain important licenses, design websites, and provide merchant services through a partnership with MerchantChimp. Customer service is available Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5:30 pm Pacific time. However, their "lowest price guarantee" lacks clear steps for customers to claim if they find cheaper services elsewhere, and their registered agent service is pricey compared to competitors. Additionally, some customers have reported poor communication and issues with sensitive data management. Overall, Business Rocket's offerings are decent, but there are better options available with more transparent pricing and reliable customer support.
Continued from above...
Business Startup Services handle all the nitty-gritty requirements that might otherwise overwhelm you. On your behalf, they can file the necessary documents to establish your business legally, keep your company in good standing with state and federal regulations, secure your business name, register for tax purposes, and even manage yearly filings and official correspondence through registered agent services.
However, not all Business Startup Services are the same, and you should know what each one specializes in before you make your decision. Some services offer a broad range of legal support beyond just setting up shop, including trademark registration and personalized legal advice. Others focus more on affordability and essential startup services, making them ideal for entrepreneurs who are just beginning and watching their budget carefully. Then there are those that prioritize privacy and personalized customer support, shielding your personal information from public records and offering you more direct assistance.
When shopping for a Business Startup Service online, consider the following:
- Range of services. Choose a service that can grow with your business. It's more convenient to stick with one provider that offers everything from formation to compliance and annual filings.
- Cost efficiency. Make sure you understand all the costs upfront. Look for transparency in pricing to avoid any surprises.
- User experience. Choose a service with a user-friendly website with straightforward instructions. The easier the service is to use, the quicker you can get back to focusing on your business itself.
- Customer support. Choose a service that offers robust support with hours that work for you. You want someone who will be responsive and helpful whenever you might need them. After all, this is your livelihood in their hands.
- Reputation and reviews. Look into what other clients have to say. A solid reputation and positive reviews are good signs of a trustworthy service. Learning from other entrepreneurs' experiences can steer you clear of potential problems and point you towards a service that has proven reliable.
At Top Consumer Reviews, we've done the legwork and analyzed the different Business Startup Services available, helping you compare and contrast them with ease. Whether you need comprehensive legal support or just the basics, we hope this information helps you find the perfect service for your new business.
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