ZenBusiness might be the new kid on the block, but they have certainly proven their worth in the short time that they have been around. What separates them from the rest of the pack is the fact that they offer a unique spin on the LLC formation process. They continually work to better not only themselves, but those in need, as well. As you’ll soon discover in this Zen Business Review, they also have some of the most affordable pricing among similar LLC formation services. Is your interest piqued yet? If you’re still looking for a reason to get on board, hang tough as I show you what makes ZenBusiness a worthy contender.
Zen Business Review - How Does It Stack Against Other LLC Services?
There are a lot of respectable LLC formation services available. Depending on your needs as an entrepreneur, one service might be a better fit for you than another.
To find out exactly where ZenBusiness stands among its competitors, we need to look at a couple of comparisons. Let’s start with ZenBusiness compared to LegalZoom, probably the most widely-renowned LLC service.
We’ll begin with pricing. After all, it’s the first thing we usually look for anyway, right? With LegalZoom, their services start at a reasonable $99. This is a pretty common price point, so it’s understandable. Can ZenBusiness compete with that?
Without breaking a sweat.
ZenBusiness crushes the competition by offering their services for a paltry $49! But they don’t just stop at pricing. ZenBusiness ups the ante by including a registered agent, as well as your operating agreement.
So, lower cost and more features. ZenBusiness gets the nods here, for sure. Even better, you’re likely to get your LLC formed a lot sooner. LegalZoom can take upwards of 30 days to process your approval.
While they do have packages that expedite things down to 7 to 10 days, ZenBusiness does the same in shorter periods of time. You’re looking anywhere from 3 to 5 days, or 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the package you’ve chosen.
ZenBusiness even takes care of publication requirements if you live in Arizona, Nebraska, or New York. You can’t get that with LegalZoom.
The rest of my research brought me to the conclusion that LegalZoom gets the upper hand only when it comes to experience. They’ve been around for more than 2 decades, as where ZenBusiness is just now hitting 5 years in the industry.
Another excellent match-up that should yield interesting results is that of IncFile and ZenBusiness. Truth be told, I am a bit biased toward IncFile. I think they are a fine company that delivers the goods across the board.
That bias started to shift the more I conducted my research into my ZenBusiness review. In the end, however, I maintain that both companies are worthy of your consideration.
But let’s compare some aspects of each so that you have a better idea as to which one best fits your needs.
When it comes to pricing, IncFile is always going to be the victor. Whereas ZenBusiness starts out at $49, IncFile starts out free. That’s right, you can form an LLC for practically nothing (state fees still apply, of course).
Both starting packages are about the same when it comes to features. But ZenBusiness gets the edge thanks to their operating agreement. You’ll have to sign up for IncFile’s Gold Package ($149) if you want that option.
ZenBusiness also has better approval times, on average. There are occasions when IncFile is able to form LLCs in as little as 1 to 2 days. Some of them, however, can take 2 months.
ZenBusiness ranges from anywhere between 3 to 5 days, to 3 to 4 weeks. As you can see, it’s somewhat of a toss-up between the two brands. Both are excellent deals that provide exceptional service.
Want to see how ZenBusiness compares with other LLC services? You might want to read some other top-rated LLC formation services reviews to see what the rest of the competition brings to the table.
ZenBusiness' Noteworthy Features
Maybe you require more information on ZenBusiness before you can make your decision. No problem. Let’s have a look at what made ZenBusiness such a success in the short time they have been around.
Regardless of which plan you choose, you’re getting a registered agent with your LLC formation. This is vital to your LLC, as each one requires that you employ the services of an agent.
And where other LLC formation companies require you to upgrade your plan to get your operating agreement, ZenBusiness includes it in their starting package.
You’ll also have access to a name availability search. This is handy for determining which business names are free for you to choose for your new company.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the Starter package includes free tax and accounting assessments from one of ZenBusiness’ licensed CPAs. This is a great bonus for those who need help getting their bookkeeping affairs in order.
But perhaps what amazed me the most is that ZenBusiness takes care of publication requirements. Certain states require that you publish a notice in two newspapers, making your new LLC publicly known.
While it isn’t the most daunting task, it’s nice to see that this is handled by your LLC formation service.
ZenBusiness' Reputation
For an LLC company that’s only been around since 2015, ZenBusiness sure has a lot going for it. In just their short time in the LLC industry, ZenBusiness has been responsible for the formation of thousands of new businesses.
I’m also quite fond of their fast turnaround times in getting your LLC formed. Customer satisfaction is presently through the roof, with no signs of letting up.
The only issue I have with ZenBusiness is their proclivity for piling on upsells during the ordering process. I counted no less than five, from the time I began my request until checking out.
To be fair, the upsells weren’t without merit. Many of them are a necessary part of an LLC formation at some point or another. But for those who already have some of these aspects in place and just want to get on with it, the upsells will soon become tiresome.
That being said, ZenBusiness’ upsells are nowhere near what you encounter when dealing with an organization like LegalZoom.
Customer Service
I had heard that ZenBusiness’ customer service was at one time pretty lacking. I am pleased to report that my time spent with them was pleasurable and satisfactory.
ZenBusiness offers a slew of ways to conduct your communication. If you prefer the now-dated method of basic email, ZenBusiness has you covered.
Those who are looking for a more direct approach will find their live online chat and phone service to be most accessible. I have tried all three and at no time did I become frustrated or have to wait a long period of time.
Experience/History
ZenBusiness is a surprisingly small group of talented, passionate people. With just 5 years in the industry, they are already making huge waves.
They work hard to share their success with those who are less fortunate. And that, my friends, speaks volumes about the types of people you are entrusting to make your LLC a reality.
One of the commendable things I like about ZenBusiness is their Pay-It-Forward program. Working with nonprofit Kiva.org, ZenBusiness randomly chooses women-owned/minority-owned businesses that are in need of lending to help them flourish and thrive.
But the generosity doesn’t stop there, as it also reaches the very employees who work for ZenBusiness. Those who are a part of the team earn competitive salaries, health insurance, equity in the company, and more.
ZenBusiness’ goal is to assist with every American’s dream of owning their own business. They strive to make the process easy and enjoyable so that anyone can understand how starting an LLC works.
And I must say, this business model seems to be resonating with consumers. It certainly won me over during my time spent on this Zen Business Review. It can be a challenge finding a company that is easy to connect with, yet ZenBusiness makes it possible.
Guarantee/Refunds
If you’re familiar with IncFile’s refund policy, ZenBusiness’ is pretty much the same. You can get your money back as long as your business hasn’t been filed with the state. Once that happens, all bets are off.
ZenBusiness states that there are no allowable circumstances that will get you your money back once your file has been submitted. And to be fair, it’s probably a nightmare of red tape and paperwork.
If you are, however, able to catch it before submission has occurred, ZenBusiness will charge you a cancellation fee of $50. Bottom line: you need to be sure that this is a venture you are prepared to embark on before signing up.
Pricing
ZenBusiness’ Starter package begins at just $49 a year. This plan gets you your LLC filed, as well as a registered agent, and your operating agreement. As basic as this plan is, it provides you with the necessities to get your new business started.
Next up is the Pro package. This plan sees quite a noticeable increase in cost, coming in at $179 a year. On top of the Starter package’s features, you also get faster filing, an employer ID number, or EIN, and worry-free compliance.
Finally, there’s the Premium package. This plan will run you $299 a year. It includes all of the features from the previous two plans, as well as the fastest filing available, a domain name, and your business’ email and website.