Introduction
Starting a business is risky, and the last thing you need is to be overwhelmed by legalities and paperwork to set up your Limited Liability Company (LLC) or corporation properly. What steps are there to take? What if I live in a different state? These are all valid concerns. But luckily, there are many LLC formation service providers to assist in setting up a new business.
BetterLegal is one of them. BetterLegal offers LLC service and affordable packages to help new businesses set up and register their company.
In this article, we will look at the pros and cons of BetterLegal services, assisting you, the new business owner.
This is the official BetterLegal review.
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Startup Honcho. Commissions do not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.
BetterLegal is Not a Law Firm
Before delving into the nitty-gritty of LLC services, it is necessary to understand that BetterLegal is not a law firm.
In the US, each state has its own rules and regulations in forming a business, and therefore, LLC formation services can really be of value. Filing your official business documents can be tedious and time-consuming. And so, LLC services like BetterLegal provide help throughout the entire process of setting up your business at the state level. However, this excludes legal advice, explanations, opinions, and recommendations about legal rights, business structure and operations, use of business, and legal forms. Their service also omits general business and legal strategies.
The saying honesty is the best policy rings accurate with BetterLegal. On the BetterLegal website, you will find a disclaimer that tells you precisely what you can expect from them. A rarity for new and small business owners alike, but a factor that we give a massive thumbs up.
Now that we have covered the scope. Let’s look at what new business owners can expect from BetterLegal.
Get To Know Your LLC Services
Established in 2016 by Chad Sakonchick, BetterLegal is a relatively new company yet well-recognized LLC formation.
Chad Sakonchick knows the business and particularly how to start one. As a long-time entrepreneur, he figured out how to atomize the business formation process. This means setting up a business can now take you hours instead of the usual weeks. As a business owner with a wealth of knowledge in start-ups, you can trust that the shared systems and services are valuable.
What is BetterLegal Known For?
With other comparative LLC formation companies on the market, it is good to know the outstanding features of a third-party provider like BetterLegal as a business owner. As a business registration company, they are the best known for their:
- Fast turnaround time
- Upfront prices
- A user-centered approach and customer satisfaction
Fast Turnaround Time
Forget about what other business owners tell you about the registering process. With BetterLegal, you can file with the state on the same day you have submitted your application and other necessary documents. Meaning that you will be registered and ready to trade within two business days. How is that for turnaround time? And at no extra cost.
Upfront Prices
Many third-party providers will up the price for extra or other LLC services. Not BetterLegal – they are an LLC formations entity that gives you only what you need at a fixed price. You can trust the BetterLegal website and the outline of the available packages. They are transparent and offer a flat fee.
A User-Centered Approach and Customer Satisfaction
One major problem in the online world is user experience. Most businesses expect potential leads to step onto a landing page and a sale just to happen. This is not how sales work, though.
Fortunately, BetterLegal has realized that, and their website is easy to understand and navigate. In fact, a user can file with the state in a few easy steps. And of course, if there is any confusion, BetterLegal offers a decent customer service line and other helpful materials.
A Closer Look at BetterLegal’s Packages and Prices
The BetterLegal website will give you all the information you need regarding their packages and prices. For standard business registration, you can expect a BetterLegal service charge of $299 plus an additional amount for the state filing fee. The state filing fee will differ per state.
Are There Any Hidden Costs?
No, and for an LLC formation company, this is pretty amazing. The flat fee includes everything from the preparation and filing for the formation certificate to banking resolution.
Your standard LLC formation package should include:
- Your operating agreement
- The preparation of your formation certificate
- The filing of your formation certificate
- Banking resolution
Business Formation Services that Offer Additional Benefits
In life, it is not often that we get treated to added benefits and other services for free. You can expect a few perks by opting for BetterLegal and their LLC formation services. But it is always best to consult with a legal advisor or business associate to see what is needed, especially if you are expecting a fast turnover time.
Here are some of the free, additional services BetterLegal offers:
- Free settlement checklists
- Free attorney Directory
- Free legal forms
- Free newsletter
- Free Forum
- Free Website domain
- free LLC name search
- Free tax analysis
- Free checking account
- And more
Registered Agent Services as an Added Extra
To reiterate, BetterLegal is exceptionally upfront about what you get within a specific package. They believe in giving you precisely what you need, and if you require any additional services, it will come at a particular price – which is also listed on their website. This means if you need a registered agent service, state compliance services, or a permit and license search, BetterLegal will either charge you per month or annum, depending on the option.
To give you an idea about the cost for each:
- Registered agent services will cost you $90 per annum or $10 per month.
- State compliance services will amount to $10 extra per month.
- Permit and license search is a charge per time at $125.
How does this work?
When opting for registered agent services, state compliance services, or a permit and license search, it will be considered an add-on to the package you have signed up for. Buying them separately means you only add these features when you genuinely need them and can opt out if you don’t.
One of the negatives with this model is that BetterLegal does not offer new business registered agent services. They outsource it at a discounted rate. All-in-all still giving you what you want.
What Do Customers Think of BetterLegal?
Just under a thousand opinions are listed on BetterLegal’s website. Giving you an idea that most of their customers have been happy overall – primarily pointing to three aspects we already know – confirming that they are easy to use, fast, and match price expectations.
Small and new business owners trust BetterLegal as an LLC formation service, and they point out that they felt supported during the whole process. Here are some key reasons why business owners choose this service provider.
Finding a Partner in LLC Formation
As a business, you need to find what is suitable for you, and although some might consider BetterLegal a little pricey, others enjoy the additional service add-on model. They are a brand that sticks to their costs, and when third-party services are required – they are available to you – thus ensuring an effective service with fast turnaround times.
So, when filing for an LLC, it is essential to take business values and offering into account. Yes, although BetterLegal has no registered agent service, they make up for it by providing you with a third-party option.
Formation Services That Are Easy to Use
With a live dashboard that offers easy navigation and upscale experience, it is pretty straightforward what is expected of a business to file for LLC or corporation. From business tax analysis to an employer identification number to drafting operating agreements to formation services, BetterLegal will assist your new business from beginning to end.
BetterLegal’s Customer Support
Of course, as a relatively new platform, BetterLegal will have some downfalls, and you can’t expect the same customer care support as that of more prominent institutions. So if you do need customer support, they offer online chatbots that will guide you through your query. If your LLC formations need attention beyond the bots, you can always contact the BetterLegal team via their contact details at the bottom of their website.
BetterLegal’s Cons
Any business will have its cons, and luckily for BetterLegal, there aren’t many. As we have just touched on, although praised for the fast turnaround time, BetterLegal are a little more costly than their competitors in the market. But they offer an effective service that suits your needs, and they get the job done.
They do not have an in-house registered agent service, but again, they offer you an alternative. And as a whole, their customer support can be more personalized.
To sum up the cons:
- BetterLegal’s customer support is only available via live chatbots.
- BetterLegal has no registered agent service.
- BetterLegal can be a little costly.
What About Other Formation Services?
Looking at the cons and the solutions Bette Legal offers for them, overall, they are a provider that you can trust to support your business formation. The pros definitely outweigh the cons, every time. But if you do want to compare them to the top competitors in the market, you need to look at Zen Business and LegalZoom.
$49 + State Fees
Varies By State & Package
$39 + State Fees
Varies By State & Package
$0 + State Fees
Varies By State & Package
Zen Business
More or less the same age as BetterLegal, Zen Business is recognized as one of the most renowned LLC formation services. They, too, offer time and cost-effective packages.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is a popular option, and with a team of respected attorneys and entrepreneurs, they have successfully helped many of their clients.
Choosing a business formation partner can be daunting, but start with your business needs. Speak to a legal advisory beforehand to inform your final choices.
As for online solutions and amongst its respected competitors, BetterLegal is a great option overall.
BetterLegal Review Summary
Looking at the bigger picture, BetterLegal is a top-notch business that gives its clients support according to individual needs – something that is often widely overlooked. Each company and what they require when starting differs, and it is vital to find a service provider that will assist your specific requirements. A quality BetterLegal brings to the table.
BetterLegal offers set packages with an extensive list of add-ons. These additional services outweigh the lack of a registered agent service but can seem more expensive at first glance. In the long run, their packages are customizable and will get you what you want within a few business days. Sometimes longer, but they specify this too.
When it comes to business, an upfront attitude is crucial. And quality is what BetterLegal thrives in. They are an LLC business formation service that, from the packages to their disclaimer, tell you exactly what they are, what they can or cannot do, how long it will take, and what it will cost. You will know what you are in for, from your operating agreement to your online checking account. So, apart from being very clear on not being legal services, not offering attorney support or a business advisory plan, they offer a list of additional services to assist you along the way.
The point is. When you start a business, there is a lot to consider, and the paperwork should not be it. As an entrepreneur, you need to take the necessary steps – now. So, if you want speed and efficiency, BetterLegal is what you need.
Set Up Your Business in 10 Minutes or Less
