Single Share Websites

• Single share websites attract gift givers more than investors. You can purchase single shares for many different companies. These sites charge transfer fees, which can sometimes cost several times more than the single stock. There is also a charge for framing the stock for gift giving, as well as a shipping and handling charge.
  
  

Online Brokers

• You can buy a single share of a stock through an online broker. If this is your first time buying stock with the broker, you will have to set up an online account. Once this is set up, you can purchase as many single shares of stock as you wish. Transfer fees with online brokers vary but are significantly lower than those for companies that specialize in selling single shares.
  
  

Traditional Brokers

• Traditional brokers are also able to purchase single shares of stock for you. Beginners will want to compare brokers for their investing requirements. Once you have purchased your stock, consider enrolling in the issuing company's dividend re-investment plan, or DRIP.