Surgical and medical supplies shop
Run a small shop near a hospital or campus selling instruments, dressings and consumables to clinicians and students.
- A$25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small retail shop in a medical precinct or near a university, stocking instruments, uniforms accessories, dressings and consumables, with walk-in and online orders.
Your first three steps
- Scout locations near hospitals, medical centres or campuses and talk to likely customers about what they can't easily buy locally
- Set up trade accounts with several wholesalers and price a realistic opening range of stock
- Draw up a budget covering lease, fit-out and stock, then talk to your accountant and landlord before signing anything
Who pays
Nurses, doctors, allied health workers, students, nearby clinics and carers who want to see and buy products on the spot.
How it makes money
Retail margin on products, plus bulk and account pricing for clinics and aged care. Student kits do well at the start of semester.
Skills that help
- Retail and customer service
- Product knowledge
- Stock control and supplier negotiation
Watch out for
- Check TGA requirements for selling medical devices and which products need to be on the ARTG
- Commercial lease terms and the cost of rent in medical precincts
- Public liability and product liability insurance, plus workers compensation if you hire
- Slow-moving stock and expiry dates tie up cash
- Check council approval for use of the premises and signage
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: surgical and medical supplies shop
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a medical supplies shop in Australia?
Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and how much stock you carry. Rent in medical precincts and slow-moving stock can push costs up, so budget for both.
How much revenue can a medical supplies shop make?
Monthly revenue is typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on location, product range and how many walk-in and online orders you win. These are estimates only, and rent, stock and wages come out of that figure.
What rules should I check before opening a medical supplies shop?
Check TGA requirements for selling medical devices and which products need to be on the ARTG. Also check commercial lease terms, council approval for the premises and signage, and public liability and product liability insurance.
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