Online daily living aids store

Disabled people, older adults, carers and families buying for a relative, and occasionally care homes and clinics.

Margin on each product sold, with extra income from bundles and repeat orders for consumables and small items.

• Online shop setup and basic marketing
• Clear, plain-language product writing
• Patient customer support

• Check with Health Canada whether any medical device rules apply to what you import or sell
• Check with CRA how GST/HST and provincial taxes apply to products and shipping across provinces
• Product liability insurance, as well as commercial general liability
• Avoid health claims you cannot back up, and let customers know to ask a professional for advice
• Bulky items, shipping costs and returns can cut into margins
• Check bilingual labelling rules if you sell into Quebec

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on whether a supplier ships directly or you hold your own stock. Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your range and marketing.

Check with Health Canada whether medical device rules apply to what you import or sell, and with the CRA on how GST/HST and provincial taxes apply across provinces. Also check product liability insurance, and bilingual labelling rules if you sell into Quebec.

Useful skills include online shop setup and basic marketing, clear plain-language product writing, and patient customer support. Estimates suggest at least about 10 hours a week. Avoid health claims you cannot back up, and let customers know to ask a professional for advice.