Fingerprinting office by appointment

Job applicants, newcomers to Canada, people applying for visas or police certificates, and employers who send staff to you.

A fee per fingerprinting session, with extra income from partners such as immigration consultants, notaries and translators who refer clients.

• Patient, clear customer service
• Attention to detail and accurate paperwork
• Basic marketing and local networking

• RCMP accreditation or an accredited-provider arrangement may be needed for certified criminal record checks, so verify before you sign a lease
• Privacy and secure storage of clients' personal information; check your provincial rules
• Commercial general liability insurance and the terms of your lease
• Slow weeks are likely at first, so keep fixed costs low until bookings are steady

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $15,000, depending on your premises, scanner and ink supplies, and insurance. Slow weeks are likely at first, so keeping fixed costs low until bookings are steady may help.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on how many clients book and what you charge. The idea needs about 15 hours a week at minimum, and revenue is before rent and other costs.

Verify whether RCMP accreditation or an accredited-provider arrangement is needed for certified criminal record checks before you sign a lease. Also check provincial privacy rules and secure storage of personal information, commercial general liability insurance, and your lease terms.