Local medical supply store

Patients and their families, carers, retirement and care homes, and people leaving hospital who need equipment quickly.

Retail margin on products sold, plus rentals of items like wheelchairs or crutches, and repeat orders for consumables from care settings.

• Patient, respectful customer service
• Learning product details and fitting basics
• Stock control and supplier ordering

• Check which products count as medical devices and what Health Canada requires of retailers versus importers
• If you want to sell items covered by a provincial assistive device program, check whether vendor registration or authorization is needed
• Municipal business licence and zoning for your premises
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance
• Stock tied up in slow-moving items, so start with a focused range
• Handling returns and hygiene for used or rented equipment

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on premises, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Monthly revenue is typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your range and location.

Check which products count as medical devices and what Health Canada requires of retailers versus importers. If you want to sell items covered by a provincial assistive device program, check whether vendor registration is needed, plus municipal licence and zoning.

Patient, respectful customer service, learning product details and fitting basics, and stock control and supplier ordering. The idea suggests starting with a focused range to avoid stock tied up in slow-moving items.