Mobile scale repair and certification
Visit shops, delis and warehouses to repair, calibrate and certify their weighing scales on site.
- C$5k-20k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A mobile technician who fixes, adjusts and calibrates counter, floor and platform scales at customers' premises. Where the rules require it, you also arrange for the scale to be inspected and sealed for trade use.
Your first three steps
- Contact Measurement Canada to learn what is needed to service scales used in trade, and look for technical training or an apprenticeship with an established scale company
- Buy a starter kit of certified test weights, hand tools and a multimeter, and price your call-out and calibration rates against local competitors
- Visit local butchers, delis, farm markets and small warehouses, and offer a free check of their scales to start building a client list
Who pays
Grocers, butchers, delis, farm markets, cannabis and bulk food stores, small warehouses, shipping depots and light industrial sites.
How it makes money
Call-out fees plus labour and parts for repairs, per-scale charges for calibration and certification, and yearly service contracts for businesses with several scales.
Skills that help
- Basic electronics and mechanical repair
- Careful, precise work
- Clear communication with shop owners
- Paperwork and record keeping
Watch out for
- Scales used for selling by weight are regulated, so check Measurement Canada's rules on who may repair, seal and certify them
- Test weights need regular certification, so budget for it
- Commercial general liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire (rules vary by province)
- Winter driving and cold sites can affect your schedule and how scales behave, so plan for it
- Check municipal rules if you run the business from home
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile scale repair business?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $5,000 to $20,000, depending on your tools, vehicle and test weights. Test weights need regular certification, so budget for that too.
How much can a mobile scale repair business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on your customer base and how many sites you visit. Winter driving can affect your schedule. These are estimates, not guarantees.
What rules apply to repairing and certifying scales in Canada?
Scales used for selling by weight are regulated, so check Measurement Canada's rules on who may repair, seal and certify them. Also check insurance, WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire, and municipal rules if you work from home.
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