Small mobility aids shop with rentals

Older adults, people recovering from injury or surgery, family carers, and sometimes clinics, physiotherapists and care homes that refer clients.

Margin on equipment sales, plus rental fees and deposits. Accessories, repairs and servicing add smaller, steady income.

• Patient, caring customer service
• Basic product knowledge of mobility equipment
• Stock and supplier management
• Light mechanical skills for fitting and repairs

• Buy only from suppliers whose devices are approved for sale in Canada, and ask them about Health Canada medical device requirements
• Some provinces have assistive device funding programs with approved vendor rules, so check your provincial program before promising clients coverage
• Check with the CRA which items are zero-rated or exempt for GST/HST, as medical devices can be treated differently
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance, plus a clear process for cleaning and inspecting rental items
• Stock ties up a lot of cash, so start with a small range and a lease you can afford
• Quebec businesses should check French-language signage and documentation rules

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your premises, lease and how much stock you buy. Stock ties up a lot of cash, so starting with a small range may help.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on your product range, sales and rental volume, and referrals from local clinics or care providers. Results will vary by location and the stock you carry.

Check that suppliers' devices are approved for sale in Canada and ask about Health Canada medical device requirements. Also check provincial assistive device funding vendor rules, how GST/HST applies with the CRA, insurance, and Quebec French-language rules.