Mobile DNA sample collector for paternity tests

Individuals wanting peace-of-mind or legal paternity results, plus family lawyers, mediators and people dealing with immigration or court matters.

A collection fee per appointment, sometimes with a lab referral fee or a markup on arranging the test. Evening and weekend visits can be priced higher.

• Calm, non-judgmental manner with sensitive family situations
• Careful with paperwork and procedures
• Reliable and discreet

• Court or immigration use usually needs strict chain of custody and an accredited lab, so check exactly what the lab and the receiving body accept
• Privacy rules for personal and health information differ by province, so check your provincial requirements
• Consent for children and for all adults involved, including what to do if a parent or guardian disagrees
• Blood draws or prenatal testing need qualified health professionals, so stick to non-invasive swabs unless properly qualified
• In Quebec, check French-language requirements for forms and client communications
• Check whether your municipality requires a business licence, and whether you are over the GST/HST small supplier threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on your setup, such as travel, supplies and the accredited labs you work with.

Estimates put monthly revenue typically around $600 to $3,000, depending on how many client visits you take and your referrals from lawyers and mediators. The idea starts at about 6 hours a week.

Things to check: chain of custody and what the accredited lab and any court or immigration body accept; provincial privacy rules; consent for children and all adults; sticking to non-invasive swabs unless qualified; Quebec French-language requirements; and municipal licence and GST/HST rules.