Mobile scale sales, repair and calibration
Sell, install, service and calibrate weighing scales at shops, labs and warehouses in your region.
- 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 van-based service that supplies counter, bench and floor scales, then returns for repairs, calibration and checks. You work at customers' premises with test weights and hand tools.
Your first three steps
- Contact Measurement Canada to learn what is needed to service scales used for trade in your province
- Ask scale manufacturers and distributors about dealer accounts and technical training
- Visit local shops and warehouses in your area and ask who services their scales now
Who pays
Grocers, butchers, delis, farm stores, cannabis retailers, labs, warehouses, shipping depots and small manufacturers.
How it makes money
Margin on scales you sell, plus call-out and calibration fees. Annual service contracts give steady repeat work.
Skills that help
- Technical and mechanical aptitude
- Careful, accurate work
- Building relationships with business customers
Watch out for
- Scales used to sell goods by weight are regulated, so check Measurement Canada's rules on registration, inspection and sealing before servicing them
- Commercial general liability insurance and cover for your tools and test weights
- Test weights must be certified and recalibrated, which is an ongoing cost
- Check provincial rules on WCB/WSIB if you hire
- Winter driving and heavy lifting
🔒 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 service business?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $5,000 to $20,000 CAD, depending on your vehicle, tools, test weights and opening stock. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your customer base and workload.
What rules apply to servicing weighing scales in Canada?
Scales used to sell goods by weight are regulated, so check Measurement Canada's rules on registration, inspection and sealing before servicing them. Also check commercial general liability insurance, cover for tools and test weights, and WCB/WSIB rules if you hire.
What skills and ongoing costs should I plan for?
You need technical and mechanical aptitude, careful and accurate work, and good business relationships. Test weights must be certified and recalibrated, which is an ongoing cost. The estimate is at least about 20 hours a week, with winter driving and heavy lifting.
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