Home-based surgical supplies distributor

Private surgical and day clinics, dental and cosmetic practices, veterinary clinics and independent medical centres.

You buy at wholesale prices and sell at a markup, usually on repeat orders. Some suppliers may also offer agent or distributor margins.

• Sales and relationship building
• Attention to detail with orders and paperwork
• Learning product specifications and regulations

• Health Canada rules: check whether you need a Medical Device Establishment Licence and what quality records you must keep
• Product recalls and complaint handling, which distributors must be able to manage
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance
• Exclusive distribution agreements: check whether the manufacturer already has a Canadian distributor
• Slow payment and long sales cycles with larger buyers
• A home-based business licence may be needed from your municipality

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your product niche, setup and marketing. Because suppliers ship direct to your customers, you hold no stock of your own.

Check whether you need a Medical Device Establishment Licence from Health Canada and what quality records you must keep. Also check recall and complaint handling duties, insurance, exclusive distribution agreements, and whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your products, your clients and how quickly you win accounts. Check for slow payment and long sales cycles with larger buyers. These are estimates, not guarantees.