Regional surgical supplies wholesaler with stock

Private clinics, surgical centres, long-term care homes, and sometimes smaller hospitals, usually through account-based ordering.

You buy in bulk from manufacturers and sell in smaller lots at a markup, with delivery fees or minimum order values on top.

• Inventory and cash flow management
• Sales and account management
• Record keeping and regulatory compliance

• Health Canada licensing, quality system and recall requirements: check which apply to the classes you stock
• Proper storage conditions and expiry date tracking for sterile and temperature-sensitive products
• Large buyers often purchase through group purchasing contracts or tenders, which can be hard for a new supplier to enter
• Cash tied up in stock and slow-paying customers
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire (rules vary by province)
• Municipal zoning and licence rules for warehouse premises

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on the unit you rent, the range and quantity of stock you hold, and your delivery setup. Remember that cash tied up in stock is a key consideration.

Check which Health Canada licensing, quality system and recall requirements apply to the product classes you stock. Also check storage and expiry tracking rules, insurance, WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire, and municipal zoning and licence rules for warehouse premises.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $15,000 to $75,000, depending on your product range, your customers and your region. Large buyers often use group purchasing contracts or tenders, which can be hard for a new supplier to enter.