Online surgical supplies for students and clinics

Nursing, medical, dental and veterinary students, small clinics, physiotherapists, podiatrists and other independent practitioners.

Margin on each product sold, plus higher-value bundles such as student kits and repeat orders of consumables from clinics.

• Attention to detail with product information
• Online selling and customer service
• Inventory and supplier management

• Medical devices are regulated by Health Canada, so check whether you need a Medical Device Establishment Licence as an importer or distributor
• Some products may be restricted to licensed professionals, so check how you must verify buyers
• Check device classification, labelling (including French in some cases), expiry dates and recall record-keeping
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance
• Stock ties up cash, so start with a small range
• Check GST/HST registration and provincial rules for your province

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your range, opening stock, website and insurance. Stock ties up cash, so it helps to start with a small range and expand as items sell.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your niche, product range and how many students, clinics and practitioners you reach. This is revenue before stock, shipping and other costs.

Medical devices are regulated by Health Canada, so check whether you need a Medical Device Establishment Licence as an importer or distributor. Also check buyer restrictions, device classification, labelling, recall records, insurance and GST/HST.