Surgical supply shop near a hospital or campus

Students, nurses, doctors, dentists, vets, small clinics and care homes in the area.

Retail margin on products, with repeat sales to clinics and busy periods at the start of each school term when students buy kits.

• Product knowledge or willingness to learn it
• Retail sales and customer service
• Stock control and budgeting

• Check whether you need a Medical Device Establishment Licence, especially if you sell to clinics or import products
• Some items may need buyer verification, so check the rules for restricted products
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance, plus cover for stock
• Municipal business licence and zoning for the unit
• Lease commitments and cash tied up in stock
• Seasonal sales swings around school terms
• Quebec has French-language rules for signs and labelling

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on the unit and lease, fit-out, opening stock and insurance. Cash tied up in stock and lease commitments are worth planning for carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, range and how many clinic orders you win. Sales may swing seasonally around school terms, so plan your cash flow.

Check whether you need a Medical Device Establishment Licence, especially if you sell to clinics or import products. Also check buyer verification for restricted items, insurance, municipal licence and zoning, and Quebec French-language rules.