Wheelchair repair and service workshop

Wheelchair users and carers, long-term care and retirement homes, home care providers, and local pharmacies or medical supply stores that refer work.

Labour and parts per repair, fixed-price service packages, and some resale of refurbished or accessory items such as cushions and tyres.

• Mechanical and electrical repair
• Parts ordering and stock control
• Clear explanations for non-technical customers
• Basic bookkeeping

• Commercial general liability and product or errors and omissions insurance, plus property cover for customers' equipment while it is in your care
• Check zoning and licensing with your municipality for the unit
• Provincial funding programs may need vendor authorization before you can bill them, so check with your provincial program
• Safe storage and charging of lithium batteries, and fire safety in the workshop
• Rent and parts stock are fixed costs, so build up referrals before committing to a long lease

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $7,000 to $35,000, depending on the unit you rent, your tools and workbench, parts stock and insurance. Rent and parts stock are fixed costs, so build referrals before a long lease.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,500 to $12,000, depending on how much repair and servicing work you win from users, care providers and referring pharmacies or medical supply stores.

Check commercial general liability, product or errors and omissions insurance, and property cover for customers' equipment. Also check municipal zoning and licensing, provincial funding program vendor authorization before billing, and safe storage and charging of lithium batteries.