Small dive shop and training center

New divers taking courses, local certified divers buying gear and fills, and travelers booking group dive trips.

Course fees, gear sales and rentals, tank fills, equipment servicing, and a margin or fee on organized dive trips.

• Dive instructor or divemaster experience
• Retail and inventory management
• Customer service and sales
• Managing instructors and staff

• General liability, professional liability and property insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire; check what dive operations require
• Air compressors, tank inspections and oxygen handling for nitrox; check training, equipment standards and local fire or safety rules
• Zoning and lease terms for a retail space with a compressor or pool; check with your city or county
• Sales tax registration with your state for gear sales
• Inventory costs and slow seasons can strain cash flow, so keep a reserve
• Waivers, medical forms and instructor standards need to be applied consistently; consider legal advice

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on premises, gear stock, compressor equipment and insurance. Inventory costs and slow seasons can strain cash flow, so keeping a reserve is worth planning for.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on course numbers, gear sales, tank fills and trips. Slow seasons can affect income, so check how that fits your cash flow.

Check insurance requirements for dive operations, plus rules for air compressors, tank inspections and oxygen handling for nitrox. Also check zoning and lease terms with your city or county, and sales tax registration with your state.