Start a walk-in drug testing collection site

Local employers and staffing agencies, courts and probation offices, attorneys, and individuals who need a test for a job or personal reasons.

A fee per test or collection, with employers often paying on account or through a third-party administrator. Extra income can come from add-on services such as record keeping or program set-up for employers.

• Accurate paperwork and procedure
• Calm, discreet customer service
• Basic business admin and invoicing

• Check your city or county for business license, zoning and occupancy rules for a collection site
• Check whether your state has rules on specimen collection sites or on workplace drug testing
• DOT-regulated collections need specific training and a compliant site, so verify the federal requirements first
• Check with your lab partner and insurer about handling health information, privacy duties and the cover you need
• Rent is a fixed cost, so wait until you have employer commitments before signing a long lease

Estimates put startup costs typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on your premises and fit-out. Rent is a fixed cost, so it is worth waiting for employer commitments before signing a long lease.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $4,000 to $18,000, depending on how many employers, agencies and walk-in clients you attract. The estimates assume at least about 25 hours a week of operation.

Check your city or county's business license, zoning and occupancy rules, whether your state regulates collection sites or workplace testing, and DOT requirements, which need specific training and a compliant site. Ask your lab partner and insurer about privacy duties and cover.