Online medical supplies with local delivery

Family caregivers, older adults living at home, and small care homes or home care agencies that want a simple supplier.

Markup on products sold through your online store, plus repeat orders on consumables. Subscriptions for regular supplies can make income steadier.

• Setting up and running an online store
• Clear, helpful customer service
• Organising stock and orders
• Basic marketing to local caregivers

• Selling to Medicare or Medicaid patients needs DMEPOS enrollment and accreditation, so check before accepting insurance
• Check your state's rules for medical equipment suppliers and any home occupation permit or HOA/lease limits on storing stock at home
• Register for sales tax with your state and check how medical items are treated, as rules vary
• Product liability and general liability insurance, and clear return policies for hygiene-sensitive items
• Avoid health claims on your website and follow FDA and FTC advertising rules for devices

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much stock you buy, how your website is built and whether you rent storage space. Treat this as an estimate and price your own setup before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your product range, local reach and how many caregivers and care providers you serve. That is revenue, not profit, so work out your own costs.

Check whether you want to bill Medicare or Medicaid, since that needs DMEPOS enrollment and accreditation. Also check your state's rules for medical equipment suppliers, sales tax treatment of medical items, and FDA and FTC advertising rules for devices.