Start a mobility aids shop with sales and rentals

Older adults, people recovering from surgery or injury, family carers, and sometimes local care homes, therapists or senior centers.

Margin on equipment and accessories, weekly or monthly rental fees, plus extras like delivery, basic adjustments and simple repairs.

• Patient, respectful customer service
• Basic product knowledge and simple repairs
• Inventory and bookkeeping

• Check whether your state requires a license or registration for medical equipment suppliers
• Billing Medicare or Medicaid usually needs supplier accreditation and a surety bond, so check the requirements before promising insurance billing
• General and product liability insurance, which matter more when equipment supports someone's weight
• Clean and disinfect rental items between customers, and keep records of maintenance
• Do not give medical advice. Direct customers to their doctor or therapist for choosing equipment
• Check sales tax rules in your state, as some exempt certain medical items
• Inventory ties up cash, so start with fast-moving items

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your premises, how much inventory you stock and any rental items. Inventory ties up cash, so starting with fast-moving items may help. These are estimates.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, product mix and the balance of sales and rentals. These are revenue estimates, not profit, so work out your own costs before relying on them.

Check whether your state requires a license or registration for medical equipment suppliers. Billing Medicare or Medicaid usually needs supplier accreditation and a surety bond, so check requirements first. Also check liability insurance and sales tax rules for medical items.