Orthopedic and comfort shoe store

Older adults, people with diabetes, arthritis or plantar fasciitis, nurses and others on their feet all day, and patients sent by local foot doctors and physical therapists. Most pay out of pocket.

Margin on shoes, inserts, orthotics and socks, with repeat sales as customers come back every year or two. Fitting expertise lets you charge more than a regular shoe store.

• Patient, friendly customer service
• Learning foot types and fitting techniques
• Basic retail buying and stock control

• Check whether your state or city requires a business license and a sales tax permit to sell shoes
• Check whether fitting or making custom orthotics requires certification or a license in your state; a pedorthist credential may help even where it is not required
• Medicare and insurance coverage for diabetic shoes has strict supplier rules; check them before promising customers any reimbursement
• Stock ties up cash, so order carefully and track sizes that sell
• Get general liability insurance and review your lease terms

Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $90,000, depending on your premises, the amount of stock you carry and your lease terms. Stock ties up cash, so order carefully and track which sizes sell.

Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your location, range and how many customers you fit each week. Estimates assume at least about 30 hours a week of running the store.

Check whether your state or city requires a business license and sales tax permit. Check whether fitting or making custom orthotics needs certification. Medicare and insurance rules for diabetic shoes have strict supplier requirements, so check them before promising reimbursement.