How to Start a Home Health Medical Supply Store Business

A home health medical supply store, also known as a durable medical equipment business, sells and distributes health care equipment to be used in a patient’s home. Whether items are sold exclusively online, at a physical storefront, or a combination of the two, this niche market offers a great business opportunity for the entrepreneur looking to break into the medical community.

Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.

Tailor Brands ($0 + State Fees)

Start a home health medical supply store business by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Home Health Medical Supply Store Business
  2. Form your Home Health Medical Supply Store Business into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Home Health Medical Supply Store Business for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Home Health Medical Supply Store Business
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Home Health Medical Supply Store Business
  7. Get Home Health Medical Supply Store Business Insurance
  8. Define your Home Health Medical Supply Store Business Brand
  9. Create your Home Health Medical Supply Store Business Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your home health medical supply store business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Home Health Medical Supply Store Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state’s business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability

It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What are the costs involved in opening a home health medical supply store business?

If your business plan includes a storefront, finding a location should be one of your top priorities. Average retail showrooms are approximately 1,500 square feet, with an additional 500 to 1,000 square feet for storage, etc. Studies indicate the most profitable locations are in strip malls or shopping centers that are close to medical offices and hospitals. Your storefront, along with inventory, licensing and insurance, promotional materials, and a website average approximately $15,000 for a small showroom. Initial start-up costs to open a medium-sized business increase to almost $200,000, while a large-sized medical supplies business required over $450,000 in start-up capital.

What are the ongoing expenses for a home health medical supply store business?

For a smaller home health medical supply store, estimated fixed costs average approximately $2,500. This includes marketing expenses, rent and overhead costs, insurance and legal expenses, and accounting. This does not include inventory, which will vary from month-to-month, or payroll expenses. To keep payroll at a minimum, many shop owners pay salespeople a modest salary with commission and/or bonus incentives.

Who is the target market?

While your target market is anyone who requires home health medical supplies, entrepreneurs emerging in this industry would benefit from targeting Home Care patients and Assisted Living facilities.

How does a home health medical supply store business make money?

Your medical supply retail store will generate revenue from each sold item, with a 45-55% markup on inventory. Some businesses choose to expand their services to include delivery for a nominal fee.

How much can you charge customers?

Durable medical equipment varies in price, depending upon the item. A walker can cost anywhere from $25 to $250, while a hospital bed can cost upwards of $1,500. Conduct research on what the competition is charging and set your prices accordingly.

How much profit can a home health medical supply store business make?

Industry leaders offer several formulas for determining annual revenue. One benchmark is gross sales generated per employee, which averages $140,000/employee in this industry. Another formula is to multiply your showroom’s square footage by $800 per square foot per year. With these numbers and minimal ongoing costs, many home health medical supply stores break even before the end of the first year, generating up to $400,000 in profit after the third year.

How can you make your business more profitable?

In this industry, it is important that you know your target market well. Once you understand the requirements of that particular niche, you can expand into other medical supply needs. Hosting an online store with competitive pricing is a great way to expand your reach and boost profits. One successful entrepreneur found success implementing the “hub-and-spoke” business model, offering multiple locations in one geographic territory.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your home health medical supply store business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your home health medical supply store business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

Ready to Turn Your Business Idea Into a Reality?

Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.

FORM YOUR LLC

Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.

Find out what types of insurance your Home Health Medical Supply Store Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Home Health Medical Supply Store Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a home health medical supply store business

Social media and registering with local online platforms should be a routine part of your marketing strategy. Additionally, creating a wellness letter will assist in establishing yourself as a thought leader and educating your client base. Hosting healthcare events, sponsoring medical awareness programs, and attending expos is an effective way to get your name recognized and network with others in the industry. When direct marketing, consider expanding your target market to include pharmacist, assisted and independent living centers, case managers, physicians, and discharge planners.

How to keep customers coming back

As a retailer, your role is to take care of the customer. When dealing with a client directly, keep in mind they are likely worried and unsure of their future. Make the process as seamless as possible, ensuring they walk away satisfied. Offering loyalty and referral programs and personalizing your service with a help desk for support sends the message that you are committed to your customers.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPressWIXWeeblySquarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

For long-term success, home health medical supply business owners should understand the intricacies and terminology of the medical community and feel passionate about helping others live with dignity and grace. Because of the low upfront costs and untapped niche markets, the organized and compassionate entrepreneur stands to generate significant profits early into building their network.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a home health medical supply store business?

Your store is considered a retail business, making customer care and interaction a top priority. Purchasing inventory, changing out displays, and re-stocking shelves will also be a part of your day-to-day activities. In addition to nurturing customer relationships, you and your staff will need to network within the community and build sound relationships with supply manufacturers. Staying on top of emerging trends, comparative pricing, and educating the public on your findings should also be an integral part of your business-building strategy.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful home health medical supply store business?

Historically, industry leaders are successful business managers, delegating sales responsibilities to their sales staff. Leadership skills such as communication and interpersonal skills are critical, and it is equally important to be a strong delegator and detail-oriented. Your ability to interact with a wide variety of people will prove invaluable, as you will need to communicate and connect with customers, employees, colleagues, and vendors. For business and marketing advice, consider joining a medical equipment suppliers association that serves your geographical area.

What is the growth potential for a home health medical supply store business?

While your target niche is home healthcare, this doesn’t mean you are limited to homebound patients only. The Homecare and Assisted Living market offers an annual earning potential of $59.6 million revenue, while the Assisted Living market offers $17.6 million in annual revenue. And, with an increase in the world population over the last decade, the industry is poised for continued growth.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a home health medical supply store business?

Industry leaders recommend offering a variety of options for each type of product. While your Medicare customer may require a basic model, the cash-paying client may opt for top-of-the-line products. When designing your showroom, set the displays up like a patient room, including everything the customer might need. During the planning stages, consult with your state medical board or Board of Pharmacy regarding any specialized licenses, restrictions, and confidentiality requirements in your state. If you plan to accept Medicaid and Medicare, begin the inquiry and eligibility process early.

How and when to build a team

When first opening your doors, you should be able to manage the business solo. However, as it continues to grow, you will want additional manpower. Your staff should be honest and compassionate, with strong communication skills and extensive industry knowledge. While you may be able to find all of this in someone in their 20s, consider your clientele before hiring. Who are your customers going to be most comfortable talking to about their medical issues?

Useful Links

Real World Examples