Tech service business ideas you can start for under $5,000

40 ideas

These 40 tech service ideas suit people who are good at fixing, setting up or explaining technology and want to start without a big outlay. Most rely on skills, a few tools and a reliable laptop rather than premises or stock.

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5k to 20kOver 20kFrom homeOut and aboutOwn premisesOnline
Technician replacing a cracked phone screen at a repair bench.

Home-based screen repair with drop-off or post

Repair phone, tablet and laptop screens from a home workbench, with local drop-off or mail-in jobs.

  • A$800-3k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
Technician repairing a phone circuit board at a small repair shop bench.

Home-based electronics repair bench

Fix phones, tablets, laptops and small gadgets from a home workbench, with customers posting or dropping off devices.

  • A$800-3.5k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
Developers working together on code at computers in a modern office.

Custom software for local businesses

Build and support custom apps, tools and integrations for small businesses, working from home.

  • A$500-4k
  • Side hustle
  • From home

Niche subscription software product

Build one focused web app for a specific type of business and charge a monthly subscription.

  • A$200-3k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Technician installing a card payment terminal on a shop counter.

Local EFTPOS terminal reseller and installer

Sign up local shops and cafes with card terminals from a payment provider, then set them up and look after them.

  • A$300-2k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
Smiling couple meeting for the first time at a relaxed social dating event.

Niche online dating community

Run a membership-based online introduction service for one specific group, such as a hobby, faith or profession.

  • A$500-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
A technician repairing a laptop on a workbench with tools and circuit boards.

Mobile computer repair and tech help

Fix laptops, desktops and tablets at people's homes and small offices, so they don't have to bring them in.

  • A$500-3k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

Home-based computer repair bench

Repair laptops, desktops and tablets from a home workspace, with drop-off, post or pick-up from customers.

  • A$800-4k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
Person managing online store orders on a laptop at a desk.

Online store setup for small businesses

Build and launch Shopify or WooCommerce stores for local businesses that want to sell online.

  • A$300-2k
  • Side hustle
  • From home

Monthly online store management service

Run day-to-day store tasks, listings, orders and promotions for businesses on a monthly fee.

  • A$200-1.5k
  • Part-time
  • Online
Engineer checking rows of server racks while managing database systems in a data centre.

Database clean-up and upkeep for small businesses

Tidy messy customer, stock and sales records for local businesses, then keep them in good order each month.

  • A$300-2.5k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
A technician replacing a smartphone screen with small precision tools at a workbench.

Home-based phone repair bench

Run repairs from a tidy home workspace, with customers booking drop-off or mail-in jobs.

  • A$800-3k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
A technician opening a desktop computer to upgrade its components.

Mobile computer repair and tune-up

Visit homes and small offices to fix, clean up and upgrade slow or faulty computers.

  • A$500-3k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

Home workshop computer repair

Repair and upgrade laptops and desktops at a home bench, with drop-off or courier.

  • A$800-4k
  • Side hustle
  • From home

Small business IT support on retainer

Keep local offices running with monthly IT support, updates, backups and fixes.

  • A$1k-5k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
A security specialist analysing code and threat data on multiple computer screens.

Home computer security and malware clean-up

Remove malware and set up protection for households and sole traders, on site or by remote session.

  • A$500-3k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
Customer tapping a contactless card on a payment terminal at a counter.

Local card terminal reseller and support

Sign up local shops and cafes to card terminals through a payment provider, then keep them supported.

  • A$300-3k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
A technician connecting network cables to a router in a server rack.

Home Wi-Fi and network setup

Fix dead spots and set up reliable home Wi-Fi and mesh systems for local households.

  • A$500-3k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

Home workshop printer repair and refurb

Repair and refurbish printers from a home workshop, with pick-up or drop-off from local businesses.

  • A$1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • From home

Home VCR repair bench

Fix and service VCRs from a home workbench for people with old tapes, collectors and the occasional business.

  • A$500-3k
  • Side hustle
  • From home

Home workshop TV repair

Fix faulty TVs and screens on a bench at home, with customers dropping off or posting them in.

  • A$1.5k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • From home

Home hi-fi and stereo repair bench

Repair and restore amplifiers, turntables and receivers for audio fans from a home workshop.

  • A$800-4k
  • Side hustle
  • From home

Home workshop AV repair

Fix speakers, amps, microphones and projectors on a home bench for local venues, schools and music fans.

  • A$1k-4k
  • Side hustle
  • From home

Home typewriter repair workshop

Clean, fix and service manual and electric typewriters for writers and collectors from a workshop at home.

  • A$500-2.5k
  • Side hustle
  • From home

About these ideas

You might start with remote computer support, build steady income through small business IT support on retainer, or set up a home-based computer repair bench. Before choosing, think about who your first customers will be, how you will find them, and whether you prefer one-off jobs or ongoing monthly work. Also consider insurance, how you will handle customer data, and what you need to charge to cover your time as well as your costs.

More ideas

Questions

How much can I realistically do with a $5,000 budget in tech services?

Many tech services need mainly a computer, software subscriptions, basic tools and some marketing. Work out your essentials first, then keep a buffer for insurance, a website and slow early months. Costs vary by idea, so list what you need before committing.

Do I need qualifications to start a tech service business in Australia?

Often there is no single required qualification, but check whether your work needs any licence, registration or industry accreditation. Customers may also value certifications or vendor training. Confirm requirements with the relevant regulator or a business adviser before you start.

What should I check about insurance and customer data?

Ask an insurer whether professional indemnity and public liability suit your work, especially if you access customer devices or accounts. Also check your privacy obligations, how you will store data securely, and whether your terms and quotes clearly set out responsibilities.