Tech service business ideas with a $20,000+ budget
16 ideas
These 16 tech service ideas suit people who have capital to invest and want a practical, hands-on business rather than a purely online one. A larger budget usually goes on premises, specialist tools, parts stock and insurance.
Screen repair shop with walk-in customers
Open a small shopfront or kiosk repairing phone, tablet and laptop screens for walk-ins and local businesses.
- A$8k-35k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Data recovery workshop with clean bench
Run a small lab that recovers data from physically damaged drives, phones and servers for local people and businesses.
- A$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Camera repair and service shop
Open a small shopfront or workshop that repairs, services and cleans cameras and lenses for walk-in customers.
- A$8k-35k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Electronics repair shopfront
Open a small repair shop for phones, laptops, consoles and household gadgets, with walk-in customers and same-day fixes.
- A$10k-45k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Camera repair workshop for film and broadcast crews
Run a small workshop servicing pro video cameras, with fast turnaround and call-outs for production crews.
- A$8k-35k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Computer repair shop
Open a small local repair shop for walk-in laptop, desktop and tablet fixes, plus business support contracts.
- A$10k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small automation and robotics integrator
Design, build and install control panels and small robot cells that automate tasks for local manufacturers and businesses.
- A$25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Phone repair shopfront or kiosk
Open a small shop or centre kiosk for walk-in screen, battery and charging port repairs.
- A$10k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
AV supplier for venues and businesses
Supply, hire and set up screens, sound and conferencing gear for venues, offices and corporate events from a small unit.
- A$15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Fibre optic trade counter and local delivery
Run a small trade counter stocking fibre cable, connectors and tools so local installers can pick up same day.
- A$30k-120k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Phone repair shop in a small retail space
Open a walk-in repair counter in a shopping centre, kiosk or small shopfront.
- A$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Hi-fi repair and restoration workshop
Run a small workshop that repairs, restores and services hi-fi, with walk-in drop-offs and trade work.
- A$6k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Cabling subcontractor for builders and developers
Run a small crew that cables new apartments, offices and estates for builders and developers.
- A$45k-130k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Ink refill and printer supplies shop
Run a small shopfront refilling cartridges and selling ink and toner to locals and nearby offices.
- A$15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Photocopier workshop: repair, refurbish and service
Run a small unit where you repair and refurbish copiers, and service machines for local businesses.
- A$10k-50k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local telecom equipment trade supplier
Stock phones, routers and cabling from a small unit for local installers and offices to collect same day.
- A$20k-80k
- Full-time
- Own premises
About these ideas
You could open an electronics repair shopfront, set up a data recovery workshop with a clean bench, or build a camera repair workshop for film and broadcast crews. Before you commit, think about where your customers will come from: walk-in trade needs a good location, while specialist work relies on referrals and a reputation for careful repairs. Check the cost of equipment, lease terms, parts suppliers and the skills or training you may need. Compare ideas on how quickly you could cover your fixed costs, and work out how much you can spend before opening.
Questions
What does a $20,000+ budget typically cover in a tech service business?
It often goes towards a lease deposit and fit-out, diagnostic tools, initial parts stock, insurance and marketing. Specialist workshops may spend more on equipment. Get quotes for each item and keep a cash buffer for the first few months.
Do I need qualifications to start a repair or tech service business in Australia?
Requirements vary by service and state. Some work, such as anything involving electrical or telecommunications equipment, may need licences or registration. Check with your state regulator and the relevant authorities, and ask your insurer what they expect.
Should I choose a retail shopfront or a specialist workshop?
A shopfront relies on foot traffic and higher rent, while a workshop depends on referrals and technical reputation. Check local competition, lease costs, how customers would find you, and whether your skills suit general repairs or niche work.