Tech service business ideas you run from your own premises
16 ideas
These 16 ideas suit people who are practical, enjoy fixing things and are happy to have a dedicated shopfront or workshop. Some rely on walk-in trade, such as a computer repair shop or a phone repair shop in a small retail space.
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
Fax, scan and document counter
Run a walk-in counter where people send and receive faxes, plus scan, copy and print the paperwork that goes with them.
- A$5k-20k
- Part-time
- Own premises
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
Others are more specialist, like a data recovery workshop with clean bench, where reputation and referrals matter more than foot traffic. Before choosing, think about location, lease terms and fit-out costs, and how much stock and tooling you need. Check what training or experience customers will expect, how you will source parts reliably, and whether your insurance covers customers' devices and data. Start by comparing ideas on how much you must spend before the first paying job.
Questions
Do I need a shopfront, or can a workshop in an industrial unit work?
It depends on the idea. Phone and computer repair often rely on walk-in customers, so visibility helps. Specialist work like camera or hi-fi repair can run from a cheaper workshop if customers book ahead. Check rent, foot traffic and local council zoning for each option.
What should I check before leasing premises for a repair business?
Read the lease for term, rent reviews, make-good clauses and permitted use. Check with your local council whether your planned use is allowed, and ask about signage, power and ventilation needs. It is worth getting independent legal or accounting advice before signing.
How do I handle customer data and warranties on repairs?
Devices often hold personal information, so check your privacy obligations and how you will store, back up and protect data. Also look at Australian Consumer Law expectations on repair guarantees, and ask an insurer about cover for damaged or lost customer devices.