Mobile computer repair and tune-up

Households, older people who want help at home, sole traders and small offices with no in-house IT.

A call-out fee plus an hourly rate or fixed price per job, with parts sold at a small margin. Repeat customers and referrals build steady work.

• Hardware and software troubleshooting
• Patience explaining things in plain language
• Reliable and trustworthy in customers' homes

• Public liability insurance, and ask whether professional indemnity cover suits you, as you handle customers' data
• Privacy: treat customer files carefully and check your obligations under privacy law
• Check whether you need GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold
• Check your state's rules on working with children or vulnerable people if you serve schools or aged care
• Risk of data loss during repairs, so back up before you start and agree this in writing

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on the tools, spare parts and software you buy and what you already own. Starting with a small kit and adding to it as jobs come in can keep costs down.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $800 to $5,000, depending on how many call-outs you take and what you charge. That is revenue, not profit. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours a week.

Check public liability insurance, and ask whether professional indemnity cover suits you as you handle customers' data. Check your privacy law obligations, and whether you need GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold. Back up data before repairs and agree this in writing.