Small appliance repair shop
Run a local shopfront that fixes toasters, vacuums, kettles, power tools and other small electrical items.
- A$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small shop or unit where customers drop off broken household appliances and equipment. You diagnose the fault, repair it, test it for safety and return it. Typical jobs are vacuum cleaners, kettles, heaters, small kitchen appliances, power tools and lamps.
Your first three steps
- Check with your state or territory electrical licensing and safety regulator what licence or training is needed to repair appliances
- Visit a few shop locations with steady foot traffic, such as near a shopping strip, and compare rent with likely repair volumes
- Get an ABN, public liability and product liability insurance, and set up a simple quote and job-ticket system
Who pays
Households that would rather repair than replace, plus local businesses such as cafes, salons and workshops with small equipment.
How it makes money
A quote or diagnostic fee, then a repair charge made up of labour and parts. Extra income can come from testing and tagging for local businesses and selling common spare parts such as vacuum belts and filters.
Skills that help
- Electrical fault finding and repair
- Safe testing of repaired items
- Clear quoting and customer service
- Basic bookkeeping and stock control
Watch out for
- Rules on who may repair electrical equipment differ by state and territory, so check the licensing body before you start
- Public liability and product liability insurance, since a faulty repair can cause fire or shock
- Council approval and lease terms for the premises
- Test and tag training and equipment if you offer that service
- Repairs on some items cost more than replacement, so be honest in quotes
- Unclaimed items: set a written policy and check the rules for disposing of them
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: small appliance repair shop
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open an appliance repair shop?
Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the premises, tools, test equipment and stock of parts. Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on location and repair volume. These are estimates only.
Do I need a licence to repair electrical appliances in Australia?
Rules on who may repair electrical equipment differ by state and territory, so check with your licensing body before you start. Also check public liability and product liability insurance, council approval and lease terms, and test and tag training if you offer that service.
What skills and time does an appliance repair shop need?
Estimates suggest at least around 30 hours a week. Useful skills include electrical fault finding, safe testing of repaired items, clear quoting and basic bookkeeping. Be honest in quotes, as some repairs cost more than replacement.
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