Home-Based phone repair bench

Local phone owners wanting a cheaper or quicker alternative to a shop, plus people who prefer to post their phone in.

A set price per repair by model and fault, with a small margin on parts. Extras such as screen protectors and cases add a little more.

• Fine, careful hand work
• Troubleshooting faults
• Organised record keeping for jobs and parts

• Council rules on home-based businesses and customer visits, which vary by council
• Public liability insurance and cover for devices in your care, and check whether your home insurance covers business use
• Safe handling and disposal of lithium batteries, which can be a fire risk
• Check Australian Consumer Law on guarantees, and give a clear written warranty
• Protect customer privacy and never access personal content on a phone

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $800 to $3,000, depending on your tools, parts stock and insurance. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $2,500, depending on how many repairs you take on.

Check your council's home-based business rules, including customer visits. Also check public liability cover, whether your home insurance covers business use, safe handling and disposal of lithium batteries, Australian Consumer Law on guarantees, and customer privacy.

Fine hand work, troubleshooting and organised records of jobs and parts are the key skills. Estimates suggest at least around 8 hours a week, depending on how many appointments and mail-in jobs you take.