Home wi-fi and network setup business

Families, remote workers, older people and renters who are frustrated with their internet at home.

Fixed price per setup or hourly call-out rate, plus a margin on equipment you supply. Repeat work comes from referrals and follow-up visits.

• Understanding routers, Wi-Fi and home networks
• Clear, patient explanations for non-technical people
• Troubleshooting step by step

• Public liability insurance, and check whether professional indemnity cover suits your work
• Wireless setup and plugging in ready-made leads generally needs no licence, but installing fixed cabling (for example running Ethernet through walls or ceilings) is regulated by ACMA and usually requires a registered cabler. Check the current rules with ACMA before offering it, and stay wireless-only until you are registered
• Any work involving 240V power must be done by a licensed electrician, so stick to low-voltage data work
• Handling customer passwords and personal devices, so be clear about privacy and what you will access

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on the test equipment, demo gear, tools and insurance you choose. These are estimates, so build a list of what you actually need before spending.

Monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,500, depending on how many households you visit and the jobs you take on. These are estimates of revenue, not profit, and you could start with about 6 hours a week.

Check the current rules with ACMA before offering fixed cabling such as Ethernet through walls, as it may need a registered cabler. Any 240V work must be done by a licensed electrician. Also check public liability and professional indemnity cover.