Home workshop instrument repairer

Local musicians, parents of school students, music teachers and small music shops that outsource repairs.

Labour charged per job or per hour, plus parts at a margin. Regular work from teachers and shops helps fill quiet weeks.

• Fine hand skills and patience
• Knowing how your chosen instruments work and play
• Clear quotes and honest advice

• Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a home-based business
• Public liability insurance, and cover for customers' instruments while in your care
• Valuable or vintage instruments can be damaged by mistakes, so say no to jobs beyond your skill
• Register for an ABN and check when GST registration applies

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on the instruments you specialise in, your tools, workbench, parts stock and insurance. Focusing on one instrument family can help keep the tool list manageable.

Check with your council whether you need approval for a home-based business. Check public liability insurance and cover for customers' instruments in your care, register for an ABN, and check when GST registration applies.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on your repair volume, the instruments you handle and your hours. The estimates assume at least about 8 hours a week. Say no to jobs beyond your skill.