Home lamp repair workshop

Households with treasured or inherited lamps, op shop and vintage sellers, and small interior or gift shops.

A fixed price per repair or rewire, plus parts. Extra income from restoring, polishing and refitting shades.

• Careful, patient hands-on work
• Basic understanding of lamp parts and electrical safety
• Clear communication with customers about quotes and timeframes

• Electrical licensing rules differ by state and territory, so check before you take any rewiring work
• Public liability and product liability insurance, as faulty repairs can cause fire or shock
• Rules about electrical safety and approved parts, and whether tested items need a record or tag
• Council approval for running a business from home
• Never rework damaged or unsafe antique fittings without proper testing, and be ready to say no

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $1,000 to $4,000, depending on your tools, parts stock and workbench setup. Insurance and any council approval for running a business from home are worth checking as well.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $600 to $3,000, depending on how many lamps you take on, your pricing and your hours. The estimates start from about 6 hours a week.

Electrical licensing rules differ by state and territory, so check before taking any rewiring work. Also check rules on electrical safety and approved parts, whether tested items need a record or tag, and public liability and product liability insurance.