Men's clothing alterations from home

Office workers, groomsmen and wedding parties, and men who buy off-the-rack suits and want them fitted. Dry cleaners and menswear shops may also pass work on to you.

A set price per alteration (for example a trouser hem or a jacket sleeve shortening), with higher prices for complex jobs and a surcharge for rush work.

• Confident machine and hand sewing
• Knowing how a suit should fit
• Careful measuring and fitting
• Clear communication with customers

• Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a business from home, especially if customers visit
• Public liability insurance, and cover for customers' garments while in your care
• Risk of damaging expensive garments, so be clear about what you can and cannot fix
• You need an ABN, and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the sewing equipment and supplies you already have and the insurance you take out.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,000, depending on how many hours you work, how much work you attract and your prices. The estimates start from around 8 hours a week.

Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a business from home, especially if customers visit. Also check public liability and garment cover, and that you have an ABN, with GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold.