Home metal polishing side hustle

Hobbyists, motorbike and classic car owners, antique sellers, and people restoring items around the home.

Fixed price per item based on size and condition, with extra for heavy restoration work.

• Patience and attention to detail
• Knowing which compounds suit which metals
• Taking good before and after photos

• Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a home-based business, and about noise and dust for neighbours
• Fire and dust risk in a garage, so use extraction and keep the area clean
• Public liability insurance, and cover for customers' valuable items
• Damaging valuable or antique pieces, so agree what you will and will not polish before starting

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $500 to $3,000, depending on the buffing gear, compounds, extraction and protective equipment you choose. Treat this as a guide and check your own costs before buying.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $1,500, depending on the items you take on and how many hours you put in. It suits a spare-time income, and you could start with around five hours a week.

Check with your local council whether you need approval for a home business, and about noise and dust for neighbours. Also check fire and dust risk in your garage, public liability insurance, and cover for customers' valuable items.