Mobile microscope servicing for schools and labs

Schools, universities, TAFEs, pathology and research labs, vet clinics, and dental or medical practices.

Per-instrument servicing fees, a call-out fee, and annual service agreements for fleets of instruments. Parts are charged on top.

• Technical knowledge of microscopes and optics
• Reliable record keeping and reporting
• Dealing with procurement and admin staff

• Public liability and professional indemnity insurance, as institutions often ask for certificates
• If customers need formally certified calibration, check whether they require accredited (for example NATA) providers
• If servicing clinical or medical equipment, check whether extra rules or manufacturer authorisation apply
• Working in schools may need a Working with Children Check, so check your state's requirements
• Institutions may pay on long terms and budgets are often set annually, so plan your cash flow

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $4,000 to $18,000, depending on the tools and equipment you carry and how you set up your service. Treat this as an estimate and cost your own kit and travel needs.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how many institutions you service and what you charge. This is revenue before costs, and the estimate assumes at least about 15 hours of work a week.

Check insurance, as institutions often ask for public liability and professional indemnity certificates. Check whether customers need accredited calibration (for example NATA), whether extra rules apply to clinical equipment, and your state's Working with Children Check requirements for schools.