Photocopier workshop: repair, refurbish and service

Local businesses, schools and community groups, plus buyers of refurbished machines who want a cheaper option than new.

Repair and service charges, sales or rental of refurbished machines, and maintenance contracts that include parts and toner.

• Strong mechanical and electrical repair skills
• Sourcing and testing second-hand equipment
• Basic bookkeeping and stock control
• Selling to business customers

• Public liability and stock or contents insurance for the workshop
• Check council zoning and approvals for running a workshop, and any fire safety needs
• Electrical testing and tagging of refurbished machines, check what your state requires before resale or hire
• Disposal of toner, drums and e-waste, check local rules and recycling options
• Tied-up cash in stock that may be slow to sell
• Workers compensation insurance once you hire staff

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on workshop space, tools, second-hand machine stock and insurance. Cash can be tied up in stock that is slow to sell, so allow for that.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on repair work, refurbished machine sales or leases, and service visits. The estimate assumes around 30 or more hours a week, and it is revenue, not profit.

Check council zoning and approvals for running a workshop, plus any fire safety needs. Also check what your state requires for electrical testing and tagging before resale or hire, toner and e-waste disposal rules, and workers compensation once you hire staff.