Pinball refurbisher and seller

Home game-room owners, collectors, and small bars or cafes wanting a working machine.

You sell each machine for more than you paid plus parts and time. Extras like delivery, set-up and a short warranty add income.

• Basic electrical and mechanical fault-finding
• Patience with detailed restoration work
• Spotting good-value machines
• Clear, honest selling

• Check council rules for running a home-based business, including noise and customer visits
• Machines are heavy and awkward to lift, so plan for safe handling and get help
• Repairs inside machines involve mains power, so check electrical safety rules and your state's licensing for any wiring work
• Check whether electrical equipment you sell needs testing and tagging, and consider public liability insurance
• If you import machines or parts, check customs and biosecurity requirements
• Stock ties up cash, so avoid buying more machines than you can sell

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many machines you buy and the tools and parts you need. Stock ties up cash, so avoid buying more than you can sell.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many machines you sell and your prices. The estimated minimum time is around 10 hours per week.

Check council rules for a home-based business, including noise and customer visits. Check electrical safety rules and your state's licensing for wiring work, testing and tagging for equipment you sell, public liability insurance, and customs and biosecurity if importing.