Home sewing machine servicing and resale

Home sewers, dressmakers, quilters, schools and craft groups who need a machine serviced, or want an affordable reliable one.

A fixed price per service plus parts for repairs, and the margin on refurbished machines, needles, feet and other accessories.

• Mechanical aptitude and patience
• Knowing how to sew and test stitch quality
• Clear communication with customers

• Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a business from home
• Check your state's rules on electrical repairs and whether any licence or safety testing applies
• Public liability and product liability insurance, especially if you sell refurbished machines
• Australian Consumer Law guarantees apply to what you sell and repair
• Sourcing parts for older or less common brands can be slow

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on the tools and equipment you buy and how many machines you stock for refurbishing and resale. Treat these as estimates and get quotes for your own setup.

Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a business from home, and your state's rules on electrical repairs, including any licence or safety testing. Also check public and product liability insurance and Australian Consumer Law guarantees.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,200 to $5,000, depending on how many machines you service and sell. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week. Sourcing parts for older or less common brands can be slow.