Home-Based shoe repair service

Owners of good quality shoes, boots and handbags, plus local cafes, dance schools or small businesses with uniform footwear.

A set price per repair, plus a postage or collection fee. Repeat work and referrals from local shops or dry cleaners can add steady volume.

• Shoe and leather repair techniques
• Basic online booking and photography to show before and after work
• Organising jobs and meeting turnaround times
• Clear communication with customers

• Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a home-based business
• Public liability insurance and cover for customers' goods in your care
• Check home and contents insurance still applies when you work from home
• Noise, fumes from glues and safe storage of solvents in a home setting
• Slower income at first while you build word of mouth

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on tools, machines and workshop setup. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many jobs you take. Income is often slower at first while word of mouth builds.

Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a home-based business. Also check public liability insurance and cover for customers' goods, whether home and contents insurance still applies, and safe storage and ventilation for glues and solvents.

The estimate is at least around 8 hours a week, so it can start part-time. You need shoe and leather repair techniques, basic online booking and photography for before-and-after shots, and the ability to meet turnaround times.