Mobile small appliance repair
Visit homes and small businesses to repair appliances on the spot, from vacuums to coffee machines.
- A$2k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A van or ute-based repair service that visits customers to fix small appliances where they are. Larger or trickier items can be taken back to your workshop or bench.
Your first three steps
- Decide your service area and the appliance types you will cover, then price a call-out fee by checking local repairers
- Pack a toolkit, a multimeter and common spare parts into a vehicle, and get insurance quotes
- Contact local cafes, rental managers and agents, and set up a simple Google Business listing and local ads
Who pays
Busy households, older people who find it hard to travel, cafes, offices, holiday rental owners and landlords.
How it makes money
A call-out fee plus labour and parts, or a fixed price per repair. Regular work for small businesses can bring repeat income.
Skills that help
- Electrical and mechanical fault-finding
- Customer service in people's homes
- Time and route planning
- Clear quoting before starting work
Watch out for
- Electrical work rules differ by state, so check with your state's licensing body whether a licence is needed for the repairs you plan to do
- Public liability insurance, and check whether your vehicle policy covers business use and tools
- Working in customers' homes needs trust, so keep clear records and written quotes
- Travel time can eat into profit, so set a sensible service area
- Register for an ABN, and for GST once turnover reaches the threshold
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: mobile small appliance repair
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile appliance repair business?
Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on your vehicle, tools, test equipment and the spare parts you carry. These are estimates, so price your own setup before you commit.
How much can a mobile appliance repairer earn?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many call-outs you complete and your service area. Travel time can eat into profit, so a sensible service area matters.
What licences and rules should I check for appliance repair?
Electrical work rules differ by state, so check with your state's licensing body whether a licence is needed for the repairs you plan to do. Also check public liability insurance, vehicle cover for business use and tools, and ABN and GST registration.
Other ways to run this business
Similar home services ideas
Rubbish removal with a ute and trailer
Collect unwanted items and garden or building waste from homes, then tip it legally.
- A$1k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Smart home camera and lock installer
Fit video doorbells, wireless cameras, smart locks and simple alarms for homeowners and renters who want help.
- A$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Carpet fitter for flooring retailers
Fit carpets as a sole trader for flooring shops and builders who send you regular jobs.
- A$2.5k-9k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Rental property maintenance handyman
Fix and maintain rental homes for landlords and property managers: small repairs, touch-ups and routine upkeep.
- A$1.5k-7k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Exterior and grounds upkeep for landlords
Keep rental and investment properties tidy outside: gutters, pressure washing, fences, lawns and rubbish removal.
- A$2k-9k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
On-site Vastu consultant for homes and builders
Visit homes and building sites to advise on layout and orientation, and work with builders on new projects.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Part-time
- Out and about