Glasses repair bench or kiosk

Walk-in customers with broken glasses, plus optometrists, optical shops and other retailers who send repair work your way.

Per-repair fees for walk-ins, trade rates for repairs done for other businesses, and small add-ons like cases, cleaning kits and replacement parts.

• Fine hand skills and frame repair techniques
• Customer service at the counter
• Managing a small shop, stock and rent
• Building relationships with local optical businesses

• Rent and lease terms, especially for shopping centre kiosks, can be costly; check them carefully before signing
• Public liability and contents insurance, and ask about cover for customers' glasses while in your care
• Check your state or territory rules on optical dispensing, and your local council's rules for shopfront use or signage
• Welding and soldering equipment needs safe handling and good ventilation
• Repair work can be quiet at times, so don't rely only on walk-ins

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on the premises, rent and lease terms, repair equipment such as a welder, and insurance. Check lease terms carefully before signing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on walk-in numbers, your prices and referrals from optical shops. The estimate assumes around 25 or more hours a week, and it is revenue, not profit.

Check your state or territory rules on optical dispensing and your local council's rules for shopfront use or signage. Also check public liability and contents insurance, including cover for customers' glasses, and safe handling and ventilation for welding and soldering equipment.