Home hi-fi and stereo repair bench

Private owners of vintage and modern hi-fi, record collectors and audio enthusiasts who want gear fixed instead of replaced.

A diagnostic or bench fee plus labour and parts per job. Full restorations of vintage gear are priced higher, and some owners return with more equipment.

• Electronics fault-finding
• Soldering and bench repair
• Reading circuit diagrams
• Patience and clear communication with customers

• Working on mains-powered equipment is dangerous, so get proper training and use safety equipment such as an isolation transformer
• Check with your state's electrical licensing body whether your type of repair work is covered by any licence or testing requirements
• Public liability and products or completed work insurance, as a faulty repair could cause damage or fire
• Council approval for a home-based business may be needed, so check with your local council
• Sourcing parts for older gear can be slow, so tell customers about timeframes and unrepairable items
• Keep customers' equipment safe and insured while it is in your care

Startup costs are typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on the test equipment, tools and safety gear you need. These are estimates only, so check what you already own and price your own bench setup.

Monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $2,500, depending on how many repairs you take on and your pricing. That is sales before costs, and the estimate assumes at least about 6 hours a week.

Working on mains-powered equipment is dangerous, so check training and safety gear such as an isolation transformer. Check with your state's electrical licensing body whether your repairs need a licence or testing, plus insurance and any council approval for a home business.