Typewriter market stall and repair service

Sell restored typewriters and ribbons at markets and fairs, and take in repairs from people who stop by.

Vintage typewriters and ribbons displayed for sale in a shop.
Startup costA$1.5k to A$6k
Monthly revenueA$700 to A$3.5k
Time needed10+ h/week
First incomeWeeks
  • A$1.5k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

A stall at vintage markets, makers' markets and book fairs showing working typewriters, ribbons and accessories, with servicing and repairs done from your workshop at home.

Your first three steps

  1. Restore a starter stock of five to ten machines and price them by checking comparable listings
  2. Contact local vintage and makers' markets about stall fees and waiting lists
  3. Set up a simple sign, test-typing paper and a booking sheet for repairs
Who pays

Collectors, writers, creatives, gift shoppers and browsers who like to try a machine before buying.

How it makes money

Sales of restored typewriters, ribbons and accessories at the stall, plus repair and service fees from customers who bring their own machines.

Skills that help
  • Basic typewriter repair and cleaning
  • Friendly selling and chatting to customers
  • Setting up and packing down a stall
Watch out for
  • Markets often ask for public liability insurance, so check requirements before booking
  • Check whether your council or the market organiser needs a permit or trader registration
  • Check Australian Consumer Law obligations on second-hand goods
  • Income depends on foot traffic and weather, so try a few different markets
  • You need an ABN, and check when GST registration applies

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: typewriter market stall and repair service

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
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a typewriter market stall?

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on how many machines and ribbons you stock, your stall setup and your repair tools. Trying a few different markets can help you find where your stock sells best.

How much can a typewriter market stall earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around $700 to $3,500, depending on the markets you attend, your stock and repair work. Income depends on foot traffic and weather. This is revenue, not profit. Plan on at least about 10 hours a week.

What do I need to check before running a market stall in Australia?

Markets often ask for public liability insurance, so check requirements before booking. Check whether your council or the market organiser needs a permit or trader registration. Also check Australian Consumer Law on second-hand goods, and your ABN and GST.

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Photo: AnnieSpratt on Pixabay

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