Restored typewriters and ribbons online

Writers, collectors, students, gift buyers and small businesses wanting a working typewriter or fresh ribbons.

Profit on each restored machine, plus margin on ribbons and accessories, and a fee for servicing or repairing customers' own typewriters.

• Patient hands-on repair work
• Mechanical know-how, learned from guides or practice
• Clear photos and honest listings

• Check Australian Consumer Law obligations for selling second-hand goods and what you must say about condition
• Typewriters are heavy and fragile, so check carrier size limits and insurance for shipping
• Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a business from home
• You need an ABN, and check when GST registration applies as your sales grow
• Parts can be hard to find, so build up a stock of donor machines

Startup costs are typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many machines you buy, the tools and supplies you need and what you spend on ribbons and cases. Parts can be hard to find, so donor machines help.

Monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $2,500, depending on how many machines you restore and sell, and whether you also take in repairs. This is revenue before costs. Plan on at least about 6 hours a week.

Check Australian Consumer Law obligations for second-hand goods and what you must say about condition. Check carrier size limits and insurance for shipping heavy, fragile machines. Check with your council about running a business from home, and your ABN and GST.