Online typewriter repair and restoration

Writers and students wanting a working typewriter, collectors, offices and gift buyers, as well as owners of machines far from any local repairer.

Repair fees plus parts and postage, and sale of restored machines, ribbons and accessories at a margin over what you paid and spent restoring them.

• Mechanical repair and restoration
• Photography and writing for online listings
• Careful packing and customer communication

• Australian Consumer Law applies to goods you sell, so check your warranty and returns wording with Consumer Affairs or the ACCC
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus cover for machines in transit
• Typewriters are heavy and fragile, so damage in the post is a real risk
• Check council rules for running a business from home if you work from a home workshop
• Register for an ABN, and check when GST registration applies

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your tools, parts, packing materials and the secondhand machines you buy to restore. Insurance and website costs will also affect where you land in that range.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $600 to $3,000, depending on repair volume and how many restored machines you sell. This is revenue before costs. Plan for around 10 hours a week at minimum.

Check how Australian Consumer Law applies to goods you sell, including your warranty and returns wording, with Consumer Affairs or the ACCC. Also check public and product liability insurance, cover for machines in transit, council rules for home workshops, and ABN and GST.