Home workshop washer and dryer repair

Households wanting a cheaper repair, landlords with several machines, and buyers of refurbished appliances.

Bench repair charges plus parts, and the margin on refurbished machines sold through online marketplaces.

• Fault finding and basic electrical know-how
• Patience with testing and cleaning machines
• Pricing secondhand stock

• Council rules on home-based businesses, noise, storage and customer visits
• Rules differ by state and territory: check with your electrical safety regulator whether any licence or registration applies to appliance repair, and what testing is required before selling refurbished electrical goods
• Gas dryers and any fixed wiring or plumbing work usually need a licensed tradesperson, so stick to plug-in bench repairs unless you are qualified
• Public liability and product liability insurance, especially if you sell refurbished machines
• Safe disposal of old machines and parts, so check local waste rules
• Lifting heavy machines, so use a trolley and get help

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your tools, bench setup and parts stock. Get your own quotes for equipment and insurance before you commit.

Monthly revenue is an estimate, typically around $600 to $3,000, depending on how many repairs and refurbished machines you sell. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours a week.

Check council rules on home-based businesses, including noise, storage and customer visits. Check with your electrical safety regulator whether any licence applies and what testing is needed before selling refurbished electrical goods. Gas dryers and fixed wiring usually need a licensed tradesperson.