Tech service business ideas you can run from your own premises
14 ideas
These 14 ideas all rely on a physical space of your own, whether that's a small shop, a workshop unit or a mall kiosk. They suit people with some technical skill who like dealing with customers face to face and want walk-in trade.
Fibre optic trade supplier with a small unit
Run a small stocked unit where local installers collect fibre cable, connectors and tools the same day, plus delivery and online orders.
- C$25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Pro video camera repair and service shop
Run a small workshop servicing cinema and broadcast cameras for production companies, rental houses and studios.
- C$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Security equipment shop with installation service
Run a small shop and workshop selling security kit and installing it for local homes and businesses.
- C$12k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Camera repair and servicing shop
Run a small shop that repairs, cleans and services cameras and lenses for walk-in and mail-in customers.
- C$10k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small automation integrator with a workshop
Design, build and install control panels and simple robot cells for local manufacturers from a small shop unit.
- C$20k-90k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Phone repair shop
Open a small storefront or kiosk that repairs phones while customers wait, and sells accessories.
- C$8k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Data recovery shop with a small lab
Run a small shop or lab where locals and businesses drop off failed drives and phones for walk-in recovery.
- C$12k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Computer repair shop
Open a small storefront or unit for walk-in repairs, upgrades and support for locals and nearby businesses.
- C$8k-35k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Walk-in electronics repair shop
Open a small shop where people drop in for same-day fixes on phones, laptops, consoles and small appliances.
- C$10k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Walk-in screen repair shop or kiosk
Run a small shop or mall kiosk fixing screens on phones, tablets and laptops while customers wait.
- C$8k-35k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Ink refill and printer supplies shop
Run a small shop that refills cartridges and sells ink, toner and paper to locals and nearby offices.
- C$12k-45k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Walk-in fax and document counter
Run a small counter where people walk in to send and receive faxes, with scanning and copying to go with them.
- C$5k-20k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Hi-fi repair and restoration shop
Run a small workshop or shopfront that repairs, restores and resells quality audio gear.
- C$8k-35k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local telecom equipment trade counter
Run a small unit stocking phones, routers and cabling so local installers and offices can collect same day.
- C$25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
About these ideas
Examples include a phone repair shop, a data recovery shop with a small lab and a security equipment shop with installation service. Before anything else, think about location and lease terms, because rent is usually your biggest fixed cost. Check how much foot traffic you need, what tools and parts stock you must hold up front, and whether you need training or certification for the repairs you plan to offer. A kiosk can be a cheaper way to test demand than a full storefront.
Questions
Should I rent a shop or start with a kiosk?
A kiosk or small unit usually means lower rent and a quicker way to test demand, but less space for stock and workbenches. Compare lease length, rent, foot traffic and what your repairs or installs physically need before choosing.
What should I check before signing a commercial lease in Canada?
Look at the term, renewal options, rent increases, who pays for repairs and utilities, and whether zoning allows your type of business. It's worth having a lawyer review the lease, and asking your municipality about the requirements.
Do I need licences or permits to open a tech repair or service shop?
Requirements can vary by province and municipality. Check for a local business licence, sign permits, and any rules on handling electronics waste or customer data. For security installation, ask whether your province requires specific licensing.