Antique doll restoration studio

Serious collectors, auction houses, antique dealers, museums, historical societies and private owners of valuable family pieces.

Quoted price per project based on damage and hours, plus materials. Bigger jobs and museum or dealer work bring higher fees and repeat business.

• Advanced restoration techniques such as porcelain repair and paint matching
• Knowledge of doll history, makers and materials
• Photographing and documenting work
• Quoting and managing client expectations

• Check commercial general liability and insurance for valuable items in your care and in transit
• Agree in writing what level of restoration is wanted, as over-restoring can reduce a rare doll's value
• Use courier insurance and tracking, and check customs and tax rules when shipping to or from the US
• Some materials, adhesives and paints need ventilation and safe handling, so check safety guidance
• Check your municipality for home-based business rules and GST/HST registration once past the small supplier threshold
• Work can be slow and demand varies, so plan for uneven income at first

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on your tools, restoration materials, photography setup and workspace. Treat this as an estimate and price your own supplies before committing.

Check commercial general liability and insurance for valuable items in your care and in transit. Agree in writing the level of restoration wanted, use insured and tracked courier shipping, and check customs and tax rules for US shipments, home-business rules and GST/HST registration.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the pieces you restore and your pricing. Work can be slow and demand varies, so plan for uneven income at first.