Home workshop AV repair bench

Musicians and DJs, churches, community groups, schools, small businesses and hobbyists with gear that is worth fixing.

A diagnostic fee plus labour and parts per repair. Some owners add a small mark-up on parts and offer a flat rate for common jobs like projector lamp swaps.

• Electronics troubleshooting
• Soldering and basic component repair
• Reading schematics and service manuals
• Clear communication about repair costs

• Check with your municipality whether a home-based business licence or zoning approval is needed
• Commercial general liability insurance, plus cover for customers' equipment while in your care
• Mains-powered and high-voltage parts such as amplifiers and projector power supplies can be dangerous, so get proper training
• Warranty and liability: be clear in writing about what you will and will not guarantee
• Check how to dispose of old electronics and lamps (some contain mercury) in your province

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on the test equipment, tools and spare parts you buy. Starting with the gear you already own and adding equipment as jobs come in can help keep the early outlay down.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on how many repairs you take on, the types of equipment you fix and what you charge. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours a week. Revenue is before costs and tax.

Check with your municipality about a home-based business licence or zoning approval, and ask about commercial general liability cover, including customers' equipment in your care. Get proper training for high-voltage parts, be clear in writing about guarantees, and check how to dispose of old electronics and lamps in your province.