Bookbinding and restoration workshop

Public and university libraries, archives, historical societies, small publishers, self-published authors and collectors.

Per-item pricing for rebinding and repairs, per-copy pricing for short print runs, and ongoing contracts with institutions that send batches regularly.

• Advanced binding and book repair techniques
• Understanding of paper, leather and conservation materials
• Quoting, scheduling and handling batch orders
• Building relationships with institutional buyers

• Institutions often need commercial general liability insurance, and may ask for proof before awarding work
• Public bodies may use tenders or approved supplier lists, so check how local libraries and universities buy services
• Check zoning for workshop use and the lease terms for any commercial unit
• Check WCB or WSIB rules in your province if you hire help
• Specialist equipment and materials can be costly, so avoid buying heavy machinery before you have steady work
• Winter shipping delays can affect deliveries of materials and finished work

Estimated startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on equipment, materials and workshop rent. Specialist equipment can be costly, so avoid buying heavy machinery before you have steady work.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how much repeat institutional and short-run work you win. The estimate assumes from about 25 hours a week in the workshop.

Check zoning for workshop use and the lease terms on any commercial unit. Institutions often want proof of commercial general liability insurance, and public bodies may use tenders or approved supplier lists. Check WCB or WSIB rules in your province if you hire help.