Doll repair: restringing, wigs and clothing

Families with heirloom or childhood dolls, casual collectors, and antique or vintage shop owners who need pieces made display-ready.

A fixed price per repair type or an hourly rate, plus materials. Return customers and referrals from antique dealers keep work coming in.

• Fine hand sewing and craft skills
• Patience and attention to detail
• Knowing doll types and materials
• Clear communication with sentimental owners

• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and whether zoning allows customers to drop off items
• Dolls can be valuable or sentimental, so check commercial general liability and insurance for items in your care
• Old dolls may contain old paints, adhesives or materials, so use good ventilation and avoid work you are not trained for
• Write clear terms covering what you will and will not repair, so you do not damage a rare piece
• Check GST/HST registration once your revenue passes the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $300 to $1,500, depending on the tools, materials and workspace setup you need. Treat this as an estimate, and keep your range of repairs to what you are trained to do.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $1,500, depending on how many repairs you take on and what you charge. It suits part-time work, and clear written terms about what you will repair help avoid disputes.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and whether zoning allows customer drop-offs. Also check liability insurance for items in your care, ventilation for old paints and adhesives, and GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold.