Leather repair and restoration shop

Walk-in customers, office workers, shoppers, and people with designer or heirloom pieces, plus local boutiques that need repairs for customers.

Per-job repair fees, with higher-value work for restoration and re-dyeing. Add-ons such as cleaning, conditioning and waterproofing build the average ticket.

• Leatherwork and shoe repair techniques
• Using stitching and finishing machines
• Customer service and quoting
• Basic bookkeeping and managing a lease

• Commercial lease terms and the cost of rent compared with likely repair volume
• Commercial general liability insurance, and cover for customers' goods in your care
• Check municipal business licence, signage and zoning rules, and your provincial rules on registering a business name
• Workplace safety for machinery and chemicals, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire, as rules differ by province
• Slow winter or summer periods, so keep cash in reserve

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $10,000 to $40,000, depending on the premises, equipment and stock you need. Check commercial lease terms and the cost of rent compared with the repair volume you are likely to see.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on foot traffic, the repair volume you handle and your pricing. Slow winter or summer periods can affect income, so keep some cash in reserve.

Check your municipal business licence, signage and zoning rules, and your provincial rules on registering a business name. Also check commercial general liability insurance, workplace safety for machinery and chemicals, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire.