Home luggage and bag repair workshop

Frequent travellers, families, students, and owners of good-quality luggage who would rather repair than replace. Also local travel agents and bag retailers who need a repair partner.

A fixed price per repair, such as a zip replacement or wheel set, plus parts. Quotes from photos by email or text help you screen jobs before customers drop off or mail items.

• Hand and machine sewing
• Practical problem-solving with fiddly parts
• Clear quoting and customer service

• Check with your municipality whether you need a home-based business licence or if zoning allows customer drop-offs
• Commercial general liability insurance, and check your home insurance covers business use and stock
• Airline and brand warranties may cover some damage, so be clear with customers what you can and cannot fix
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs typically sit around $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the sewing equipment, parts and tools you buy. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $2,500, depending on how many repairs you take and partner referrals.

Check with your municipality whether you need a home-based business licence or if zoning allows customer drop-offs. Also check commercial general liability insurance, whether your home insurance covers business use and stock, and GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold.

The idea calls for hand and machine sewing, practical problem-solving with fiddly parts, and clear quoting and customer service. Estimates suggest at least about 8 hours a week. Be clear about what you can and cannot fix, as airline and brand warranties may cover some damage.