Men's alterations from a home studio

Working professionals, grooms and wedding parties, and men who want off-the-rack suits to fit properly. Dry cleaners and menswear shops may also pass work on to you.

A set price per alteration, such as a hem or a jacket sleeve shortening. Rush jobs and more complex work like re-lining or jacket resizing can be priced higher.

• Hand and machine sewing
• Knowledge of men's suit construction
• Accurate measuring and fitting
• Clear communication with clients

• Home-based business licence and zoning rules, which vary by municipality, so check before taking clients at home
• Commercial general liability insurance, and cover for clients' garments while in your care
• Risk of damaging expensive fabrics, so agree prices and take notes before cutting
• Registering with your province and checking when you need a GST/HST number
• Busy peaks around wedding season and the holidays can strain your time

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $5,000, depending on your sewing equipment, how you set up your dedicated space and the insurance you choose. Skills in hand and machine sewing matter as much as equipment.

Check before taking clients at home. Home-based business licence and zoning rules vary by municipality. Also check when you need a GST/HST number, how to register with your province, and insurance that covers clients' garments while in your care.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $600 to $3,500, depending on how many clients you take and the jobs you offer. Plan on at least about 8 hours a week. Wedding season and the holidays can be busy peaks.