Microscope and telescope repair workshop

Hobby astronomers, microscope owners, schools, small labs, clinics, collectors and local camera or hobby shops that pass work on.

A quoted fee per repair or service, plus parts. Inspection and quote fees, recalibration and annual servicing for regular clients add repeat work.

• Fine hand work and patience
• Understanding of optics and mechanics
• Clear quoting and record keeping

• Commercial general liability insurance, and cover for customers' instruments while in your care
• Some municipalities require a home-based business licence, check with yours
• Labs may ask for formal calibration certificates, check what accreditation they need before promising this
• Servicing medical or clinical equipment may have extra requirements, check with Health Canada before taking this work on
• Valuable or antique instruments carry risk, agree limits in writing and photograph items on arrival
• Solvents and cleaning chemicals need safe storage and ventilation

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on the tools and equipment you buy and the jobs you take on. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many drop-off and mail-in jobs you complete and what you charge.

Check commercial general liability insurance, cover for customers' instruments in your care, and whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence. Also check Health Canada requirements before servicing medical or clinical equipment, and safe storage and ventilation for solvents and cleaning chemicals.

Fine hand work and patience, an understanding of optics and mechanics, and clear quoting and record keeping help most. Time needed is estimated at a minimum of around 8 hours a week, depending on how many jobs you take on.