Home-based alterations and clothing repair

Busy adults, parents, people buying formalwear or wedding outfits, and local dry cleaners or boutiques that outsource sewing.

Fixed price per job (for example a hem or zipper replacement), with higher prices for formalwear and rush work. Drop-offs and pickups can be booked by appointment.

• Machine and hand sewing
• Fitting and measuring garments
• Patience and attention to detail
• Clear communication about price and timing

• Home-based business licence or zoning rules, check with your municipality
• Commercial general liability insurance, and cover for customers' garments in your care
• Risk of damaging expensive items, agree the work and price first and decline jobs outside your skill
• Registering a Business Number and charging GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold

Estimates put startup costs at typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on the machines, tools and workspace set-up you need. Working from a dedicated corner at home keeps costs lower than renting premises.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $400 to $2,500, depending on the jobs you take, your prices and how many customers you attract. The estimate assumes at least 8 hours a week, and results will vary.

Check home-based business licence or zoning rules with your municipality, and commercial general liability insurance including cover for customers' garments. Also check Business Number and GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold, and agree work and price before starting.