Home-Based sewing machine repair bench

Home sewers, quilters, dressmakers, hobby groups, and local fabric stores that need a repair partner.

A flat fee for a standard service plus parts and labour for bigger repairs. Repeat customers bring machines in every year or two.

• Mechanical aptitude and patience
• Fine, careful hand work
• Clear communication with customers
• Basic record keeping

• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and what zoning allows for customer drop-offs
• Commercial general liability insurance, and cover for customers' machines while in your care
• Some brands restrict access to parts or service manuals, so check what you can source
• Register with your province and check when you need a GST/HST number
• Set a clear policy on uncollected machines and on repairs that cost more than the machine is worth

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on your tools, workbench setup and the parts you stock. Treat these as estimates and price your own equipment list before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $400 to $2,500, depending on how many machines you service, your pricing and whether you work with local fabric stores. That is revenue before your own costs.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and what zoning allows for customer drop-offs. Also check liability insurance and cover for customers' machines, provincial registration, when you need a GST/HST number, and brand limits on parts or manuals.