Home-Based sewing machine repair and resale

Home sewers, quilters, students, craft groups and anyone with an old machine that needs fixing.

Flat fees for servicing and repairs, plus profit on refurbished machines. Some people also offer drop-off at a partner fabric store or a pickup service.

• Mechanical aptitude and patience
• Sewing knowledge to test machines properly
• Clear communication about repair costs
• Basic online listing and photography

• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence or has zoning limits on customers visiting
• Check your home insurance covers business use and customers' machines, and consider commercial general liability
• Electrical safety when testing and repairing machines
• Spare parts can be hard to source for older or discontinued models
• Set clear quotes and storage terms so unclaimed machines do not pile up
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on tools, spare parts, workshop setup and how many used machines you buy to refurbish. Your own setup will affect where you land in that range.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on repair volume and how many refurbished machines you sell locally or online. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence or limits customer visits. Also check that your home insurance covers business use and customers' machines, electrical safety when testing, and GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold.