Sewing Machine Shop with Repairs

Hobby sewers, quilters, dressmakers, students, small clothing makers and people buying a first machine.

Profit on machine and accessory sales, flat-rate servicing and repairs, and paid classes. Repairs and lessons bring customers back and help smooth out slow months.

• Sewing and a good knowledge of machines
• Basic mechanical repair and tuning
• Friendly, patient customer service
• Stock buying and cash flow

• Brand dealer agreements may set minimum orders, display rules or exclusive areas, so read them carefully
• Check municipal business licence and zoning rules for retail premises
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance, plus insurance on customers' machines left for repair
• Register for GST/HST (and PST or QST where it applies) once you pass the threshold
• Stock ties up cash, so start small and avoid ordering too many machines
• Slower sales are possible in summer, and competition from online sellers and big-box stores

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on premises, how much stock you buy and dealer agreement terms. Stock ties up cash, so starting small and avoiding ordering too many machines can help.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on machine sales, repairs, accessories and lessons. Summer can be slower, and competition from online sellers and big-box stores may affect sales.

Check brand dealer agreements for minimum orders, display rules or exclusive areas, and your municipal business licence and zoning rules. Also check GST/HST (and PST or QST where it applies), and insurance including customers' machines left for repair.