Home-Based hi-fi and stereo repair

Private owners of older hi-fi, vinyl and audio enthusiasts, plus second-hand dealers who need gear fixed before resale.

A diagnostic fee plus labour (hourly or fixed price per repair), with parts charged on top. Servicing and restoring a full unit can be sold as a higher-priced package.

• Electronics troubleshooting
• Careful soldering
• Reading schematics
• Patience and clear communication with customers

• Old amplifiers can hold dangerous voltages even when unplugged, so learn safe discharge and testing methods first
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether it covers customers' equipment while it is in your care
• Customers' gear can be valuable or sentimental, so record its condition on drop-off and agree a price limit before starting
• Parts for older gear can be hard to find, so be honest about what can be repaired

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $500 to $2,500, depending on the test equipment, tools and parts stock you already have. Treat this as an estimate and list the gear you would need before you buy.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $2,000, depending on how many repairs you take on and what you charge. The estimate assumes at least about 6 hours a week, so results will vary.

Old amplifiers can hold dangerous voltages even when unplugged, so learn safe discharge and testing methods first. Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence, and whether your liability insurance covers customers' equipment while in your care.