Home typewriter repair bench

Writers, hobbyists and collectors, plus small offices, legal and government clerks who still use forms, and people with a family typewriter.

A fixed price for a standard service, hourly or quoted pricing for bigger repairs, plus ribbons and small parts. Shipping is usually charged to the customer.

• Patience and fine hand skills
• Mechanical problem solving
• Clear communication with customers
• Basic photo and listing skills for finding customers online

• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and allows customer drop-offs at your address
• Ask an insurer about commercial general liability and cover for customers' machines while in your care
• Cleaning solvents and oils need good ventilation and safe storage
• Packing and shipping heavy, fragile machines can lead to damage claims, so set clear terms
• Check when you must register for GST/HST once revenue grows, and whether provincial sales tax applies in your province
• In Quebec, check French-language rules for signage and customer documents

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your tools, parts and supplies. Cleaning solvents and oils need good ventilation and safe storage, so factor that into your workshop setup.

Monthly revenue estimates typically run around $300 to $2,000, depending on how many machines you service and how you find customers. Estimates assume at least about 6 hours a week.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and allows customer drop-offs at your address. Also check insurance for customers' machines, GST/HST registration and any provincial sales tax, and French-language rules for signage and documents in Quebec.