Typewriter repair and service shop

Writers, students, collectors, creative businesses, and offices or institutions that still use typewriters for forms and labels.

Service and repair fees, ribbons and accessories, and servicing contracts for offices. Selling a few serviced machines is a common extra, but repairs are the core. Demand is niche, so revenue in the early months is often at the lower end and may not cover rent and a full wage until you build repeat and mail-in customers.

• Strong mechanical repair skills for many makes and models
• Sourcing parts and donor machines
• Customer service and pricing jobs fairly
• Basic bookkeeping

• Check zoning and business licence rules with your municipality before signing a lease
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance, including customers' machines left with you
• Demand is niche and varies by area, so make sure fixed costs are covered by a small number of steady jobs
• Register for GST/HST when required and check provincial sales tax rules
• WCB or WSIB coverage if you hire help, with rules that differ by province
• In Quebec, check French-language requirements for signs and customer paperwork

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $6,000 to $25,000, depending on your premises, tools, parts stock and insurance. Monthly revenue is estimated at roughly $3,000 to $10,000, depending on how many jobs you take.

Check zoning and business licence rules with your municipality before signing a lease. Also check commercial liability and contents insurance, including customers' machines in your care, GST/HST and provincial sales tax rules, WCB or WSIB if you hire, and Quebec French-language rules for signs and paperwork.

Demand is niche and varies by area, so make sure fixed costs are covered by a small number of steady jobs. You need strong mechanical skills across many models and about 30 hours per week at minimum, according to the estimate.