Pro video camera repair and service shop
Run a small workshop servicing cinema and broadcast cameras for production companies, rental houses and studios.
- C$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A rented workshop or unit equipped to service professional video cameras, lenses and accessories. It offers calibration, sensor cleaning, board-level repair, preventive maintenance and on-call support for productions.
Your first three steps
- Talk to local rental houses and production companies about what repairs they outsource and how fast they need them
- Price out a workshop space, test equipment and tooling, and build a monthly cost plan
- Pursue training or manufacturer service relationships for the camera brands you want to support
Who pays
Production companies, camera rental houses, broadcasters, post-production studios, universities and colleges, and working videographers.
How it makes money
Repair labour and parts, fixed-price service packages, and maintenance contracts with rental houses and studios that need fast turnaround.
Skills that help
- Advanced electronics and optics repair
- Knowledge of professional camera systems
- Business and client relationship skills
Watch out for
- Check commercial zoning, municipal business licence and lease terms for the premises
- Commercial general liability and care, custody and control insurance are important when holding expensive client gear
- Test equipment, parts inventory and a high-value stock can tie up cash for months
- Check WCB/WSIB registration requirements once you hire staff, as rules differ by province
- Work can be uneven, with busy periods around productions and quieter stretches, so plan cash flow
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: pro video camera repair and service shop
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a video camera repair shop in Canada?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the premises, test equipment and parts inventory. Equipment and high-value stock can tie up cash for months, so budget for working capital as well.
How much can a pro video camera repair shop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your client mix and how busy productions are. Work can be uneven, with busy periods and quieter stretches, so plan your cash flow carefully.
What should I check before opening a camera repair workshop in Canada?
Check commercial zoning, your municipal business licence and the lease terms for the premises. Also check commercial general liability and care, custody and control insurance, and WCB/WSIB registration once you hire staff, as rules differ by province.
Other ways to run this business
Similar tech services ideas
Cabling crew for builders and developers
Lead a small crew that wires data and phone cabling in new builds and renovations.
- C$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Security equipment shop with installation service
Run a small shop and workshop selling security kit and installing it for local homes and businesses.
- C$12k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Data recovery shop with a small lab
Run a small shop or lab where locals and businesses drop off failed drives and phones for walk-in recovery.
- C$12k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Mobile printer dealer and service
Sell, set up and repair printers and cutters for local offices and small print shops.
- C$10k-50k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Ink refill and printer supplies shop
Run a small shop that refills cartridges and sells ink, toner and paper to locals and nearby offices.
- C$12k-45k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Camera repair and servicing shop
Run a small shop that repairs, cleans and services cameras and lenses for walk-in and mail-in customers.
- C$10k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Photo: This_is_Engineering on Pixabay