On-site video gear repair for studios
Visit studios, schools and production companies to fix and service their video equipment where it sits.
- C$3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A mobile repair and maintenance service for production companies, studios, schools and rental houses. You fix monitors, cameras, switchers and cabling on site, and run service checks between shoots.
Your first three steps
- Make a list of studios, rental houses and schools within driving distance and introduce yourself with a simple price sheet
- Put together a portable kit with common spare parts, cables, test equipment and a power-safe toolkit
- Offer a discounted equipment health check to two or three clients and ask for a testimonial or referral
Who pays
Production companies, post-production studios, camera rental houses, colleges, broadcasters and corporate video teams that cannot afford downtime.
How it makes money
Call-out fee plus hourly labour and parts, with optional yearly service agreements for regular equipment checks.
Skills that help
- Electronics repair on professional video gear
- Quick, calm problem solving under deadline
- Professional manner on set
- Driving and organizing tools and stock
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance, and cover for tools and customers' equipment
- Some clients may ask for proof of insurance before you can work on their premises
- Check any licence your municipality requires for mobile or home-based operation
- Warranty and manufacturer authorization rules for high-end gear
- Winter driving and keeping equipment safe in a vehicle in cold weather
- WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire help, rules vary by province
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: on-site video gear repair for studios
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 an on-site video equipment repair business?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your tools, test gear and spare stock. Monthly revenue is estimated at roughly $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many studios and productions you serve.
What insurance and rules should I check before repairing gear on site?
Check commercial general liability insurance, with cover for your tools and customers' equipment. Some clients may ask for proof of insurance before you work on their premises. Also check any municipal licence for mobile operation, and WCB/WSIB rules if you hire help.
What skills and time do I need for on-site video gear repair?
Useful skills include electronics repair on professional video gear, calm problem solving under deadline, a professional manner on set, and organizing tools and stock. Estimates suggest at least about 15 hours a week, depending on demand.
Other ways to run this business
Similar tech services ideas
Mobile photocopier repair and service contracts
Fix and maintain copiers and printers at local offices, and build a base of yearly service contracts.
- C$3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Meeting room video setup for small businesses
Set up cameras, mics and screens in small offices so video calls just work.
- C$3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile home and small business security installer
Supply and fit cameras, alarms and smart door systems at homes and small businesses in your area.
- C$2.5k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Freelance PLC and controls programmer
Program and fix control systems for factories and plants, working from home with visits to site for start-up.
- C$3k-12k
- Part-time
- From home
Local fleet GPS tracking reseller
Supply and fit GPS trackers for local trades, delivery and service firms that want to see where their vehicles are.
- C$3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Café and restaurant POS setup specialist
Supply, install and configure card terminals and till systems for cafes and restaurants, then keep them running.
- C$3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about