Watch and clock repair shop

Walk-in customers needing batteries, straps or repairs, collectors with mechanical or vintage watches, and nearby jewellers sending trade work.

Per-repair pricing, with fast walk-in jobs bringing steady footfall income and servicing, restoration and clock work bringing higher-value jobs. Selling straps and batteries adds a little extra.

• Skilled watch repair and servicing
• Customer service at the counter
• Pricing and quoting jobs
• Basic bookkeeping and stock control

• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus cover for customers' items in your care
• Check municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules for your location
• Lease terms, which can be a long commitment in a slow period
• Storing valuable watches securely, with a good receipt and tracking system for each item
• Register for GST/HST when required and check provincial rules, including WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff

Estimates typically put startup costs around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on whether you take a kiosk, shared counter or small shop, and on your tools, workbench and stock of batteries and straps.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your location, the mix of quick repairs and full servicing, and any trade work from nearby jewellers. Revenue is not profit, as rent and costs come out of it.

Check your municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules, and your lease terms. Look at liability and property insurance, including cover for customers' items in your care. Plan secure storage and tracking, and check GST/HST and WCB/WSIB rules for your province.