Home camera and lens repair bench

Hobbyist photographers, film camera enthusiasts, collectors, second-hand camera sellers and people with a camera that has sentimental value.

A fixed quote or an hourly rate per repair job, plus a charge for parts. A diagnostic or quote fee can cover your time on jobs the customer decides not to go ahead with.

• Fine, patient hand work
• Fault finding and problem solving
• Reading service manuals and diagrams
• Clear communication with customers

• Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to running a business from home
• Public liability insurance, and cover for customers' equipment while it is in your care
• Valuable items can be damaged or lost in the post, so agree packaging and insured delivery in your terms
• Make clear that some repairs are not possible, or not worth the cost, and set out your no-fix, no-fee policy
• Static and fine dust can harm electronics and optics, so keep a clean working area

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on the tools, test equipment and workspace set-up you choose. These are estimates, so list the tools you need for the repairs you plan to offer before buying.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £2,000, depending on how many repairs you take on and how many hours you put in. That is revenue rather than profit, and the estimate assumes at least about 8 hours a week.

Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to a business at home. Also check public liability insurance, cover for customers' equipment, packaging and insured delivery terms, and set out a no-fix, no-fee policy.