Home-Based clothing alterations

Local individuals, plus local dry cleaners, dress shops and tailors who pass on work they do not have time for.

Fixed price per job, such as a trouser hem or zip replacement, with higher prices for lined coats, formal wear and wedding or bridesmaid dresses.

• Confident machine and hand sewing
• Accurate measuring and fitting
• Patience and attention to detail
• Clear quoting and customer service

• Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to customers visiting your home
• Consider public liability insurance, and cover for customers' garments while in your care
• Valuable items such as wedding dresses carry risk, so agree the work and price in writing and test on offcuts first
• Keep records of income and register as a sole trader with HMRC if you earn above the trading allowance

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £300 to £2,000, depending on the machines and equipment you already own and what you need to buy. You may also want public liability insurance and cover for customers' garments.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £300 to £2,200, depending on how many customers you take on and whether local dry cleaners or dress shops pass work to you. Treat this as a rough estimate.

Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to customers visiting your home. Consider public liability insurance, agree work and prices in writing for valuable items, and keep income records and register with HMRC as a sole trader if above the trading allowance.