Clothing alterations and repairs

Local people with clothes that don't fit well, brides and wedding parties, and customers who prefer repairing to replacing.

A set price per job, such as a hem or zip replacement, with higher prices for complex work like bridal alterations. Lots of small jobs add up, and repeat customers help.

• Hand and machine sewing
• Fitting and pinning garments
• Working with different fabrics
• Reliable turnaround times

• Public liability insurance, and check whether cover is needed for customers' garments in your care
• Valuable items such as wedding dresses: agree what you are responsible for in writing
• If you rent a unit or shop, check the lease, business rates and any planning use requirements with your council
• Check your landlord or mortgage lender allows business use if working from home
• Pricing: small jobs can take longer than expected, so set a minimum charge

Startup costs are typically around £300 to £4,000, depending on whether you work from home or rent a small unit, and on the equipment you buy. These are estimates, so check lease and business rates costs if you rent premises.

Monthly revenue is typically around £400 to £2,800, depending on how many jobs you take and your prices. Small jobs can take longer than expected, so a minimum charge helps. This is an estimate of revenue, not profit.

Check public liability insurance and whether you need cover for customers' garments, and agree in writing what you are responsible for with valuable items such as wedding dresses. If renting a unit, check the lease, business rates and planning use with your council.