Start a home-based small appliance repair business

Households, landlords, local community groups and small businesses wanting items fixed rather than replaced.

A fixed diagnostic or call-out fee plus a repair price per job, with parts added at a small margin. Safety testing can be an add-on.

• Electrical and electronics knowledge
• Fault finding and patience
• Careful safety testing
• Clear customer communication

• Public liability insurance, and ask your insurer about product liability cover for repairs
• Repairs must leave items safe, so test every item and keep records; check what competence you need
• Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to business use at home
• Some items, such as gas appliances or fixed wiring, are not small-appliance work and may need other qualifications
• Safe disposal of faulty items and old parts; check waste rules for electrical waste (WEEE)

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £2,500, depending on the tools, test equipment and insurance you choose. Treat this as an estimate and price up your own bench setup before you commit any money.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £1,800, depending on how many repairs you take on and how much time you put in. The estimate assumes from about 6 hours a week, so your results will vary.

Check you have public liability insurance and ask your insurer about product liability cover. Test every item, keep records, and check what competence you need. Also check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council must agree to business use, and the WEEE waste rules.