Send-and-receive fax service from home

Individuals dealing with an organisation that insists on fax, small businesses without a machine, and people who are not comfortable with email.

A fixed fee per fax or per batch of pages, with extras for scanning, printing, posting copies or a monthly arrangement for regular senders.

• Careful and reliable with other people's documents
• Basic computer and scanner skills
• Clear, patient customer service

• Demand for fax is limited and may be shrinking, so treat this as a small niche or an add-on service
• You will handle sensitive documents, so check your data protection duties under UK GDPR and whether you need to pay the ICO data protection fee
• Consider professional indemnity and public liability insurance
• Check whether your landlord or mortgage lender allows customers or business activity at your home
• Work out your costs per fax so your fees cover line rental or online service charges

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £150 to £750, depending on the scanner and equipment you use and whether you choose a phone line or an online fax service. Work out your cost per fax so your fees cover ongoing charges.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £150 to £750, depending on how many customers you attract and what you charge. Demand for fax is limited and may be shrinking, so treat it as a small niche or an add-on service.

You will handle sensitive documents, so check your data protection duties under UK GDPR and whether you need to pay the ICO data protection fee. Consider professional indemnity and public liability insurance, and check whether your landlord or mortgage lender allows business activity at home.