Mobile furniture repair and touch-up business

Homeowners, landlords, letting agents, hotels, offices and furniture shops with delivery damage.

A call-out price or hourly rate per job, plus materials. Trade work for shops and agents can bring repeat jobs.

• Practical repair skills with wood, veneer or leather
• Colour matching and finishing
• Quoting and customer service

• Public liability insurance, and check whether cover for working in customers' homes is included
• Risk of making damage worse on valuable or antique pieces, be clear about what you can and cannot fix
• Check storage and safe use of solvents, polishes and finishes
• Check vehicle insurance covers business use and carrying tools

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £500 to £3,000, depending on your vehicle, tools, repair materials, insurance and how much marketing you do. Treat this as a rough guide and cost your own kit and setup before you begin.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £600 to £3,500, depending on how many hours you work, the jobs you take on and whether you serve landlords, letting agents and hotels as well as homeowners. This is revenue before fuel, materials and insurance.

Check public liability insurance, including whether cover for working in customers' homes is included, and that your vehicle insurance covers business use and carrying tools. Also check safe storage and use of solvents, polishes and finishes, and be clear about what you cannot fix on valuable pieces.