Small-batch metal polishing from home

Hobbyists, classic car and bike owners, antique dealers, and people restoring items around the home.

Price per item, often found through online listings, local groups and word of mouth. Offering collection or postage can widen your customer base beyond your area.

• Patience and attention to detail
• Knowing which compound suits which metal
• Photographing before and after results
• Safe working habits with machines

• Check your lease, mortgage terms and home insurance before running a business from home
• Noise and dust may bother neighbours, so check with your council if unsure
• Metal dust is a fire and health risk, so plan extraction, cleaning and safe storage of rags and compounds
• Public liability insurance, plus cover for customers' items in your care
• Valuable or antique items carry the risk of damage, so agree expectations in writing first

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £500 to £2,500, depending on the bench polisher, compounds, extraction and storage you set up in your garage or outbuilding. Insurance is an extra cost to check.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £200 to £1,200, depending on the jobs you take, your pricing and your time. The estimate assumes at least about 6 hours a week, so it suits a side hustle.

Check your lease, mortgage terms and home insurance, and whether noise and dust could bother neighbours. Plan extraction, cleaning and safe storage of rags and compounds, arrange public liability cover, and agree expectations in writing for valuable items.