Mobile commercial microwave repair

Cafes, takeaways, pubs, school and office kitchens, care homes and catering companies, along with some households.

A call-out fee plus labour and parts. Planned service visits or maintenance agreements with regular business customers give steadier income.

• Electrical and electronics fault-finding
• Safe working with high-voltage components
• Reliable, punctual customer service
• Route and appointment planning

• Public liability insurance, plus cover for your tools, van and the work you carry out
• High-voltage hazards inside microwaves, so only work within your training and always discharge and test properly
• Commercial kitchens may expect proof of insurance and qualifications, and some may ask for electrical testing records
• Check whether the work you do is covered by any electrical competency or portable appliance testing standards customers ask for
• Check the rules for carrying and disposing of old units and parts, as waste carrier registration may apply
• Repair can be uneconomic for cheap units, so quote clearly before starting work

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on your van, tools and insurance. Cover for your tools, van and the work you carry out is worth checking before you start taking call-outs.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how many commercial customers you serve and how many call-outs you can fit in. These are estimates of revenue, not profit, and repair can be uneconomic for cheap units.

Check public liability insurance and cover for tools, van and work. Only work within your training on high-voltage parts, expect commercial kitchens to ask for proof of insurance and qualifications, and check whether waste carrier registration applies to old units.