Home workshop musical instrument repairer

Local musicians, music teachers, parents of young players and school music departments, plus music shops that need an outside repairer.

Charge a fixed price for common jobs or an hourly labour rate, plus the cost of parts. Repeat work from teachers, bands and shops helps keep the bench busy.

• Fine hand skills and patience
• Good knowledge of at least one type of instrument
• Clear quoting and communication

• Public liability insurance, and cover for customers' instruments while they are in your care (check 'goods in your custody' cover)
• Check whether you need permission from your landlord, mortgage lender or council to work from home
• Instruments can be valuable or sentimental, so agree the work and price in writing before you start
• Using glues, solvents and finishes safely, with good ventilation

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £800 to £4,000, depending on the instruments you specialise in, the tools and workbench you need, your materials and insurance. Focusing on one instrument family can keep early costs lower.

Check public liability insurance and cover for customers' instruments in your care, known as goods in your custody cover. Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to give permission, and use glues, solvents and finishes with good ventilation.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £300 to £2,000, depending on the instruments you repair, your prices and how many customers you attract. You could start with around eight hours a week and build from there.