Microscope and telescope repair from home

Hobby astronomers, amateur naturalists, schools, clubs, second-hand dealers and families with inherited or older instruments.

A fixed fee for common jobs such as a clean and service, or a quote after inspection for bigger repairs, plus a charge for parts and return postage.

• Fine, patient hand work
• Understanding of basic optics and mechanics
• Clear communication and quoting
• Careful record keeping

• Public liability insurance, and check whether your policy covers customers' items in your care (goods in your custody)
• Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to a home workshop
• Risk of damaging valuable or sentimental instruments, so agree what you will and will not attempt before starting
• Insured postage for items sent to you and returned, and clear terms on lost or damaged parcels
• Some parts are hard to source for older or unbranded instruments, so be upfront about this when quoting

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £500 to £2,500, depending on tools, workspace set-up and insurance. Check whether your policy covers customers' items in your care (goods in your custody).

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £200 to £1,500, depending on how many repairs you take on and the types of instrument. Be upfront when quoting, as some parts are hard to source for older or unbranded instruments.

Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to a home workshop. Also check public liability cover, insured postage for items sent to you, and clear terms on lost or damaged parcels.