Mobile photocopier repair engineer

Small offices, schools, charities, solicitors and other businesses that rely on a copier but have no in-house technician.

Charge a call-out fee plus labour and parts, or sell a yearly maintenance contract with a set number of visits. Contracts give steadier income.

• Electrical and mechanical fault-finding
• Reading service manuals
• Clear, patient customer communication
• Reliable time keeping

• Public liability insurance, and check whether you also need professional indemnity cover
• Portable appliance testing (PAT) is often expected by clients, check what training or certification you need
• Safe handling of toner and electrical parts, and disposal of waste parts and toner (check waste carrier and disposal rules with your council or the Environment Agency)
• Some makers restrict access to service codes and parts, check what you can legally and practically get hold of
• You will need a reliable vehicle, and the cost of stock and parts can tie up cash

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on your tools, parts stock and vehicle. These are estimates, and parts stock can tie up cash, so budget for it.

Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how many call-outs and contracts you take on. These are estimates rather than guarantees, so treat them as a rough guide only.

Check public liability and whether you need professional indemnity cover. Also check PAT training or certification, toner and parts disposal rules with your council or the Environment Agency, and what service codes and parts you can access.