Pinball restoration and resale

Home buyers, hobbyists, collectors and people kitting out a games room or man cave.

Profit on each machine sold after parts and your time, plus paid repair and servicing jobs for other owners.

• Basic electrical and mechanical repair
• Patience with fiddly work
• Spotting good buys and pricing fairly
• Clear photos and honest listings

• Machines are heavy and bulky, plan safe lifting, storage and delivery
• Mains-powered equipment you sell should be safe, check your duties on electrical safety and PAT testing
• Check with your landlord, mortgage lender or council before running a workshop from home
• Check the Consumer Rights Act rules on selling to consumers, including descriptions and returns
• Insurance for stock and public liability if customers visit

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on how many machines you buy, the tools and spare parts you need and your workspace set-up. These are estimates, so budget for storage and moving heavy machines.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £500 to £3,500, depending on how many machines you restore and sell and the prices you achieve. That is revenue, not profit, so factor in what you pay for machines and parts.

Check your duties on electrical safety and PAT testing for mains-powered equipment, and the Consumer Rights Act rules on descriptions and returns. Also check with your landlord, mortgage lender or council before running a workshop from home.