Home workshop printer repair
Repair printers brought or posted to you, and refurbish used machines to resell.
- £300-1.5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
4,732 UK companies in this field, 23% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 95110 “Repair of computers and peripheral equipment”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small bench set up at home or in a garage where you repair printers customers drop off or send in, and refurbish second-hand machines.
Your first three steps
- Set up a clean, well-lit bench and buy a basic toolkit and a few common spare parts
- Practise on cheap second-hand printers and learn what is quick to fix and what is not worth it
- List your repair service locally and online with clear prices and turnaround times
Who pays
Households, home workers and small businesses who would rather repair than replace, plus buyers of refurbished printers.
How it makes money
Fixed or quoted repair fees plus parts, and profit on refurbished printers sold through online marketplaces or locally.
Skills that help
- Fault-finding and careful bench repair
- Sourcing parts and keeping simple records
- Online listings and customer messaging
Watch out for
- Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to business use at home
- Public liability insurance, and cover for customers' equipment while it is with you
- Consumer rights apply to repairs and to refurbished items you sell, check your obligations
- Disposing of toner, ink and electrical waste properly, check waste rules for businesses
- Postal damage risk if customers send printers in, agree packaging and liability up front
🔒 Full research report for UK
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a home printer repair business?
Startup costs are typically around £300 to £1,500, depending on the bench tools, spare parts and stock of used machines you buy. These are estimates, so work out your own budget before you spend.
How much can I earn repairing and refurbishing printers at home?
Monthly revenue is typically around £200 to £1,500, depending on how many repairs you take on and how many refurbished printers you sell. These are estimates, and income may start small while you build a customer base.
What should I check before running a printer repair business from home?
Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to business use at home. Also check public liability insurance, cover for customers' equipment, consumer rights on repairs and refurbished sales, waste rules, and who is liable for postal damage.
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