Mobile printer and cutter service engineer

Small print shops, sign and graphics businesses, schools, offices and copy bureaux that need quick repairs without a long wait for a manufacturer engineer.

Call-out and hourly labour charges, annual service contracts, and a mark-up on parts, inks, blades and other consumables.

• Mechanical and electrical fault-finding
• Reading service manuals
• Clear communication with busy customers

• Public liability insurance, and check whether you also need tools and stock cover
• Some manufacturers limit repairs or warranty work to authorised engineers, so check each brand's rules
• Electrical safety, including whether PAT testing or similar checks apply to your work
• Rules on handling and disposing of old equipment, toner and inks, check with your council or the Environment Agency equivalent
• Keeping parts stock affordable so cash is not tied up

Startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £8,000, depending on your tools, vehicle and how much parts stock you hold. These are estimates, so keep stock affordable so cash is not tied up.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on how many customers you serve and the parts you supply. This is an estimate, and the idea assumes at least about 15 hours a week.

Check insurance, including public liability, tools and stock cover. Some manufacturers limit repairs or warranty work to authorised engineers, so check each brand. Also check electrical safety, such as PAT testing, and rules on disposing of old equipment, toner and inks.