Scale repair and calibration workshop

Labs, schools and colleges, pharmacies, jewellers, packing firms, engineering businesses and other scale dealers who want a repair partner.

Fixed or hourly repair charges plus parts, and a fee per calibration. Regular work from dealers and businesses with several scales brings steady income.

• Electronics fault finding
• Precise, patient measurement work
• Record keeping and clear paperwork

• Calibration certificates carry weight, so check what accreditation customers expect (for example UKAS) and what you can honestly claim
• Scales used for trade have legal requirements, so check with Trading Standards and the National Measurement Office
• Working from home may need permission from your landlord, mortgage lender or council, so check before you start
• Public liability and professional indemnity insurance, plus cover for customers' equipment while it is with you
• Test weights and measuring equipment need regular checks, which adds ongoing cost
• Courier damage to precision scales, so agree packing and liability terms

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on your workshop, test weights and spares. Test weights and measuring equipment need regular checks, which adds an ongoing cost.

Check what accreditation customers expect, such as UKAS, and what you can honestly claim on certificates. Scales used for trade have legal requirements, so check with Trading Standards and the National Measurement Office. Also check permission if working from home.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on your customer mix and how much repair and calibration work you take on. The idea assumes at least around 15 hours a week.