Home spectacle repair by post

People with broken glasses who want a quick, cheaper fix, plus independent opticians, charity shops and market traders who don't repair in-house.

Fixed price per repair, usually a few pounds for simple jobs and more for frame repairs, plus postage. Trade work for local shops adds steady volume.

• Steady hands and patience for fine work
• Good eyesight and attention to detail
• Customer service and clear communication

• Public liability insurance, and check if you need cover for customers' items in your care
• Titles such as 'optician' and 'dispensing optician' are protected, so check General Optical Council rules before describing your service
• Check any rules on supplying glasses to children or people with sight impairment before offering more than repairs
• Risk of breaking a customer's glasses, so agree what you will do in that case and say so up front
• Check with your landlord, lender or council if customers will visit your home

Startup costs are typically around £300 to £2,000, depending on the tools, supplies and insurance you choose. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at £200 to £1,500, depending on how much work you take in by post, drop-off or local shops.

Check that you have public liability insurance, and whether you need cover for customers' items in your care. Also check General Optical Council rules, as titles such as 'optician' and 'dispensing optician' are protected, before describing your service.

Estimates suggest from around 6 hours a week, depending on how much work you take on. Steady hands, patience, good eyesight and clear communication with customers matter most. Agree up front what happens if a customer's glasses break during repair.