Home hi-fi and stereo repair workshop

Private owners with treasured or inherited equipment, vinyl and audio enthusiasts, and people who buy second-hand hi-fi and need it checked or restored.

A fixed diagnostic or bench fee, then labour plus parts for each repair. Full servicing and restoration of vintage kit can be priced as a package. Some repairers also resell restored equipment.

• Electronics fault-finding and soldering
• Patience and attention to detail
• Reading circuit diagrams and service manuals
• Clear communication with customers

• Public liability insurance, and check whether your home insurance covers business use
• Working with mains voltage and large capacitors can be dangerous, so get proper training and use safe practices
• Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to business use at home
• Safe disposal of electrical waste may need a registered route, check with your council
• Keep records of customers' equipment and agree in writing that some old kit may not be economic to repair

Startup costs are typically around £400 to £2,000, depending on the test equipment, tools and spare parts you buy. These are estimates, so start with the kit you need for the repairs you plan to offer.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £2,000, depending on how many repairs you take on and what they involve. These are estimates of revenue, not profit. You could start with around 6 hours a week.

Check public liability insurance and whether home insurance covers business use. Get proper training for working with mains voltage and large capacitors. Check whether your landlord, lender or council must agree to business use, and how to dispose of electrical waste.