Home-based clothing alterations business

Local people with clothes that don't quite fit, wedding and prom guests, parents of school-age children, and dry cleaners or shops that need a sewing partner.

Fixed price per job, such as a hem or a zip replacement, with higher prices for lined garments, jackets and formal wear. Rush jobs can carry a small extra charge.

• Confident hand and machine sewing
• Accurate measuring and fitting
• Patience and attention to detail
• Clear, friendly communication

• Check whether your tenancy, mortgage or council allows running a business from home, especially with customers visiting
• Public liability insurance, and cover for customers' garments in your care
• Valuable or delicate items such as wedding dresses, so agree work clearly in writing and be honest about what you can do
• Register as a sole trader with HMRC once you start trading

Startup costs are typically around £300 to £1,800, depending on the equipment you already own and what you need to buy. These are estimates, so list your machines, supplies and insurance before setting a budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £1,800, depending on how many hours you work, the jobs you take on and how many local customers you attract. The estimate starts from around 8 hours a week.

Check whether your tenancy, mortgage or council allows a business at home, especially with customers visiting. Also look at public liability insurance, cover for garments in your care, and registering as a sole trader with HMRC once you start trading.