Home workshop tool repair

Local tradespeople, keen DIYers, landlords, small building firms and community groups such as men's sheds.

A fixed fee or hourly rate per repair or service, plus parts at a small mark-up. Repeat work from tradespeople who need quick turnarounds builds steady income.

• Basic electrical and mechanical know-how
• Careful fault-finding
• Tidy record keeping
• Clear communication with customers

• Public liability insurance, and check whether cover is needed for tools left in your care
• Electrical safety: consider training or a qualification in testing and inspection before returning tools to customers
• Check whether home use, noise and customer visits are allowed by your lease, mortgage or council
• Warranty repairs for big brands may need authorised status, which you may not get at first
• Be careful with batteries and charging, and check fire safety and storage

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on the test equipment, spare parts and workshop set-up you need. A garage or outbuilding you already have can help keep costs down.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £300 to £2,000, depending on how many repairs you take on, your pricing and the hours you put in. Tradespeople who rely on their tools can become regular customers.

Check public liability insurance, including cover for tools left in your care, and consider training in electrical testing and inspection. Also check your lease, mortgage or council allows home use, and take care with battery charging and storage.