Home-based vacuum cleaner repairs

Households with upright, cylinder, cordless and robot vacuums, plus landlords and small offices who would rather repair than replace.

A fixed price per repair or service, plus parts. Many shops also sell used refurbished machines, bags, filters and belts.

• Basic electrical and mechanical know-how
• Patient fault-finding
• Clear, honest quotes for customers

• Public liability insurance, and check whether you need cover for products you repair or sell
• Electrical safety: consider formal training and PAT testing before returning repaired mains-powered items
• Lithium-ion batteries in cordless machines can be a fire risk, so check safe storage and handling advice
• Check with your landlord, mortgage lender or council if customers will visit your home
• Some brands' warranty or parts rules may limit what you can repair, so check before promising

Startup costs are typically around £300 to £1,500, depending on the tools, test equipment and spare parts stock you buy. These are estimates, so start with the basics and add parts as demand shows what sells.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £1,800, depending on how many repairs and services you take on and your prices. The estimate assumes at least about 6 hours a week. Revenue is not profit, so allow for parts.

Check public liability insurance and cover for products you repair or sell. Consider formal training and PAT testing before returning mains-powered items, and check safe storage of lithium-ion batteries. Check with your landlord, lender or council if customers will visit, and brand warranty rules.