Camera and video gear repair bench

Freelance videographers, small production companies, schools and colleges, church and community media teams, and hobbyists with older kit.

A fixed diagnostic fee plus parts and labour for each repair. Repeat work from production companies and rental houses can bring steady income.

• Electronics repair and soldering
• Fault finding with a multimeter
• Patience and attention to detail
• Clear communication with customers

• Public liability insurance and cover for customers' kit while it is in your care
• Check whether your home insurance, landlord or mortgage lender allows business use
• Mains-powered and high-voltage equipment can be dangerous, so only work on items you are trained to handle
• Repairing kit may affect manufacturer warranties, so be clear with customers
• Check your duties for handling and disposing of electronic waste (WEEE rules)

Startup costs are typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on the tools, test equipment and spare parts you buy. These are estimates, so list the kit you need and price it up before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on how many repairs you take on and the kit you handle. Treat this as an estimate, and remember that parts and running costs come out of it.

Check you have public liability insurance and cover for customers' kit while in your care, and whether your home insurance, landlord or mortgage lender allows business use. Also check your WEEE duties for electronic waste, and only work on equipment you are trained to handle.