Camera Repair Shop with a Storefront

Local photographers, students, schools, wedding and event photographers, and consumers with broken or neglected cameras.

Fees per repair or service plus parts. Sales of used gear, batteries, straps and cleaning kits can add to repair income.

• Camera and lens repair experience
• Diagnosing faults and quoting accurately
• Customer service and basic bookkeeping

• Check your city or county business license, zoning and sales tax registration requirements, especially if you sell used gear or accessories
• General liability and property insurance, plus cover for customer equipment held in the shop, and workers' compensation once you hire
• Rent and equipment costs need steady repair volume, so test demand before signing a long lease
• Warranty and liability for failed repairs: use written terms and keep records of each job

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on rent, equipment and stock. Monthly revenue is estimated at roughly $3,000 to $15,000, but rent and equipment costs need steady repair volume, so test demand before signing a long lease.

Check your city or county business license, zoning and sales tax registration requirements, especially if you sell used gear or accessories. Also check general liability and property insurance, cover for customer equipment in the shop, and workers' compensation once you hire.

Typically camera and lens repair experience, diagnosing faults and quoting accurately, and customer service with basic bookkeeping. Plan on roughly 30 hours a week at minimum, as an estimate. Use written warranty terms and keep records of each job.