Alterations shop on a local main street

Walk-in customers from nearby neighborhoods and offices, plus local businesses needing uniform or garment repairs.

Per-item pricing for hems, zippers, resizing and repairs, with higher prices for formalwear and tailoring. Extra sewers can increase volume.

• Strong sewing and tailoring skills
• Customer service and fitting consultation
• Managing a lease, prices and staff

• Check city or county business license, zoning and signage rules for the location
• Lease costs are a fixed risk, so negotiate terms carefully
• General liability insurance, coverage for customers' garments and workers' compensation once you hire
• Check your state's sales tax rules for services and any goods you sell
• Skilled sewers can be hard to find, so plan how you will cover absences

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $10,000 to $40,000, depending on the location, lease terms and equipment. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on foot traffic, your prices and how many staff you have.

Check your city or county business license, zoning and signage rules for the location. Check your state's sales tax rules for services and any goods you sell. Look into general liability insurance, cover for customers' garments, and workers' compensation once you hire.

You need strong sewing and tailoring skills, customer service and fitting consultation, and the ability to manage a lease, prices and staff. Expect at least around 35 hours a week, and plan how you'll cover absences.