Mail-In doll restoration and repair

Collectors, auction buyers, antique dealers, small museums and historical societies, and families with inherited dolls.

Fixed or quoted fees per restoration, with higher prices for specialist work such as bisque head repair, plus charges for parts and insured return shipping.

• Advanced doll repair techniques
• Photography for before-and-after records
• Customer service and clear written quotes
• Packing fragile items safely

• Shipping risk: fragile dolls can break in transit, so check carrier insurance and use sturdy packing
• Check with your state about sales tax on repair services, as rules differ by state
• Ask an insurer about covering customers' items while in your care
• Keep written records and photos of each doll's condition on arrival
• Museums and institutions may expect documented, reversible conservation methods, so learn what they require before offering that work

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your tools, website, photography setup and packing supplies. These are estimates, not guarantees, so build up your setup as orders come in.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many dolls you take in, the repairs needed and your pricing. This is an estimate, and shipping and materials costs come out of it.

Check carrier insurance and use sturdy packing, since fragile dolls can break in transit. Check your state's sales tax rules on repair services, ask an insurer about covering customers' items, and keep written records and photos of each doll's condition on arrival.