Alterations and garment repair service
Hem, take in and fix dresses and garments for local customers, with quick turnaround and steady repeat work.
- $500-3k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
611 US businesses with employees in this field, -11.3% in a year
NAICS 315240 “Women's, girls', and infants' cut and sew apparel manufacturing”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
Altering ready-made dresses and garments to fit properly: hemming, taking in or letting out seams, adjusting straps and zips, and repairs. You can work from home or from a small rented space.
Your first three steps
- Check local alteration prices and write a clear price list for common jobs
- Introduce yourself to bridal shops, formalwear stores and dry cleaners about taking overflow work
- Set up a simple booking method for fittings and drop-offs, such as a phone number, a free booking tool or a social media page
Who pays
Local customers with off-the-rack formalwear, bridesmaid dresses and everyday clothing, plus bridal shops and dry cleaners that want a reliable partner.
How it makes money
A set price per type of alteration, such as a hem or a zip replacement, with higher prices for bridal and lined garments. Volume and repeat customers build income.
Skills that help
- Fast, accurate machine and hand sewing
- Fitting garments on different body shapes
- Reliable turnaround times
Watch out for
- Check whether your city or county requires a business license or home occupation permit
- Check lease or HOA rules if clients will visit your home
- Consider general liability insurance and cover for customers' garments in your care
- Keep a written record of each garment's condition on drop-off to avoid disputes
- Plan for busy peaks around prom and wedding season so deadlines are not missed
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: alterations and garment repair service
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an alterations business?
Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on the equipment you already own and whether you work from home or a small rented space. These are estimates, so compare your options first.
How much can you earn from an alterations service?
Monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,000, depending on how many garments you handle and your pricing. This is an estimate of revenue, not profit. Around 8 hours a week is a typical minimum.
What should I check before starting an alterations business?
Check whether your city or county requires a business license or home occupation permit, and lease or HOA rules if clients visit. Consider liability insurance that covers customers' garments, keep written condition records at drop-off, and plan for prom and wedding peaks.
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Photo: nebulosagrafica on Pixabay