Glass repair shop with workshop
Run a small shop or unit where customers bring glass, and you cut, repair and fit it on site or on the road.
- $15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
6,945 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.8% in a year
NAICS 238150 “Glass and glazing contractors”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small unit with a cutting bench and glass storage, handling custom cut glass, mirrors, tabletops, screens, shower panels and window repairs. You can fit glass at customer sites as well as serving walk-in customers.
Your first three steps
- Work for an established glass shop or complete a glazing apprenticeship to build cutting and fitting experience
- Price out small commercial units and cutting equipment, and compare with leasing used gear
- Build relationships with contractors, property managers and insurers, and check local zoning rules for the unit before you sign a lease
Who pays
Homeowners, contractors, property managers, interior designers and small businesses.
How it makes money
Charges for cut glass and materials, fitting labor and repairs, with steady extra income from regular contractor and property manager accounts.
Skills that help
- Glass cutting and finishing
- Estimating jobs and pricing materials
- Managing stock, suppliers and a small team
Watch out for
- Check your state licensing board and city or county on contractor or glazing licenses, and any local business license
- Zoning and lease terms for workshop use, and sales tax registration with your state if you sell taxable goods
- General liability, commercial property and commercial auto insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
- Heavy sheets of glass and sharp edges, so use safe lifting equipment and storage and check OSHA guidance
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: glass repair shop with workshop
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 open a glass repair shop?
Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your unit, cutting equipment and glass storage. Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on location, how many trade customers you win and whether you fit on site.
What licenses and rules apply to a glass workshop?
Check your state licensing board and city or county on contractor or glazing licenses, and any local business license. Also check zoning and lease terms for workshop use, and sales tax registration with your state if you sell taxable goods.
What safety and insurance issues should I plan for?
Heavy sheets of glass and sharp edges are the main risks, so use safe lifting equipment and storage and check OSHA guidance. Also check general liability, commercial property and commercial auto insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire.
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