Home-Based clothing alterations

Busy professionals, wedding and prom customers, parents, and people whose clothes no longer fit. Local dry cleaners and boutiques may also send overflow work.

Fixed price per job (for example per hem, zipper or taking in a seam), with rush fees for tight deadlines. Busy seasons like prom and wedding months bring more work.

• Machine and hand sewing
• Fitting and measuring garments
• Working with different fabrics
• Clear pricing and communication

• Check whether your city or county requires a home occupation permit or business license
• Check HOA or lease rules about customers visiting your home
• Consider general liability insurance and cover for customers' garments in your care
• Be careful with expensive or delicate garments; agree on the work in writing before you cut

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on your sewing equipment, supplies and workspace setup. These are estimates, so check what you already own before buying machines and tools.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on how many customers you serve, your pricing and the hours you work. These are estimates, so track your time and jobs to refine your own numbers.

Check whether your city or county requires a home occupation permit or business license, and look at HOA or lease rules about customers visiting. Consider general liability insurance and cover for customers' garments, and agree on work in writing.