Home bench jewelry repair for local stores

Local jewelry stores, pawn shops and antique dealers that outsource repairs, plus individuals who find you online or by referral.

Per-job fees, such as a set price for a resize or clasp replacement. Trade work gives steady repeat volume, and direct customers pay higher prices per job.

• Steady hands and fine detail work
• Basic bench jeweler skills such as soldering and sizing
• Careful handling of valuable items
• Reliable turnaround times

• Insurance that covers customers' items in your care, since standard general liability may not (ask about a jewelers block or bailee policy)
• Home occupation permit, zoning, HOA or lease rules, and whether clients may visit your home
• Fire safety and ventilation when using torches, acids and polishing compounds
• Check your state's sales tax rules on repair services
• Risk of damaging or losing valuable pieces: document each item with photos and a signed intake form
• Security of stock and customer items, including safe storage

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your bench tools, security and insurance. Check how you will store stock and customer items safely, since security and secure storage matter in this trade.

Check for a home occupation permit, zoning, HOA or lease rules, and whether clients may visit your home. Also check insurance for customers' items in your care, fire safety and ventilation, and your state's sales tax rules on repairs.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how much trade work you win from local stores and how many direct customers you get. Document each item with photos and a signed intake form.