Mobile pinball and arcade repair

Home owners with a machine, bars and cafes that host machines, and collectors who want a tune-up, pre-purchase inspection or replacement parts.

Call-out fees plus hourly labor, parts and supplies sold at a markup, and recurring service plans for venues. Some owners also pay for delivery and setup.

• Electronics and mechanical troubleshooting
• Reading schematics and manuals
• Friendly, clear customer communication
• Careful, safe handling of heavy equipment

• Check whether your state or city requires a business license for repair services
• General liability insurance is worth checking before working in other people's homes and venues
• Machines can contain mains voltage and stored charge, so learn safe practices before opening them
• Parts for older machines can be hard to find, which can delay jobs
• Check whether you need to collect sales tax on parts or labor in your state, and whether you need a seller's permit to sell parts

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your tools, parts stock and vehicle needs. Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many repair jobs and parts sales you win.

Check whether your state or city requires a business license for repair services, and whether you need a seller's permit to sell parts. Also check whether sales tax applies to parts or labor, and look into general liability insurance before working in other people's homes and venues.

Useful skills include electronics and mechanical troubleshooting, reading schematics and manuals, friendly customer communication, and safe handling of heavy equipment. Machines can contain mains voltage and stored charge, so learn safe practices first. Time is typically at least around 8 hours a week.