Pinball restore and resell from your garage

Collectors, families building a game room, and hobbyists who want a working machine but not the repair work.

The margin between what you pay for a machine and your selling price after parts and labor. Add-ons include delivery fees, setup, and a service plan.

• Basic electronics and mechanical repair
• Spotting good deals on used machines
• Patient, careful cleaning and restoring
• Clear communication with buyers

• Check whether your city or county allows selling or storing inventory at home, and your HOA or lease rules
• Check whether you need a state sales tax permit and how resale certificates work for parts
• Machines are heavy and awkward, so plan for a dolly, helpers and a suitable vehicle to avoid injury
• Tied-up cash: slow-selling machines can sit in your space for months
• Check your insurance for stored stock and for delivery or setup in customers' homes

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many machines you buy and what tools you need. Monthly revenue is typically around $1,200 to $6,000, depending on how quickly machines sell.

Check whether your city or county allows selling or storing inventory at home, plus your HOA or lease rules. Also check whether you need a state sales tax permit, how resale certificates work for parts, and your insurance for stored stock and deliveries.

Useful skills include basic electronics and mechanical repair, spotting good deals on used machines, patient cleaning and restoring, and clear communication with buyers. Time is typically at least around 8 hours a week, depending on how many machines you work on.