Mobile phone and tablet screen repair business

Busy professionals, students, parents, and small offices with several company devices.

Flat price per repair based on device model and screen type, plus a call-out fee or minimum for travel. Repeat business comes from offices and referrals.

• Steady hands and patience
• Comfortable with small electronics
• Customer service
• Basic bookkeeping

• General liability insurance, and ask whether it covers damage to customers' devices
• Check your city or county for a business license or any rules on mobile service businesses
• Quality of parts: poor screens cause complaints, so offer a short warranty
• Data privacy: customers' phones hold personal information, so set clear rules on how you handle devices
• Some manufacturers' warranties may be affected by third-party repairs, so tell customers up front

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on your vehicle, tools, parts stock and insurance. Using a car you already own and buying parts as jobs come in would sit toward the lower end.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many hours you work, your pricing and how much demand you find. The idea assumes at least about 10 hours a week.

Check that you have general liability insurance and ask whether it covers damage to customers' devices. Also check your city or county for a business license or mobile service rules, and tell customers upfront that third-party repairs may affect manufacturer warranties.