Screen repair shop in a small storefront

Open a walk-in shop fixing phone, tablet and laptop screens, with same-day service.

Technician replacing a cracked phone screen at a repair bench.
Startup cost$8k to $35k
Monthly revenue$4k to $20k
Time needed35+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • $8k-35k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
  • Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.

Official data

1,615 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.2% in a year

NAICS 811211 “Consumer electronics repair and maintenance”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.

What it is

A small retail unit or mall kiosk where customers walk in, get a quote and often leave with a repaired device the same day. You may add cases and screen protectors.

Your first three steps

  1. Study nearby repair shops to find a location with foot traffic and a gap in service, and compare rents for small units and kiosks
  2. Form an LLC or register as a sole proprietor, get an EIN, and check city and county license and sales tax requirements
  3. Line up reliable parts suppliers, build a price list for the most common models, and plan a simple opening promotion
Who pays

Walk-in customers of all ages, students near campuses, and local businesses sending in work devices.

How it makes money

Per-repair pricing across phones, tablets and laptops, plus add-on sales such as cases, chargers and screen protectors.

Skills that help
  • Device repair and diagnostics
  • Customer service and sales
  • Managing inventory and parts suppliers
  • Basic business finance
Watch out for
  • Lease terms, deposits and how long you are committed, so read before signing
  • Business license, sales tax registration and any zoning rules for your location
  • General liability and property insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
  • Tied-up cash in parts stock, since popular models change quickly
  • Brand rules: check that you are not misusing logos or selling parts that infringe trademarks
  • Safe handling of lithium batteries and customers' stored devices

🔒 Full research report for US

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to open a screen repair shop?

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on your location, lease deposit, tools, parts stock and fit-out. Parts inventory can tie up cash because popular models change quickly.

How much revenue can a screen repair shop make?

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your location, pricing and how many repairs and accessory sales you make. The idea assumes roughly 35 or more hours a week.

What licenses and rules should I check for a repair shop?

Check lease terms, deposits and commitment length before signing. Also check business license, sales tax registration and zoning for your location, and insurance such as general liability, property cover and workers' compensation once you hire.

Other ways to run this business

Mobile phone and tablet screen repair

Fix cracked phone and tablet screens at homes, offices and campuses while customers wait.

  • $800-4k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
1,615 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.2% in a year

Home bench screen repair by appointment

Repair phone, tablet and laptop screens from a home workbench with drop-off or mail-in jobs.

  • $300-2k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
1,615 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.2% in a year

Similar tech services ideas

Walk-in fax, copy and scan counter

Run a small storefront counter where people fax, scan and copy documents, with staff help on hand.

  • $10k-35k
  • Part-time
  • Own premises
2,264 US businesses with employees in this field, -54.2% in a year
A technician replacing a cracked screen on a smartphone at a repair counter.

Phone repair shop or kiosk

Run a small storefront or mall kiosk where walk-in customers get phones fixed while they wait.

  • $8k-35k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
1,726 US businesses with employees in this field, -11.7% in a year

Ink and toner refill storefront

Open a small shop that refills cartridges on the spot and sells ink, toner and printer supplies.

  • $8k-35k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
4,531 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.1% in a year

Hi-fi repair and restoration shop

Open a small storefront or unit that repairs, restores and services home audio equipment full time.

  • $8k-30k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
1,615 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.2% in a year

Cabling subcontractor for builders and developers

Lead a small crew that installs structured cabling in new and renovated buildings for general contractors and developers.

  • $10k-40k
  • Full-time
  • Out and about
83,342 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.8% in a year
A technician replacing a smartphone screen with small precision tools at a workbench.

Phone repair shop or mall kiosk

Open a small storefront or kiosk offering walk-in repairs on phones, tablets and more.

  • $8k-40k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
3,045 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.5% in a year

Photo: maxlenke on Pixabay

More ideas →