Camera Maintenance and Remote Monitoring Service

Small businesses, property managers, storage facilities, churches, schools and apartment buildings with cameras but no one to look after them.

Monthly or yearly service contracts, plus charges for repairs, upgrades and parts. Recurring contracts make income steadier than one-off installs.

• Troubleshooting electronics and networks
• Organized record keeping
• Reliable follow-up with clients
• Basic sales and quoting

• Check your state licensing board for rules covering security and low-voltage service work
• General liability insurance, and ask an agent whether you need errors and omissions cover
• Be clear in contracts that you maintain cameras but do not guarantee crime prevention
• Remote access to client systems means you must protect passwords and customer data
• Check local rules on recording, especially audio, and any notice signs required

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your diagnostic tools, spare parts, software and insurance. Much of the monitoring can be done remotely, which helps keep costs down.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many clients you sign to ongoing contracts and what you charge for repairs and check-ups. It can start at around 10 hours a week.

Check your state licensing board for rules on security and low-voltage service work. Also check general liability and errors and omissions insurance, clear contract wording, protection of client passwords and data, and local recording rules.