Sewing machine shop with repair bench

Hobby sewers, quilters, students, dressmakers and small clothing makers in your area.

Margin on machine sales, repair and service fees, and sales of needles, thread, feet and accessories. Classes can add steady extra income.

• Machine repair or a technician you can hire
• Retail sales and customer service
• Stock buying and basic bookkeeping

• Dealer agreements may require minimum stock or territory limits, read them carefully
• Lease terms and the cash tied up in inventory
• Check your state's sales tax registration and resale certificate rules
• General liability and property insurance, plus workers' compensation if you hire
• Competition from online sellers, so plan for service, advice and classes

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your lease, opening inventory of machines and supplies, repair bench equipment and insurance. Cash tied up in stock is a major factor to plan for.

Read any dealer agreements carefully, as they may require minimum stock or set territory limits. Also check your lease terms, your state's sales tax registration and resale certificate rules, and general liability and property insurance, plus workers' compensation if you hire.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on machine sales, repairs, supplies and classes. Estimates start from about 35 hours a week. Online sellers compete, so plan to lean on service, advice and classes.