Small appliance and vacuum repair shop
Run a walk-in repair counter for vacuums, mixers, coffee machines and other small appliances.
- $8k-30k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
5,595 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.4% in a year
NAICS 811412 “Appliance repair and maintenance”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small storefront or unit with a front counter and repair bench where customers drop off small appliances, and you fix them and sell common parts like belts, filters and bags.
Your first three steps
- Visit a few existing repair shops and price a small unit with a bench and counter in a busy shopping area
- Set up supplier accounts for parts and ask manufacturers whether they offer authorized repair programs
- Form an LLC, get an EIN, and talk to your city or county about business licenses and zoning before signing a lease
Who pays
Local households, landlords, restaurants and offices, and customers who want a repair done while they wait or within a few days.
How it makes money
Repair labor and diagnostic fees, parts sales, and sometimes selling refurbished appliances or accessories.
Skills that help
- Electrical and mechanical repair
- Customer service at the counter
- Parts ordering and stock control
Watch out for
- Lease costs and zoning, so check your premises can be used for a repair shop
- General liability and property insurance, plus workers' compensation if you hire
- Sales tax registration with your state for parts and any refurbished items
- Warranty promises on repairs, so put your terms in writing
- Slow months, since repairs can be uneven and shop rent is a fixed cost
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: small appliance and vacuum repair shop
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a small appliance repair shop?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on your premises, equipment and parts stock. Lease costs matter a lot, so check rent and whether the space can be used as a repair shop before you commit.
How much can a small appliance repair shop make?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on location and how many repairs you take in. Repairs can be uneven and shop rent is a fixed cost, so plan for slower months.
What should I check before opening an appliance repair shop?
Check that your premises can be used as a repair shop under local zoning, and review the lease. Also look into general liability and property insurance, workers' compensation if you hire, state sales tax registration, and written warranty terms for repairs.
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