Hi-Fi repair and restoration shop

Audio enthusiasts, record collectors, owners of high-end or vintage systems, and people with sentimental family stereos.

Diagnostic fees, labor and parts on repairs, plus restoration packages. Selling refurbished receivers, turntables and speakers adds a second income stream.

• Strong electronics and soldering skills
• Diagnosing faults in analog audio gear
• Customer service and quoting
• Basic bookkeeping and inventory tracking

• Check city or county business license and zoning rules for a workshop or storefront
• General liability and property insurance, including coverage for customers' equipment in your care
• Register with your state for sales tax if you sell refurbished gear or parts
• Rent is a fixed cost, so make sure steady repair volume can cover it
• Set clear policies for unclaimed items and check your state's rules on abandoned property
• Voltage safety, and keep a record of work done to protect you in disputes

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on your premises, bench equipment and parts stock. Rent is a fixed cost, so make sure steady repair volume can cover it before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how many repairs and restorations you complete and whether you also sell refurbished equipment. These are estimates, and revenue is not the same as profit.

Check your city or county business license and zoning rules for a workshop or storefront. Also look at state sales tax registration, insurance that covers customers' equipment, and your state's rules on abandoned property for unclaimed items.