Typewriter repair and restoration shop
Open a small storefront or studio that repairs typewriters and sells restored machines, ribbons and accessories.
- $5k-20k
- Part-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
4,531 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.1% in a year
NAICS 811212 “Computer and office machine repair and maintenance”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small shop or studio unit where you repair machines for walk-in and mail-in customers, and also sell refurbished typewriters, ribbons, cases and paper. It can double as a place for workshops or typing events.
Your first three steps
- Repair and sell a handful of machines online first to test demand and pricing before signing a lease
- Look at small, low-rent retail or shared studio space and check zoning and lease terms with your city or landlord
- Build a stock of ribbons, parts and donor machines, and set up a simple online shop alongside the physical location
Who pays
Local writers, students, gift buyers, collectors, offices and film or theater prop buyers, plus online buyers of restored machines.
How it makes money
Repair and servicing fees, sales of restored typewriters at a markup, and add-ons like ribbons, cases and cleaning kits.
Skills that help
- Typewriter repair and restoration
- Sourcing used machines and parts
- Basic retail and online selling
Watch out for
- Check your state's sales tax registration and seller's permit rules, since you will be selling goods
- Check city or county business license and zoning requirements for retail or workshop space
- Lease costs and slow months can outweigh repair income, so keep fixed costs low
- General liability and property insurance for stock and customer visits
- Check rules for storing and disposing of solvents and cleaners
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: typewriter repair and restoration 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 open a typewriter repair shop?
Estimates typically run around $5,000 to $20,000 to start, depending on your space, tools, stock of machines and parts, and insurance. Lease costs matter, so it helps to keep fixed costs low.
How much can a typewriter repair and resale shop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on repair volume and sales of refurbished machines, ribbons and accessories. Lease costs and slow months can outweigh repair income.
What licenses and rules should I check for a typewriter shop?
Things to check: your state's sales tax registration and seller's permit rules, city or county business license and zoning for retail or workshop space, general liability and property insurance, and rules for storing and disposing of solvents.
Other ways to run this business
Similar tech services ideas
CCTV and access control for small businesses
Design and install camera and door entry systems for shops, offices and warehouses.
- $5k-25k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Small business phone and data cabling installer
Run network cabling and set up phone systems for local offices, shops and clinics from your own van.
- $4k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
AV advice and installation on site
Visit offices, venues and event spaces to recommend, install and set up sound systems, displays and video conferencing.
- $3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile printer sales and repair for local offices
Sell, set up and repair office printers and copiers at small businesses in your area.
- $3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
AV supply and install for businesses
Sell and set up screens, speakers and meeting room systems for local offices and venues.
- $5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Copier repair and refurbishing workshop
Repair machines in a small workshop, and refurbish used copiers to resell or service for local customers.
- $5k-25k
- Part-time
- Own premises