Home bench video gear repair business

Wedding and event videographers, YouTubers, church media teams, schools, small production companies and people with older camcorders.

A diagnostic fee plus a flat price per repair or an hourly rate, with parts marked up. Mail-in jobs can come from outside your zip code.

• Electronics troubleshooting
• Careful soldering and small-part work
• Clear communication with customers
• Record keeping and patience

• Check whether your city or county requires a business license or home occupation permit
• General liability insurance, and consider coverage for customer property while it is in your care
• Repairing under warranty may need manufacturer authorization, so check before claiming to be an authorized shop
• Capacitors in monitors and flash units can hold dangerous charge, so learn safe handling
• Set clear terms for diagnostic fees, parts delays and unrepairable items

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the tools, test equipment and parts stock you buy. These are estimates, so list what you need for the gear you plan to repair before spending.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many repairs you take on and the hours you put in. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours a week. Treat it as a rough range, not a promise.

Check whether your city or county requires a business license or home occupation permit. Also look at general liability insurance, including cover for customer property, whether you can call yourself an authorized shop for warranty work, and safe handling of capacitors.