On-Site video equipment repair for studios and crews
Visit studios, churches and production companies to fix and maintain video gear where it is used.
- $3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
3,045 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.5% in a year
NAICS 811219 “Other electronic and precision equipment repair and maintenance”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A mobile service that travels to studios, schools, houses of worship and production companies to repair, clean and service cameras, monitors, switchers, cabling and playback equipment, often before or between shoots.
Your first three steps
- List the gear types you can confidently service and set a call-out fee and hourly rate based on local tech service prices
- Build a portable kit with a multimeter, test equipment, common spare cables and parts, and a way to take card payments
- Introduce yourself to local studios, rental houses and church media teams and offer a free equipment health check
Who pays
Production companies, small studios, schools and universities, churches, corporate video teams and rental houses.
How it makes money
Hourly or call-out rate for on-site work, plus parts, and optional yearly maintenance agreements for regular clients.
Skills that help
- Broad knowledge of video equipment and signal chains
- Fast fault-finding under time pressure
- Professional manner with client teams
- Organizing tools, spares and scheduling
Watch out for
- General liability insurance, and check whether clients such as studios or schools require proof of coverage
- Check your city or county for a business license, and your state for any contractor rules if you do cabling or installs
- Work on mains-powered studio equipment carries electrical risk, so follow safe practices
- Gear taken off site can be lost or damaged, so agree who is responsible in writing
- Vehicle costs and travel time can eat into earnings, so price call-outs accordingly
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: on-site repair for studios and production crews
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 an on-site video equipment repair service?
Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your tools, spares and how you travel to clients. Treat this as an estimate and price your kit against the equipment you plan to service.
What can an on-site video gear repair business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many client sites you serve and what you charge per call-out. The estimate assumes at least about 15 hours a week. Travel time and vehicle costs can reduce what you keep.
What rules and insurance should I check before starting?
Check whether clients such as studios or schools require proof of general liability insurance. Also check your city or county for a business license, and your state for contractor rules if you do cabling or installs. Follow safe practices around mains-powered equipment.
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