Repair Services

Start-up cost: $350–$500

Potential earnings: $25,000–$45,000

Typical fees: $25 per hour or quote per job

Advertising: Yellow Pages, community newspapers, coupon books, bulletin boards

Qualifications: Trade school may be necessary for electronics repair, but otherwise just the ability to fix things

Equipment needed: A well-stocked toolbox, cell phone, van

Staff required: No

Hidden costs: Possibly liability insurance; while it can cost some money, it can also help protect your own assets should a repair fail and a lawsuit arise

What You Do

Do you have a knack for fixing things around the house—a TV, stereo, computer or even lawn care equipment? If so, you can easily launch your own repair service. You can get your start by offering to fix a few items at no charge for your family, friends, and neighbors, in exchange for their testimonials about your talent for repair. Then put together a nice-looking but simple flyer advertising your services to a larger community group via direct mail or posting on bulletin boards. If you want to partner with others who specialize in different types of repair, you can band together and form your own handyman network. Either way, this is an easy business to break into with little risk. So break out the toolbox and get busy!

What You Need

Elbow grease and a good set of tools are all you’ll need in the beginning. Once you start handling several repairs at once, you might invest in a tool bench (or build one yourself). For as little as $350, you can get a repair business off the ground and off to a terrific start if you are a talented fixer-upper.

Keys to Success

Start small, and then build your confidence as well as your clientele by promoting your business through a track record of fast, economical service. Referrals will truly bring you the most new business, but once you have several jobs under your belt you can start to do a little advertising in community newspapers and the Yellow Pages.