If you’re mechanically savvy, you can find there is an opportunity for everyone to start a home-based appliance repair business. You will be doing everything at home because you’re the mechanically savvy one, but you will be paid for your work this time. You will be doing anything from fixing the washer & dryer to repairing the kitchen stove.
Everything involved with being able to do appliance repair depends frankly on where you live. Check with state and local municipalities to find out about the requirements related to licensing & certifications.
Quick Tip: If you plan on working with appliances that contain refrigerants, for example, a freezer or air conditioner, you have to be certified through the Environmental Protection Agency
Learning by doing through apprentices & on-the-job training is usually the way for an appliance repair career. Still, additional certifications can help you reinforce your learnings and stand out from the competition. For example, the International Society of Certified Technicians gives a well-regarded test in diagnostics for electronics.
What You’ll Need to Get the Ball Rolling
Transportation: You’ll probably need a work truck or van to transport tools to each job site. For starters, you can easily use the backseat of your car or trunk.
Core Tools: You will need to buy tools, but you don’t need to break the bank at the start. You will just have to buy the basics, regarding tools & parts like fuses, belts, and different thermostats.
Quick Tip: You can rent power tools or heavy equipment from your local hardware store.
Marketing and Advertising: This is also where you don’t have to break the bank. A simple website can do the trick, with both an Instagram & Facebook Handle. Flyers and business cards are another inexpensive way to get the word out to the local community and build relationships with your local community.
Office Space: Any free space in your house can be dedicated to office space. It does not have to be fancy at all, it just has to be able to do paperwork.
Quick Tip: If you plan on bringing home appliances and doing repairs at your house, it may be a good idea to plan for an open space to do repairs.
Insurance: You will need insurance for your vehicle and a liability policy that covers you on service calls. You might also consider getting incorporated or setting up a limited liability company to protect yourself!
Business License: Check with your state’s local municipality or chamber of commerce to find out about business licenses in your local area.
Advantages of starting your own Appliance Repair Business
This is a great field to be your boss and make your schedule. With the household industry becoming more digitized, it opens the doors to new opportunities for appliance repair professionals to take advantage of.
Disadvantages of starting your own Appliance Repair Business
Appliance repair is no joke regarding the labor involved in completing the repairs. Appliance repair can involve heavy labor and lifting, so injuries are possible. You may also be exposed to harmful gasses and be electrocuted during electrical repairs.
With rising appliance repair costs, it sometimes is more cost-effective to replace the appliance entirely, leaving no repair jobs for the appliance repair professional. You also have to know that an appliance can break at any moment of the day, so you may run out in the middle of the night to fix an appliance.