Startup cost
$3k–$15k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a Tech Refurbisher Business
Decision Snapshot
Tech Refurbisher
Idea Score
69
Profit margin
27%
Break-even
9 mo–24 mo
Time to launch
12 wk–36 wk
Demand trend
Stable
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Medium
Time commitment
Full time
Part 1 - How to start a Tech Refurbisher business - Background
A tech refurbishing business provides repair services for personal tech devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and similar devices. Tech refurbishing businesses help customers get their devices up and running after accidents, breakage, malware compromises, and any other problems that may impact your device. It can be pretty upsetting when an expensive piece of personal tech stops working or breaks. These businesses offer repair and refurbishment solutions that people need and appreciate – solutions that keep customers connected, communicating, working, and having fun with their devices.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Tech Refurbisher business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a tech refurbisher business?
It doesn’t take a fortune to start a tech refurbishing business. You can start small, such as with a mobile repair business, or you can spend more and set up a legitimate brick and mortar store.
You can start with a strong foundation by taking some courses, such as a basic phone repair course. Courses can cost $1,000 or so, depending on how in-depth they are. Basic repair tools can cost around $50-$100. Building a part inventory can run between $100-$500 – or more if you want to have a bigger inventory. If you do everything from your home and vehicle, you could get set up for $3,000-$5,000.
If you want to open a store, you will need more money. Opening a store can cost upwards of $50,000 – which means you will probably need a loan.
What are the ongoing expenses for a tech refurbisher business?
The ongoing expenses for a tech refurbishing business can include:
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Tool replacement
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Training and education on new tech
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Vehicle maintenance
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Licenses, insurance, bonding
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Parts inventory
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Office supplies
If you have staff, your expenses will also include labor. Depending on the size of your operation, your ongoing expenses could range from a few thousand dollars a year to $50,000 or more.
Who is the target market?
Your target market is those who want to repair their devices rather than replace them. They may want to do so to save money. Or, they may be environmentally conscious and want to minimize their impact by using their devices as long as possible. You may also target businesses that need repair services but do not have the budget for an IT team.
How does a tech refurbisher business make money?
This kind of business makes money from repair and refurbishment services. Customers bring in their devices and ask for repairs. Your business will charge them for making those repairs, labor, parts, and possibly other fees like disposal fees. The more devices you can repair, the more money your business can make.
How much can you charge customers?
Tech repair and refurbishment can cost anywhere between $10-$100 an hour. When you are just starting, you may want to aim for the middle. But once you get enough demand, it could be helpful to increase your rates. You can also charge more when the work is more complex or requires more skill. For example, it takes more skill and training to repair a brand new smartphone than a flip phone from 10 years ago.
How much profit can a tech refurbisher business make?
Just like your expenses can range broadly depending on your business, so can your profits. In the beginning, you may only be able to earn $20,000 to $30,000. But if you can build a team and diversify your services, your business could eventually pull in $100,000 or more in profits a year.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Probably the best way to make your business more profitable is to build a skilled team and offer a variety of repair services. If you can handle any job, big or small, you will be able to attract all types of customers – even businesses with plenty to spend on repairs.
If you are just starting your business, you can increase your profits by offering more repair services. Take classes, get plenty of practice, and learn how to repair everything that comes your way.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a tech refurbisher business?
A typical day at a tech refurbishing business starts with opening up shop and planning your work for the day. If business is good, you will have multiple devices to repair. Your day will consist of repairing those devices and serving any customers that come through your door. Customers will have questions and want estimates. Some may try to wheel and deal with you. Your goal is to get them to agree to repair services at a price you can both be happy with. In addition to serving customers, a typical day may also consist of ordering parts, organizing your shop, and marketing your services.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful tech refurbisher business?
If you have an educational background or practical background in technology – such as a hobby of building and repairing tech – it will serve you well as a tech refurbisher. Although technology continues to develop at a rapid pace, many of the skills that were applicable in earlier tech are still applicable now. If you can repair small devices or have a strong interest in learning how to repair them, you can learn to be a tech refurbisher.
What is the growth potential for a tech refurbisher business?
The cell phone repair industry alone is worth $3.9 billion, and that doesn’t include tablets, smartwatches, and other personal tech device repair. There is some concern in the cell phone repair industry that device manufacturers are making devices tougher and encouraging device buyback and leasing options. However, there remains a market segment that prefers repair and/or refurbishment, either because they do not have the financial means to continuously buy new phones or they prefer to use what they have as long as possible.
There is solid growth potential for tech refurbishing businesses that diversify their offerings to include all types of personal tech. As long as you can stay current with all the various devices, there will likely always be a market for your services.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a tech refurbisher business?
You want to make sure you repair customer devices properly. Taking a few classes and practicing on various devices can help you get the skills you need and the experience to confidently make decisions. You can purchase broken devices online to practice your skills.
If you are worried about getting started, remember that it’s perfectly okay to begin small with a mobile repair business. That way, you can get your feet wet and gain some experience before taking on the added responsibilities of a full repair shop.
How and when to build a team
There is a ceiling to how much money you can make on your own in tech refurbishment. After all, you only have so much time in the day to make repairs, market your services, serve customers, and organize the shop. If you want to increase your revenue, you may need additional help.
An easy way to determine if you need to hire someone is to look at your schedule. Are you busy from morning to night with your repair business? Could you serve more customers if you had someone to either make repairs, serve customers, or both? If so, you need to seriously consider hiring someone.
Part 2 - Is a Tech Refurbisher business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Tech Refurbisher business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Tech Refurbisher Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Tech Refurbisher business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.