Getting started in appliance repair
Steps to go from handy-with-appliances to your first paying repair client.
- 1
Get trained on the appliance types you'll service
Many independents start with what they already know from prior employment or manufacturer training programs; others take a short technical-school or online appliance-repair certificate course before going solo.
- 2
Get general liability and commercial auto insurance
Budget roughly $2,300-3,900/yr combined — personal auto policies typically exclude paid service-call driving, and liability coverage protects you if a repair damages a client's home.
- 3
Stock core diagnostic tools and a starter parts inventory
A multimeter, appliance-specific service tools, and commonly-needed parts (belts, igniters, thermostats, seals) run roughly $800-1,200 to start, with ongoing replenishment as you use stock.
- 4
Set up parts sourcing
Register with a parts distributor (e.g. PartSelect or a local appliance-parts wholesaler) so you can look up and order by model/part number quickly rather than guessing at compatibility.
- 5
Set your diagnostic fee and hourly or flat-rate pricing
Price a clear diagnostic/service-call fee plus hourly or flat-rate labor, and decide upfront whether the diagnostic fee is credited toward the repair if the customer approves it.
- 6
Create a simple service agreement
Cover the diagnostic fee, parts markup, repair warranty, and liability before your first job.
- 7
Check local licensing requirements
Most states don't require a special license for general appliance repair, but a few require registration for certain refrigerant-handling work (EPA Section 608 certification applies if you'll service sealed refrigeration systems) — check your state before advertising broadly.
- 8
List yourself locally and ask for reviews
A Google Business Profile, local service directories, and word of mouth drive most early bookings; asking satisfied clients for a review builds trust fast since people are letting a stranger work on an expensive appliance in their home.