How To Start An Appliance Repair Business in 2025?

Starting an appliance repair business in 2025 could be a smart move for you.
With households and businesses relying on appliances every day, there’s never a shortage of work for skilled technicians. Fixing appliances saves money and keeps them out of landfills — a win-win for your customers and the planet.
In this guide, we walk through everything you need to know about getting started in the appliance repair service industry. From acquiring skills to setting up shop and marketing yourself, this roadmap will help you build your service business.
Let’s get into it!
Why Start an Appliance Repair Business?
The home appliance repair industry is a steady, dependable field with consistent demand. Here’s why it could be a great fit for you:
- Household Appliances Break… All the Time: Fridges, washing machines, and ovens are essentials. When they stop working, people need reliable and trustworthy help fast.
- Low Start-Up Costs: You don’t need a massive upfront investment — just some tools, training, and grit.
- Flexibility: Start small and scale up, you can work solo or build a team over time.
- Recurring Income: Many customers need regular maintenance to keep their appliances running smoothly.

Step 1: Understand Your Market
Before thinking about marketing or qualifications, it’s important to take a close look at your local market.
- Identify Common Types of Appliances and Issues: Research which appliances are most frequently used or prone to issues within your area.
For instance, in areas with older housing, you might encounter aging appliances that require frequent repairs. In newer developments, smart appliances could dominate, requiring specialized skills.
- Understand Your Target Market: Are you serving busy homeowners who need quick fixes? Property managers with multiple units? Or small businesses that rely on commercial appliances? Tailoring your services to their specific needs will help you stand out.
- Analyze Competitors: Make a list of local appliance repair companies and study their offerings.
Check their websites, pricing structures, and customer reviews. Pay attention to recurring complaints, such as slow response times or high costs. This insight helps you refine your unique selling proposition.
Pro Tip: Create a competitor comparison chart for example note their services, prices, and any gaps in the market. Use tools like Google Trends or local directories to identify search trends for appliance repair services in your region.
RELATED ARTICLE: Appliance Repair Technicians Salary Guide in the U.S. (2025)

Step 2: Build Your Skills and Get Certified
Being naturally good with appliances is a great start. However, formal training and appliance repair certifications can help you stand out. Here’s how to build your skills:
- Taking Courses: Enroll in appliance repair programs offered by community colleges, trade schools, or online platforms. These courses often cover troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repairing common appliances like washers, dryers, and refrigerators.
- Getting Certified: Certifications programs are not always mandatory. However they can boost your credibility and may be required in some states for specific types of repairs.
For example:- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires a Section 608 Certification to work with refrigerants used in air conditioners and refrigerators. (Read more on how to get an HVAC license here.)
- The Professional Service Association (PSA) offers the Certified Appliance Professional (CAP) designation, which can demonstrate your expertise and dedication to high standards.
- Understanding State Requirements: Each state has its own licensing requirements and certification rules. For instance, in California, appliance repair service technicians need a contractor’s license for projects exceeding $500. In Florida, you’ll need specific state registrations for certain types of repairs.
Always check your state’s regulatory requirements to ensure compliance.
- Specialising: Consider focusing on high-demand areas like smart appliances or HVAC systems. As technology evolves, expertise in these niches can set you apart and allow you to charge premium rates.
Taking the time for formal training programs and certifications adds to your current skill set, and earns the trust of your customers. This can lead to repeat business and positive referrals
RELATED ARTICLE: How To Get Your Appliance Repair Certification in 2025?
Step 3: Cover the Legal Basics
Operating your business legally is essential for building trust and avoiding costly penalties. Here’s a professional approach to getting it right:
1. Register Your Business
Choose a legal structure that suits your goals and liabilities: sole trader, LLC, or corporation.
Each option comes with different tax and legal implications. For example, an LLC can protect your personal assets, making it a popular choice for small business owners.
Consult with a legal advisor or accountant to make the best decision.
2. Secure Licenses and Permits
Research state and local regulations to ensure compliance. Many states require specific appliance repair licenses, particularly if you’re working with hazardous materials like refrigerants.
For example, in California, you’ll need a contractor’s license for jobs over $500. Check your state’s government website or contact your local business office for a complete list of requirements.
3. Invest in Insurance
Liability insurance is non-negotiable in this line of work. It protects you and your clients if something goes wrong during a repair.
Additionally, some states or clients may require proof of insurance before hiring you. Shop around for policies that cover property damage, personal injury, and other potential risks.
RELATED ARTICLE: How to Get An Appliance Repair Business Insurance?
4. Set Up a Dedicated Business Bank Account
A business account simplifies accounting and helps you track expenses. Additionally, it establishes credibility with clients and vendors.
Pro Tip: Make invoicing straightforward and professional. Consider using tools like Invoice Fly’s Invoice Maker to streamline payment processes and keep your financial records organized.
Taking care of legal and administrative steps upfront saves you headaches later. You’re ensuring your business operates smoothly from day one.

Step 4: Create a Business & Marketing Plan
A great business plan doesn’t need to be overly complicated. Knowing what you want to do, how you’ll do it, and how to measure your success is the basis for success. The effort you put in now will pay off as your business grows.
1. Decide What You’ll Fix
Be clear about the services you’ll offer. Are you sticking to common repairs like fridges and washing machines? Or diving into specialised areas like HVAC systems or smart appliances? Knowing what you’ll focus on helps you stand out and appeal to the right customers.
2. Set Your Prices
Look at what other businesses in your area charge and think about where you fit in. Are you aiming to be the budget-friendly option, or do you want to position yourself as a premium service?
Break it down: hourly rates, flat fees for common fixes, and extra charges for emergency or after-hours work. Whatever you choose, make sure it covers your costs and leaves room for profit.
3. Calculate Your Costs
List all the things you need to spend money on to start. This includes tools, training, a good vehicle, insurance, and marketing.
Don’t forget ongoing expenses like software or maintenance. And it’s always smart to have extra set aside in case of emergencies.
4. Know Your Customers
Figure out who your ideal client is. Is it homeowners with busy lives, landlords managing multiple properties, or small businesses needing quick repairs?
Think about their needs and how you can solve their problems. For example, if other companies in the area take days to respond, you could focus on fast, same-day service calls.
5. Plan Your Marketing
This step is about figuring out how people will hear about you. Whether it’s a Google listing, social media, or word-of-mouth, pick methods that work best in your community.
You could partner with local property managers or advertise in neighbourhood groups. A good mix of online and offline efforts usually works well.
6. Set Goals
Start with small, realistic goals — for example, like booking five new jobs a month — and build from there. Over time, you can aim for bigger milestones, like expanding your service area or hiring staff. Keep track of your progress so you can adjust your plan as needed.
Pro Tip: Make quoting simple and professional with tools like Invoice Fly’s Estimate Generator. It saves you time, ensures accuracy, and gives your customers a polished experience.

Try out our Free Estimate Generators
Use our free estimate generators to create professional-looking estimates.
Step 5: Invest in Tools and Equipment
When setting up you don’t need every piece of fancy gear. Having the right tools is essential for delivering quality work and building a solid reputation. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Diagnostic Tools: Multimeters, moisture meters, and other troubleshooting tools will help you identify and resolve issues quickly and efficiently. Quality diagnostic equipment is a game-changer for establishing yourself as a reliable technician.
- Basic Hand Tools: It’s a good idea to keep a set of screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, and other common tools in your kit. These staples will cover most repair needs and are easy to transport.
- Replacement Parts: Stock up on appliance parts for commonly requested repairs like heating elements, seals, and motors. Having these on hand can reduce repair times and increase customer satisfaction.
- A Reliable Vehicle: Invest in a dependable van or truck to carry your tools and parts. Organise your vehicle with shelves or bins to keep everything accessible and tidy, saving you time on the job.
- Specialised Tools: Depending on your focus, you may need brand-specific tools or gear for specialised repairs. Research the tools most relevant to your niche.
Pro Tip: Regular maintenance of your tools keeps them reliable and extends their lifespan. Allocate a portion of your budget for replacements or upgrades as your business grows.
Final Thoughts on How To Start An Appliance Repair Business
By now, you have a clear roadmap to follow — from understanding your market to building a business plan and investing in the right tools.
As you move forward, remember that running a successful business is about more than just technical skills.
To help you stay on top of everything, check out Software for Appliance Repair Businesses. With features like invoicing, scheduling, and client management, it’s designed to keep your business running smoothly.
Plus, you can access everything you need on the go with our app.
Now, it’s time to get started — your customers (and their appliances) are waiting!


Ellie McKenna is a creative copywriter born in United Kingdom.
Although was born in Northern Ireland, she possesses extensive knowledge about SaaS and Mobile Apps products in the United States, as she has been in-house writer, agency writer and freelance for American companies.
Working at Vista has allowed her to create content that focus on the user search intent, creating great informative articles for contractors and small businesses in the U.S.