Island Economics

San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:

• •Island residents need tech support but few repair options exist locally
• •Vacation homeowners discard perfectly repairable devices when upgrading
• •Shipping finished goods is more practical than offering on-site repair
• •Tourists may buy refurbished devices as emergency replacements
• •Schools and small businesses need affordable equipment without mainland prices

The $500 Experiment

Test this idea before investing heavily:

Getting Started

1. 1
   Choose a device category to specialize in and learn repairs

   • •Each device type requires specific knowledge, tools, and parts sources
   • •Specialization builds efficient repair workflows
   • •Deep knowledge helps you assess repair cost vs. resale value quickly
2. 2
   Source broken or discounted inventory consistently

   • •Return pallets, recyclers, and 'for parts' listings provide cheap inventory
   • •Consistent sourcing creates predictable workflow and income
   • •Understanding why items were returned helps you assess repair difficulty
3. 3
   Master data wiping and privacy compliance

   • •Customer data left on devices creates legal liability
   • •Proper wiping is required for many platforms and business sales
   • •Trust in your privacy practices enables business and school purchases
4. 4
   Develop testing procedures and quality standards

   • •Consistent testing catches problems before shipping
   • •Quality ratings help with platform algorithms and buyer confidence
   • •Returns are expensive—thorough testing prevents them

Where the Money Goes

Expected startup and operating expenses:

Don't Cheap Out On

Areas where quality investment pays off:

Smart Places to Save

Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:

• •Start with devices you can repair with existing skills—expand gradually
• •Buy broken devices locally to avoid shipping costs on inventory
• •Harvest parts from unrepairable devices to reduce parts purchasing
• •Learn from YouTube repair tutorials before paying for courses
• •Use device testing equipment you already own (cables, monitors, etc.)

Cash Flow Considerations

Financial timing and planning notes:

• •Inventory and parts tie up cash until repairs complete and items sell
• •Higher-value devices take longer to sell but yield better margins
• •Bulk parts purchases save money but increase cash tied up in inventory
• •Returns require refunds before you can relist—factor into cash planning

Risk Reducers

Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:

• •Start with common devices with known issues and readily available parts
• •Test devices thoroughly before listing—returns destroy margins
• •Document device condition before and after repair with photos
• •Offer appropriate warranties that match your confidence level
• •Have clear return policies that protect you from buyer abuse
• •Stay current on repair techniques—device designs change constantly

Island Economics

San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:

• •Island residents need tech support but few repair options exist locally
• •Vacation homeowners discard perfectly repairable devices when upgrading
• •Shipping finished goods is more practical than offering on-site repair
• •Tourists may buy refurbished devices as emergency replacements
• •Schools and small businesses need affordable equipment without mainland prices

The $500 Experiment

Test this idea before investing heavily:

Getting Started

1. 1
   Choose a device category to specialize in and learn repairs

   • •Each device type requires specific knowledge, tools, and parts sources
   • •Specialization builds efficient repair workflows
   • •Deep knowledge helps you assess repair cost vs. resale value quickly
2. 2
   Source broken or discounted inventory consistently

   • •Return pallets, recyclers, and 'for parts' listings provide cheap inventory
   • •Consistent sourcing creates predictable workflow and income
   • •Understanding why items were returned helps you assess repair difficulty
3. 3
   Master data wiping and privacy compliance

   • •Customer data left on devices creates legal liability
   • •Proper wiping is required for many platforms and business sales
   • •Trust in your privacy practices enables business and school purchases
4. 4
   Develop testing procedures and quality standards

   • •Consistent testing catches problems before shipping
   • •Quality ratings help with platform algorithms and buyer confidence
   • •Returns are expensive—thorough testing prevents them

Where the Money Goes

Expected startup and operating expenses:

Don't Cheap Out On

Areas where quality investment pays off:

Smart Places to Save

Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:

• •Start with devices you can repair with existing skills—expand gradually
• •Buy broken devices locally to avoid shipping costs on inventory
• •Harvest parts from unrepairable devices to reduce parts purchasing
• •Learn from YouTube repair tutorials before paying for courses
• •Use device testing equipment you already own (cables, monitors, etc.)

Cash Flow Considerations

Financial timing and planning notes:

• •Inventory and parts tie up cash until repairs complete and items sell
• •Higher-value devices take longer to sell but yield better margins
• •Bulk parts purchases save money but increase cash tied up in inventory
• •Returns require refunds before you can relist—factor into cash planning

Risk Reducers

Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:

• •Start with common devices with known issues and readily available parts
• •Test devices thoroughly before listing—returns destroy margins
• •Document device condition before and after repair with photos
• •Offer appropriate warranties that match your confidence level
• •Have clear return policies that protect you from buyer abuse
• •Stay current on repair techniques—device designs change constantly