restoration business from home. where do I start?

[geilf]

tax wise and legally what needs to be done to start a photo restoration business out of ones home. any tips or direction would be great.
looking at early retiring from my current job and getting into something I really enjoy for once. To bad I didn't come accross photo re-touching and restoration earlyer in life but better late than never.

[skydog]

I'd advice seeing an accountant...then you shouldn't leave your current job until you knew you had income from the job you believe you prefer...

[Florin]

Hi Gelif. I'm a home based retoucher since the beginnings, 15 years ago. Have some 3-4 stable clients and full time work. Alos some extra from the web. Mount a blog with the best of your samples and print some business cards with the web address and phones.
Make a nice printed portfolio (before-after samples) and visit the photo labs, studios, stores etc presenting your work and give to all of them your business card for contact. In the street and the malls there are a lot of oportunities. Good luck!

[Mike]

What Skydog said and also consider these points:

Is your home in a zone that permits a home based business? Can you have customers come there? Can you put up a sign to aid them in finding you? Does your home owners insurance cover such a thing or will you have to get additional coverage? Equipment used for commercial services may not be covered under your home owners insurance. Do not forget getting all the necessary licenses and permits for your area. Will you have (or want) to get additional phone or internet lines for the business? Do you have a specific room or area that will just be for the business?

Kind of off the top of my head, I am sure that I am forgetting many more points.

Good luck!!