Clothing alterations and repair workshop
Starting costs about $6,250 in the United States and 1,130,000 NGN in Nigeria. After 12 months, this business can bring in about $2,340 net per month in the United States and 527,000 NGN in Nigeria. The starting money comes back in about 8 months, with 40 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 247 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $6,250 | $2,340 |
| Nigeria | 1,130,000 NGN | 527,000 NGN |
| United Kingdom | £4,250 | £1,580 |
| Kenya | 276,000 KES | 79,900 KES |
| India | 138,000 INR | 58,300 INR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Trousers too long, broken zips, tears or changing sizes: people throw clothes away for lack of someone reliable and quick to alter or repair them.
The solution
A small neighbourhood workshop for hems, fitting, zips, mending and remaking, with displayed prices, short turnaround and drop-off points at partner shops.
Your customers
Individuals of all ages; in B2B, clothing shops, dry cleaners, theatre companies, schools and uniform suppliers.
How you make money
8 to 40 € per alteration depending on complexity, remakes on quote, monthly contracts with shops and dry cleaners.
Competition
Informal home seamstresses, dry cleaners that subcontract, shopping centre alteration counters, and cheap new clothing.
Who has an edge
A precise, fast seamstress or tailor who meets deadlines and gives good advice, able to partner with shops and dry cleaners.
The risks
Meticulous work that is hard to speed up; damaged garments to refund; competition from fast fashion; income capped by sewing hours.
The first 3 steps
- Display a clear price list for common alterations
- Offer a drop-off partnership to three shops or dry cleaners
- Equip the workstation with a sturdy machine and an overlocker
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €4,000 − costs €2,400 = €1,600 net per month. Revenue: 190 alterations × €16 + 2 shop contracts × €480. Costs: workshop rent, thread and supplies, machine upkeep, electricity, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Clothing alterations?
About $6,250 (United States), 1,130,000 NGN (Nigeria), £4,250 (United Kingdom), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 247 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about $2,340 (United States), 527,000 NGN (Nigeria), £1,580 (United Kingdom) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 8 months, with 40 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Meticulous work that is hard to speed up; damaged garments to refund; competition from fast fashion; income capped by sewing hours.
Where do I start?
1. Display a clear price list for common alterations 2. Offer a drop-off partnership to three shops or dry cleaners 3. Equip the workstation with a sturdy machine and an overlocker
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