How Much Does It Cost to Start an Appliance Repair Business in Texas?
- Nate Jones
- 20 hours ago
- 3 min read
Starting your own appliance repair business in Texas is an exciting venture — but understanding the financial commitment is key. Whether you plan to serve customers in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, or El Paso, there are a number of upfront costs you’ll need to consider.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of typical startup costs and some real-world advice for budgeting.
1. Average Startup Costs for Appliance Repair Businesses
The cost to start an appliance repair business in Texas typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on your business size and location. Here’s what you’ll need to budget for:
Tools and Equipment: $2,000–$5,000 for diagnostic tools, hand tools, and specialty equipment.
Service Vehicle: $3,000–$8,000 for a reliable van or truck to handle calls in cities like Houston and Dallas.
Marketing and Advertising: $500–$2,000 for local SEO, Google Ads, and social media campaigns targeting Austin and San Antonio.
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Licenses and Permits: $100–$500 for business registration and certifications.
Insurance: Costs vary, but coverage is essential to protect your investment.
Read More: Texas Secretary of State – Business Registration – Learn how to register your business in Texas.
2. Ongoing Monthly Expenses
Once your business is up and running, expect monthly costs such as:
Fuel and vehicle maintenance for service calls in Fort Worth and El Paso
Marketing campaigns to keep leads coming in
Insurance premiums to safeguard your business
3. Why Insurance Should Be Part of Your Budget
Accidents happen—whether it’s property damage during a repair or an employee injury. Without insurance, these incidents can cost thousands and jeopardize your business. At One Hampton Insurance, we help appliance repair businesses in Texas find affordable coverage options, including:
General Liability Insurance: About $67 per month or $807 per year for $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate coverage. This covers third-party injuries and property damage.
Commercial Auto Insurance: About $173 per month or $2,075 annually for vehicles used in business operations.
Workers’ Compensation: Approximately $254 per month or $3,054 annually (required if you have employees).
Tools and Equipment Coverage: Roughly $14 per month or $168 annually to protect your repair tools.
Commercial Property Insurance: Around $83 per month or $990 annually. Bundles property coverage for small businesses.
Tips for Cost Management (Especially in Texas)
Start mobile first: If you're in Houston, Dallas, or another major Texas city, you may not need a physical storefront at first. Operating from a van can save on rent.
Buy used tools or vans: Used diagnostic tools or second-hand vans (from local auctions or used vehicle dealers) can significantly reduce your upfront costs.
Network with suppliers: Build relationships with appliance parts suppliers in Texas (or national ones that ship to your city) so you can get better pricing on parts inventory.
Leverage local SEO: Use SEO strategies targeting your core Texas markets (Houston, Dallas, etc.) to attract local customers early and keep marketing costs efficient.
Save for insurance and reserve: Work with an experienced agency (like One Hampton Insurance) to understand your insurance needs early, so you don’t underestimate premiums.
Final Thoughts
Starting an appliance repair business in Texas doesn’t have to break the bank. With smart budgeting and the right insurance coverage, you can launch a profitable business in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and El Paso.
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