Forum Discussion

iFab's avatar
iFab
Contributor 2
1 day ago

Is there a need for this niche?

iFab does electronics repair down to component level, plastic welding, and obsolete parts manufacturing, remaking discontinued pieces nobody stocks anymore. Rare skillset, not something most shops offer.

Genuinely asking, is this a gap anyone actually has use for. If you had a fried circuit board, a broken plastic part with no replacement/feasible replacement, or a discontinued piece you needed remade, would you look for a shop like this, or is it too niche to matter to most people.Trying to gauge real interest, not just told it's cool.

Thank you, Matt 

construction
entrepreneurship
equipment & tools
general contracting
sales & marketing

2 Replies

  • PestFreeCanada's avatar
    PestFreeCanada
    Builder 1
    1 day ago

    I think you know this is a niche and that is a good start, but I think we live too far into a "throw away" culture now. When something is broken a lot of peoples first instinct would just be to replace the whole thing. I had a friend way back in the day that would make metal tool repairs and replacement parts. He told me any time he makes one part, he would make 3 more to have on hand when the next one breaks on someone else. He was doing well with that as a side hustle but this was back in the late 90's and cheap Chinese replacements hadn't fully taken over.

    I like the idea and would consider using it for a few of my tools if they went down, but mostly I would be replacing the whole tool and maybe salvaging some parts for later.

    I personally wouldn't consider this as my fulltime business, but something to do when the work comes around would be awesome to offer.

  • travisshepherd's avatar
    travisshepherd
    Builder 1
    1 day ago

    Hey Matt, the short answer is 100% yes.

    ​The catch? Everyday consumers will usually just throw away a cheap broken item. But for contractors, equipment owners, and local shops, a discontinued board or broken plastic part means a $5,000+ machine is dead in the water.

    ​You aren't just selling repairs—you’re saving them thousands in replacement costs and downtime. That’s huge value.

    ​If you go for it, three quick tips:

    1. ​Target B2B: Connect with local mechanics, tool repair shops, and trade contractors. When they have to tell a client "that part's obsolete," you want them handing over your card.
    2. ​Market the Problem: People won't search for "plastic welding"—they'll search "how to fix [specific broken part]." Show off before-and-afters of saved equipment.
    3. ​Charge Bench Fees: Reverse-engineering takes time. Always charge a flat diagnostic fee upfront for your time.

    ​When someone needs what iFab does, you aren't just an option—you're their only option. That’s a great position to be in. Best of luck!