When you are running a business of photo and document restorer, you’ll need a PC with an abundance of memory and storage; we recommend at least 512 megabytes of RAM and at least 40 gigabytes of hard disk storage space. Purchase a high-resolution flatbed scanner for photos; even better is a drum scanner, although prices for these devices can run into the thousands of dollars. Your PC should also include a CD-R or DVD-R burner and high-speed broadband access to the Internet for uploading files to service bureaus for photograph printing. You should also have a photo-quality printer to produce prints using ink-jet technology.
In addition, you’ll need professional-quality photo editing software; the industry leader is Adobe Photoshop, which has some special-purpose add-in modules that help perform tasks such as isolating a single person or a small detail from a crowded image. If you need to purchase all of the equipment, plan on spending $2,500 to $3,500. (Adobe software alone costs about $750 to $1,000.) Additional costs include advertising and promotion.
Billing is done on an hourly basis, plus the cost of the disks and the prints you produce. You can add a reasonable markup to the cost of photos produced by service bureaus based on the files you have created. You should offer clients an estimate of the amount of time that will be required for restoration. Add charges for pickup and delivery. Working with a professional picture frame worker, you can offer to deliver finished photos mounted in frames; seek a discount from the framer and charge your client standard retail rates, or add a reasonable markup.