As long as people are driving automobiles, there is always going to be a need for automotive repair businesses. More than mechanical knowledge and skill is needed to start and run an automotive repair business. Tools and supplies, a good business plan, a profitable location and proper financing are all requirements for a successful automotive business. Additionally, anyone who wishes to start a shop needs organization and marketing.
Instructions
1. Determine the vision for your business. Assess your skills and knowledge as well as your likes and dislikes. If you're especially adept at working with transmissions, for instance, you might be interested in specializing in this work. However, if you're a jack-of-all-trades, so to speak, you may want to do general repair work of all kinds.
2. Create a business plan. Your local Small Business Administration office can help you with this (see Resources). It will need to include your mission, your goals and your methods. A representative from your local office will also assist you in finding financing for your business, if necessary.
3. Find a location for your business. If your home shop is already set up for your use, you may want to work from it. If this is the case, you will need to check with your city or county for any zoning and code issues. You may need to get your property zoned commercial. If you want to set up shop somewhere else, be sure the property has everything you need. Electricity, water, restroom facilities and heat are all necessities for a year-round shop. Additionally, you need plenty of parking room for various vehicles as you work on them.
4. Purchase and organize your tools, equipment, parts and supplies. If you already have all the tools you need, organize them in an orderly fashion. If you're charging your customers by the hour for work, you don't want to run up their bill because you can't find a specific wrench or socket. Also, in order to have quick turnaround time, you need to have basic parts and supplies on hand; these might include oil, filters and belts.
5. Set up an office. Whether you keep a paper trail on all work completed or you computerize your work details, you need to be organized and keep records. If you work within the city limits, you will need to have a city business license and display it prominently. Keep up with accounts payable and receivable. Keep track of sales tax you owe and make regular payments. If necessary, hire an office manager to take care of all of this for you.
6. Market your business. Word-of-mouth advertising is always the best so network. Join your local chamber of commerce and attend networking events. Offer member-to-member discounts or specials. Use direct mail with a special or code that can be tracked. Use radio advertising. Often, you'll catch people in their cars, when they're thinking about maintenance or repairs.
7. Keep up to date. Read magazines and trade journals and attend any workshops pertinent to your line of repair business. Vehicle technology changes constantly, and in order for your business to sustain, you must always be up to date.
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