Cars are in varying conditions all the time - damaged, or in need of repair or minor maintenance. Car body shops have the specialized tools and expertise that are needed to repair or modify auto frames and exteriors. There may be a market for car repair body shop of your own, especially if you are a mechanic who likes to fix or improve on cars.
Instructions
1. Obtain your employer identification number, or EIN, and register and complete all legal paperwork for your car body shop. Starting your business may be intimidating, but the easiest way to complete these requirements is to contact your local small business administration office. The SBA offers free advice and assistance to new entrepreneurs. They can assist you in filling out all the legal paperwork as well as showing you how and where to register your business, hire employees and get financial assistance.
2. Obtain funds for your car body shop and write a business plan. Starting a car body shop can be expensive, since you need to find a location and purchase costly equipment such as frame machines, metal forming and finishing tools. Apply for a business loan at your bank or borrow money from friends and relatives. Scout the locations where you want to establish your car body shop. The fewer auto shops in a particular area, the more chances you will have to get more clients. Talk to other auto body shop owners and get advice. Additionally, make an appointment with your local SBA; they can help you create a business plan; see the link in the Resources section below on write a business plan.
3. Find an appropriate building to hold your auto body shop. Typically a small facility will consist of one or two bays for car repair.
4. Buy the equipment needed for your car body shop. There are numerous things you must purchase for your car body shop. Frame machines, lifts, hoists, dent pullers, paint guns, wheel balancers and pressure washers are just a few of the items you will need to purchase. You can save a lot of money by purchasing directly from wholesalers. See link below for a list of car body shop wholesalers in your area.
5. Advertise and create a marketing strategy for your car body shop. Print out and attend auto-related seminars and meetings to distribute your business cards to get the word out. Advertise in auto trade magazines such as Automotive Industries and Auto Trader. Your quality of work is also a good advertisement, since quality craftsmanship will guarantee you word-of-mouth referrals. Additionally, you can create a website and advertise online.
Tags: body shop, your body, your body shop, body shop, business plan, your business, auto body
