A lawn mower repair business can be started at your home.
If you are a mechanic with the skills to fix small engines and lawn mowers, a small repair business may a great way for you to make some money on the side or as a full-time business. Starting a small engine repair shop is relatively simple and can be done with very little capital investment. Some inside information can help you get the operation off the ground with minimal headaches.
Instructions
1. Write a business plan. Even though a lawn mower repair shop is relatively straightforward on its face and can be created with very little investment, writing a business plan will allow you to know exactly what you need before you start. A strong business plan should consist of reports detailing your budget, marketing plan, desired location and capital needs to buy tools, lease or buy a building and purchase insurance. There a few ways to write a business plan. You can use a template (see Resources) or hire a marketing firm or accountant.
2. Form an official corporation. You can just form an LLC (limited liability company) or sole proprietorship if you plan to keep your business small. Both options are legal business entities and will allow you to keep your personal assets and liabilities separate from those of your company. Contact your Secretary of State's office to obtain state-specific forms needed to form a corporation (see Resources below).
3. Raise capital. If you only need a nominal amount of money to get started, apply for a small business loan. These can be obtained through your local bank or the U.S. Small Business Administration (see Resources). Or, after you've registered your business, apply for a low-interest credit card. These are often good for small, necessary purchases such as buying tools. If your business plan calls for a large capital investment ($15,000 or higher), solicit investors and give them a percentage of your business until their investment is paid back. If you do secure a sizable loan, make sure the terms are acceptable.
4. Find a home. Depending on what your plan dictates, getting started should be relatively simple and cost-effective. Look at the possibility of running your business out of your own garage at first, providing you have ample work and storage space. If you don't have a garage, look for a location that's easily accessible. Look for a space with a fairly large parking parking and room for large trucks and trailers to navigate. This will allow your customers to bring their lawnmowers to you easily. Make for enough room inside to safely store lawn mowers in need of repair and pick-up.
5. Register your business. Depending on the laws in your community and state, you may need to obtain a business license and file it with your county. You will also likely be required to register your business with your local income tax office. Contact your city government office for directions on register your company.
6. Install the proper safety equipment. It is common for mechanic shops to be required to have a ventilation and oil and gas disposal system installed. Especially if you are marketing to the public, contact your local government and your state's EPA office for a list of requirements. Doing so will help you avoid fines and keep your operation environmentally friendly.
7. Promote your business. Service ads in local newspapers, neighborhood association newsletters, phone books and bulletin boards are good avenues for small engine repair mechanics to promote their businesses. You may also distribute fliers in your neighborhood. Join your local Chamber of Commerce and network with as many people as you can. Businesses that use lawnmowers and other small engine-powered tools are also good sources of business, especially the ones that do not employ mechanics or have time to repair their equipment themselves.
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