Owning a car repair shop is an excellent way to earn a living via your mechanical skills. Successful car repair shops are often open for many years---until the owner retires or decides to sell the business. This is because a good auto repair shop is hard to find; if you put in the time and hard work, your shop can become the go-to repair shop in your area.
Instructions
1. Write a business plan that includes all aspects and goals of your business. Include information on what type of repairs you expect to work on, how many employees you expect to have, the prices of all tools and equipment your shop will need, what your projected growth will be in the next year, where you plan to be in your business in five/ten years, etc. Your business plan is a road map for your business. Lenders will also want a copy of your business plan before considering you for a loan.
2. Locate a place for your car repair business. Check zoning in the area to see if a repair business is allowed. Many times a car repair business will be restricted because of noise and hazardous material. Engine oil, transmission fluid and coolant are just a few of the hazardous materials that you will have in your possession on a daily basis. These materials are not allowed in just any commercial or residential location.
3. Place a request for a business license with your local city hall or courthouse. You will need to give them the name of your new car repair business and pay a fee for a license and tax number. Make sure your car repair business name is not similar to other car shop names. The person in charge of business licenses can let you know about similar names.
4. Hire qualified mechanics to work in your car repair shop. ASE (automotive service excellence) qualified mechanics are required to pass tests on their skills and must have worked in that specific area at least two years. This will ensure that you have knowledgeable workers in your shop.
5. Advertise for your car repair shop where car owners are sure to notice. Contact local towing companies and offer a referral incentive for them to bring customers to you. Advertise on billboards in high traffic areas, in phone books and in the local newspaper. These are all great ways to keep your business name in front of possible customers.
Tags: repair business, your repair, repair shop, your business, business plan
