Many individuals can use the help of an auto repair company.
Automotive service technicians are in a high-growth industry, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. There are approximately 250 million cars and trucks in the United States and since automobiles don't last forever, the auto repair field offers constant opportunities to grow a business. Only 16 percent of auto service technicians are self employed, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, so you will be joining a select group of individuals when you start an auto repair business.
Instructions
1. Attend a post-secondary technical or vocational school's automotive repair program or complete comparable coursework online. For example, Oakland Community College (Michigan) and Penn Foster Career School (Pennsylvania) are both accredited schools that offer coursework in automotive repairs. Penn Foster also offers an online automotive program. Even if you intend to hire service technicians and do not plan to perform the work yourself, you should have a full working knowledge of automotive repair.
2. Work at an existing auto repair shop before, during or after your formal training to get practical experience in the real world. Pay close attention to the automotive work as well as the business operation. Gain experience if you can in general engine repair, automatic and manual transmissions, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical and electronic systems, heating and air conditioning, engine performance, and small vehicle diesel engines.
3. Obtain automotive certification through a recognized organization such as the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ASE certification has become a standard credential for automotive service technicians. This certification involves passing at least one specialty test and documenting at least two years of relevant work experience. Get this experience while working for someone else so that you are certified on your first day in business.
4. Observe the auto repair shops near your planned location and note the services provided, rates charged and quality of customer service provided. Write down all areas where your competitors are substandard and how you can differentiate your business.
5. Write out the main purpose of your business indicating whether you will focus on general engine repair, brakes or electrical systems, for example. Choose your specialty based on your likes and dislikes, the skills you developed in school and working for others, and the services your competitors don't provide.
6. Calculate the initial financial needs associated with starting your company. This should include the cost to purchase or lease your facilities, legal or filing fees, and operating costs to run your business, like electricity and supplies.
7. File all necessary business paperwork and comply with all governmental regulations. Your city, county and state will have specific filing requirements for your type of business. For example, if you must dispose of used motor oil as part of your business operations, the regulations may be different than if you only do electrical work.
8. Purchase the tools necessary to operate your auto repair shop. You might need wrench sets, socket sets, ratchets, extensions, screwdrivers, pliers, flashlights, power cords, a hacksaw and a center punch.
9. Purchase or lease real estate at an appropriate location or purchase a service vehicle if you intend to start a mobile repair operation. According to the Meineke Car Care Center website, the physical real estate should have good visibility and high traffic, 3,000 to 5,000 square feet of space with five bays and adequate storage and work areas, a ceiling height of 14 feet, a 20,000- to 30,000-square-foot lot zoned for automotive repair, and parking for 15 cars.
10. Tell others about your business using the least expensive methods possible. One of the most commonly cited reasons businesses fail is because of financial problems, according to a Kauffman Foundation study. Use word-of-mouth advertising and social media to attract business.
Tags: auto repair, your business, service technicians, automotive repair, auto repair shop, brakes electrical
