Small engine repair shops may work on mowing equipment.
Small engine repair shops service many types of equipment. Although some shops specialize in one type of machinery, such as motorcycle engines or outdoor power equipment, other shops accept additional types of work. On any given day, a small engine repair shop might work on a chainsaw motor, a personal watercraft engine, or a motorcycle engine.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, small engine mechanic employment is projected to grow at seven percent between 2008-2018. This growth partially results from more demand for skilled motorcycle mechanics and outdoor power mechanics who can service increasingly complicated equipment.
Instructions
1. Decide on the equipment you will service. Resist the urge to grab every segment of the local small engine repair market. Instead, identify major local users of small engines. Next, look at the traffic level of existing small engine shops in your area.
If customers are on a waiting list to get their mowers repaired, for example, that may provide some potential business for your shop. If your area has a large number of motorcycle enthusiasts, and the only engine shop is always swamped, you may attract overflow business. Finally, if you live in a warm climate with year-round landscaping service, consider a focus on repairs of chain saws and lawn equipment.
2. Consider household equipment repairs. Don't ignore the potential income from repairs on items such as vacuum cleaners and small electrical appliances. Because repairs on smaller items may exceed the cost of similar new equipment, you may wish to provide estimates prior to completing repairs.
3. Choose a favorable location. Before committing to a building lease, consult with your city or county zoning office. Make sure that your engine repair shop will conform to local zoning ordinances. Next, look at the accessibility to your proposed location. Ensure that there is more than one way to get into your business, and that sufficient parking exists for staff and customers.
4. Handle business logistics issues. Ask a certified public accountant to help you choose the best business structure for your needs. Next, contact your city or county clerk's office for a business license. Call a commercial insurance agent for business insurance. Ask the agent about coverage for your employees while they are working on your premises. Finally, set up your communications and utilities services.
5. Purchase essential mechanical equipment. Limit your purchases to machinery that will help you service your chosen market. For a second opinion, ask a small engine mechanic to make a "Wish List" of equipment he considers essential to his work. Finally, buy some common machining equipment such as a drill press, metal lathe, and cutting tools.
6. Hire appropriately skilled mechanics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that small engine mechanics who have completed formal training programs, and mechanics with knowledge of multiple types of engines, will have the best employment prospects. Besides hiring these well-rounded mechanics, find employees who are experts in the primary types of engines you service (i.e. lawnmower engines, motorcycle engines, etc.).
7. Promote your shop effectively. Visit local dealers who sell new and used power equipment. Give the dealers "Opening Discount" coupons to pass on to their customers. Although some power equipment dealers maintain service facilities, they may encounter a customer with a need the dealer cannot meet.
Place an ad in the "Service" section of your newspaper's classified pages. Consumers often look in this section for equipment service providers.
Take refurbished equipment to a popular flea market. This may accomplish two goals: (1) Provide repaired and working equipment for sale; and (2) Establish your shop as a credible resource for future small engine repair work.
Tags: engine repair, power equipment, small engine, your shop, Although some
