A lawnmower repair business can serve as a part-time sideline for talented mechanics or can be used to provide a lucrative full-time income. With a few mechanical abilities and the desire to succeed, anyone can start a lawnmower repair business. While each brand of lawnmower may have its peculiarities, the majority of the machines follow a standard mechanical template. Basically, you need to understand how gas and electric engines operate, sharpen (and replace) blades and find customers. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Consider how you will attract and retain business. A complete business plan includes a marketing strategy and a realistic budget. It should provide measures to handle seasonal ups and downs. A business plan must be put into writing after your initial consideration.
2. Get a garage or building where you can work. Check with your municipality to find out what kinds of permits and regulations must be purchased and followed to operate out of your home garage to save money on commercial rent. Zoning rules are typically kept by the city or county clerk's office. They are available in the local library or online at a town's Website. A county attorney or adviser from the planning department also can provide information about running a lawn repair business from a home garage.
3. Purchase the necessary tools you'll need to perform the repairs. In addition to wrenches and screwdrivers, you might consider buying electrical testing equipment and commercial blade sharpening tools. Find updated copies of the most popular manuals so that you'll be prepared to work on any kind of machine.
4. Find a supplier of wholesale parts and materials such as Mowpart.com or K&T. Lawn mower service manuals and parts also can be purchased through "Team Wholesale" on eBay. Many lawnmower manufacturers offer special rates to professional repair companies. Look for a supplier that will give you discounts so that you can build a profit into the resale of the parts.
5. Set your rates. After working on a few of your own lawn mowers you should have a good idea of how long it takes to perform each task. Build in time for snags and difficult repair jobs. Most repair companies charge by the job instead of the hour. Tell your customers that you will call them if a job looks like it will be more involved than the original quote will cover.
6. Advertise in the local papers and magazines that are read by homeowners in your area. Talk to your friends and neighbors as well as members of any community groups in which you participate. Word of mouth is always the best form of advertising.
7. Build a relationship with local lawn care companies and garden centers. By sending them referrals, you can ask for referrals in return. Leave your cards with any businesses that may be in touch with homeowners and commercial lawn care companies.
Tags: repair business, business plan, care companies, home garage, lawn care, lawn care companies, lawnmower repair
