To help owners keep their cars in good shape, open an auto repair shop.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 3,800 people are employed as auto mechanics in Las Vegas, Nevada, and they play an important role in keeping vehicles serviced and on the road in good operating condition. While breakdowns and problems occur, good mechanics can fix these and keep owners from having to purchase different cars for their daily commutes or leisure. While it's possible to become a mechanic in Las Vegas for an existing auto service business, you can hit the jackpot by learning start your own auto repair shop.
Instructions
1. Write a business plan. Conduct an analysis of the auto repair industry in Las Vegas by reviewing other shops and the services they provide. Include your findings in your business plan, and use them when creating a plan for marketing and promoting your auto repair shop and the niche it serves. Write out financing information as well as how you plan to market and staff your business.
2. Seek out financing. Pull your credit report to check your credit score and look for any mistakes prior to applying for any financing you need to start your auto repair shop. Talk to representatives from major banks in the city such as Wells Fargo, US Bank and Bank of America as well as local community financial institutions such as the Bank of Las Vegas. Find out if you qualify for a business loan to start your auto repair shop based on your credit history and score.
3. Register your business. Obtain a federal tax identification number from the Internal Revenue Service by completing an online form or calling the Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933. Use the tax identification number to identify your business when completing the sales tax permit with the state of Nevada. This allows you to collect and pay sales tax on the services you provide. Apply for a local business license from the city of Las Vegas by paying a $30.00 licensing fee and showing proof of your sales tax permit from the state.
4. Find a facility. Browse the online listings of commercial real estate for lease or sale in the Las Vegas area on the LoopNet web site. Search for a property that has garage space already built-in because this allows you to quickly set up your auto repair shop. Decide whether to buy or lease the facility based on the start-up funds you obtained from your business loan. Contact a local real estate agent for assistance if you plan to purchase a property rather than lease one.
5. Purchase tools and supplies. Buy the tools and equipment you need to service and repair vehicles in Las Vegas. Develop a partnership with a local auto parts store that can provide you with replacement parts for any vehicles needing repair. As a repair shop, you may qualify for a lower price as well as free delivery of the parts if you consistently order replacement parts from the same auto parts shop.
6. Promote your business. Advertise the services you offer through your auto repair shop by placing advertisements in the Las Vegas Sun newspaper or on major TV stations such as Channel 13 or News 3. Network with tow companies in Las Vegas, and ask them to refer their clients to your shop if people getting their vehicles towed for repairs don't have a preference for an auto repair shop. Consider running seasonal specials to encourage people to bring their cars in for service.
7. Hire staff. Add additional mechanics for your staff as the demand for your auto repair services grows. Employ an office assistant to answer the phone, schedule service appointments and handle customers so you will be free to focus on servicing and repairing vehicles. Outsource your bookkeeping, payroll, taxes and accounting to a freelance bookkeeper or accountant if you are unsure of perform these tasks or don't have the time.
Tags: repair shop, auto repair, your auto, your auto repair, your business, auto repair shop
