Here are six critical tips for technicians aspiring to open their own car repair businesses, ensuring a solid foundation for success in this competitive industry.
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A lot of car repair technicians dream about opening their own workshops and one day be their own bosses. However, most employees who repair cars for a living don’t have the first clue about running a business. Their technical knowledge doesn’t teach them about marketing, accounting, finance, and other important aspects of business management.
In other words, a man with proper business acumen but no technical knowledge has more chance of being successful than a technician who knows nothing about business operations.
✔ Before you start: Check these auto repair shop name ideas to create a memorable name that stands out
However, many former technicians have made this transition and are now successful owners of repair shops. The following are 6 tips that will help you on your way to open an auto repair shop.
Considering you already earn your living as a technician, it’s best to introspect and figure out if opening a car repair business is the right move for you. A lot of people make hasty decisions thinking that owning a business would give them more time and they will not be answerable to anyone. In reality, running a successful business is a 24-hour commitment. While you won’t have a boss per se, you would still be answerable to government inspectors and your customers. You also need to realize that your job role is going to change. This means if you love repairing cars and don’t like crunching numbers and paperwork, then you would not love your role as an owner.
✔ Learn what qualities you may be lacking to become a successful car shop owner:
The total number of vehicle lifts determines the number of cars you can serve at a time. More lifts you have the more cars you can service and thus earn more money. Considering vehicle lifts are a significant investment, it’s advisable to buy something that’s versatile and has a high load capacity. That way you will be able to work on everything from small cars to large SUVs. Mobile column lifts are great for new garages, they are portable and they have great weight lifting capacity. They usually come with special adapters that allow you to lift everything from hatchbacks to full-sized trucks.
✔ Check out these resources before you buy an equipment for your car repair shop:
This one applies to all new businesses. New business owners often overestimate their profits when drawing up the initial plan. This can be a huge mistake as it can leave you underprepared during the initial tough days. Overestimation is probably the most common reason why most businesses close down within the first eighteen months. You should have enough funds set aside for expenses and marketing to last the first six months and not be dependant on how much the shop earns.
✔ Don’t know where to start with your costs and profits estimates? Use our break-even calculator!
If have no idea about accounting, taxes, regulations, and marketing, then it’s best to get educated. Take a course and learn about how to run a business. You don’t need to go to an expensive business school. There are plenty of cheap and even free online courses that can teach you the basic stuff.
✔ Start learning the basics of running a business absolutely free!
While it doesn’t need to be fancy, you need a relaxing customer lounge. Get couches and beanbags and ensure there is air conditioning. A vending machine can also be a way to earn some extra money while your customers are waiting for their cars to get repaired. Customer lounges are also a great place to upsell services.
✔ More about reducing customer stress in the service line here:
As unemployment drops in America, it’s getting harder and harder to find good employees. Don’t just assume that you will get great technicians after placing an ad in the local newspaper. Start the hiring process at least two to three months prior to the actual launch date. This will give you time to interview enough candidates to find the best manpower for your shop. Apart from hiring expert technicians, it’s also important to find an experienced receptionist to attend customer queries and complaints.
✔ Never hired an employee? This Brief Guide to Hiring and Managing Employees will help!
Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.
Written by Team ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness has helped people start, run, and grow over 700,000 dream companies. The editorial team at ZenBusiness has over 20 years of collective small business publishing experience and is composed of business formation experts who are dedicated to empowering and educating entrepreneurs about owning a company.
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