How to Start an Auto Repair Business

Maybe you have a knack for fixing cars, and your friends are always asking you for help. Or you’ve been working as a mechanic, but are sick of taking orders and long to be your own boss.

Whatever your reasons for wanting to dip your toes in starting your own auto repair business, it’s likely that you have plenty of questions.

Look no further. This quick guide will help you learn what it takes to start your own business doing what you love.

Follow our guide and you’ll be on your way to doing everything from detailing antique Mustangs to performing Toyota Sienna service in no time!

Get the necessary training

You may have been fixing your own vehicles or your friends’ cars for years. But if you don’t have any official training, it will be tough to get clients to trust your skills.

Training from a vocational program will help you get the right certifications.

While you’re in training, it’s a good idea to choose a specialization or two. You could specialize in collision repair, detailing, or anything else that interests you. Having these specializations will help you stand out among other local auto repair businesses in your area.

Find a property

After you have the training, it’s time to find the right place to start your business.

You’ll need a garage or shop where you’ll have the room and the resources to work.

Before choosing a location, there are a few things to think about. How many mechanics do you plan to hire? If the location is small, you’ll need fewer employees, but you also will be forced to take in fewer clients at a time.

If you plan on taking on repair jobs that could take weeks to perform, you’ll want space to store multiple vehicles.

Other factors to consider when choosing a location are how many other auto repair businesses are there in the area, how far you are from larger cities or towns, and how expensive the tax rate is in that area.

You’ll also need to decide whether you want to buy an existing garage or build your own. While buying or renting an existing garage will save you money, it may also mean paying to repair or modify the building to fit your needs.

Make a plan

Once you’ve found the perfect location, it’s time to do the necessary planning and paperwork. You’ll need to apply for a business license in that city, work with a bank to get any loans you may need, and get insurance.

This is the time to decide how many employees you’ll hire. This includes mechanics, bookkeepers, receptionists, and any other positions you plan to fill.

Hire the right people

After you decide on the positions that you’d like to fill, it’s time to find the right people for the job.

Write up a description of the exact roles that you want your employees to fill then post it on jobs sites and distribute it to any job centers in your area.

Comb through the resumes that come in, and start with any that stand out, including those with extensive training or years of experience. Be wary of anyone who has switched employers too many times in too few years, or those without training.

Start your own auto repair business today!

Now that you know the right steps, it’s time to start working to build your own auto repair business!

Find a location, file the right paperwork, hire the right people, and you’ll be making a living doing what you love in no time!

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