Information on Business:
Basics:
If you love working on cars day in and day out this will be an ideal business for you. You will need to be certified in order to succeed in this business as a certification will give you some credibility to prospective customers. After achieving the necessary experience and knowledge you should begin by purchasing the necessary tools for the job. You will be performing light repairs and scheduled maintenance, so do not worry about performing work that the dealership can do. Most individuals and businesses invest greatly on their autos, so you should have plenty of work.
To Get Started:
You should begin by obtaining a garage space where you will be able to perform the work, you can either lease it or buy it, depending on your financial circumstances. You should then purchase all the equipment required such as tools, supplies and materials. Begin advertising online, on newspapers, using flyers, direct mailing and on the radio, remember to do advertising on your location also. You should be able to charge on either a flat rate per job or $50 to $65 per hour. Marketing will be one of the most important aspects of the business in order to keep customers coming in and coming back. Honesty, dependability and work performance will set you apart from others and your customers will refer you to others.
Tips:
You will not be able to run this business from home unless you live in a commercial/industrial zoned area. Keep a close eye on inventory. Budget carefully on the ongoing advertising and stay up to date with your business insurance. This business has limited possibilities for people since most of the work is very demanding physically and mentally. A staff is not required since most of the work can be done by yourself, unless you grow the business. For Internet links on this business do a search for ASE certification, NATEF and the Auto Maintenance and repair Association.
Definition:
A business that performs light repairs and scheduled maintenance. Usually by a certified auto mechanic.
Revenue Range:
$30,000 to $60,000 per year
Education and Training Required:
You should be certified to perform maintenance on autos. One of the most recognized certification in the United States that applies to this business is the ASE Master Technician in automobiles.
Equipment Required:
You should obtain an inventory of wiper blades, oil and fuel filters, also have a complete set of auto repair tools, and enough reserve of motor oil, brake fluid, wiper fluid, lubricant and other needed fluids for this work.
