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How to Start an Automotive Shop From the Ground Up

Author: Carlos Fox
by Carlos Fox
Posted: Oct 14, 2019

Starting an automotive shop can seem like a daunting task, but when done correctly, you can have a personally rewarding and profitable business. The first thing you need to do is create a business plan, which you will need to pursue financing, but also as a blueprint for the steps you take moving forward.

You will need to do is find a location for your business. The location is essential because it dictates so many other factors, including drive-by traffic, marketing, and the initial investment needed. If you find a location that was previously used as an auto body shop, you'll have a lot less work to do to get the location ready for business.

Having large overhead commercial doors is essential to move vehicles in and out of your building quickly. The doors need to provide adequate security due to the investment of tools and equipment you will have inside. Additionally, they need to function properly, opening and closing remotely as is necessary to ensure ease and swiftness when moving cars in and out.

Even if the building you find has overhead commercial doors, it is best to have them inspected and possibly replaced unless they are very new. The doors should be installed and maintained by a professional to ensure they are done correctly, and the work is insured. You also want to buy the doors new through a reputable distributor. The security of your building will be vitally important for both you and your customers.

Once you find a location and you have quotes for the property and potential work, including the doors, you can take all of your research to a financial lender to apply for the money you will need to get started. Working with a lender will take time, but you can work on creating the contacts you need while you wait.

While you wait for the funding to come through, you can work on building and maintaining relationships with contractors and suppliers that want to work with to build your business. You can also start networking for employees to help you keep your business running smoothly. Even if you plan to start small with you being the only mechanic; you will need help in the office to manage customers, appointments, billing, and ordering.

When the money comes through, you can quickly move forward with getting the property ready for business. In the meantime, you can also start working on your marketing to let the community you are in the know you are opening for business. You will need to decide what days and hours you will be open and remain consistent with that.

Creative ways to market your business include sponsoring a youth sports team or event. Hosting an event at your new location. Working with the community newspaper to plan out an advertising campaign. Contact the local chamber of commerce to plan a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

You can also build a niche for your business to thrive where others are not. For example, you may decide to offer your services in off-hours since many people cannot wait until the next day to know what is happening when they break down in the evenings. People who work full-time can’t always take the time off work to go back and forth to the auto mechanic during regular business hours.

Building a steady and consistent clientele will provide you the long-term growth and success that every business needs to thrive. Even if there is competition in your area, you can stand out with high-quality timely service, as well as an ability to relate easily to your customers.

About the Author

A freelance writer with a BA in English from Sarah Lawrence College.

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Author: Carlos Fox

Carlos Fox

Member since: Oct 11, 2019
Published articles: 15

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