
Startup Costs
Startup Cost | Amount |
Equipment | $32,000 – $150,000 |
Building refurbishment | $20,000 – $50,000 |
Rent deposit | $15,000 – $25,000 |
Licenses | $200 – $500 |
Full Answer
How to start an auto repair shop with no money?
- It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
- Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to an Car Repair business.
- After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. ...
How to run an auto repair shop successfully?
Pontious’ process is detailed and precise, yet simple and repeatable:
- Service Writing. Toledo Auto Care’s CSRs take detailed notes at drop-off time and enter it into the work order in the shop’s management system.
- Transition to Service Advisor. The CSR then prints the work order and puts it in a file rack on the wall of the service advisor’s office, hanging the ...
- Schedule the Job. ...
- Dispatch to Technician. ...
How to get more customers for your auto repair shop?
Such as:
- Driver safety tips
- Weather conditions and car maintenance guides
- Traveling checklist for vehicles
- New models of cars
- Customer appreciation stories
- Car fairs or events happening around
- Advice on buying used cars
- Offer specials and coupons for likes and shares
How to run a successful auto repair business?
How to Run a Successful Auto Shop
- Customer Service Matters! The customer experience is a major deciding factor for most consumers, particularly for services. ...
- Reduce Employee Turnover. ...
- Offer Guarantees on Repairs. ...
- Create an Ethics Statement. ...
- Reward Your Loyal Customers. ...
- Use ProfitBoost Shop Management Software. ...

How profitable is a auto repair shop?
Average Profit of a Auto Body Shop In general, a larger auto body shop can earn $100,000 per year, and mechanics themselves can make between $30,000 and $50,000 per year. BizStats offers a breakdown of costs vs revenues. This, of course, will vary depending on your location and area of expertise.
How do I start my own auto repair business?
6 Ways to Increase Auto Repair Shop ProfitsTake a Disciplined Approach to Your Finances. ... Schedule Appointments. ... Inspect Every Vehicle. ... Reduce Fees on Card Transactions. ... Invest in Current Customers (and Employees) ... Generate New Customers with Local Coupon Advertising.
How do auto repair shops make a profit?
Auto repair shop businesses make money by taking in customers' vehicles, testing them, replacing the parts that don't work, and sending the customers on their merry way. Thus concludes how auto repair shop businesses make money.
What is the most profitable auto repair?
Brake jobs A car's brakes are one of the most critical. A full-service repair shop that offers brake adjustment, repair, and replacement services will never run out of brake job customers.
How do I run a successful auto repair shop?
How To Manage An Auto Repair Mechanic Shop?Increase Mechanic Productivity.Use Automotive Management Software.Reduce Employee Turnover Rate. ... Give Discounts And Introduce Sales Offers. ... Offer Guarantee & Stand Behind Them. ... Display An Ethics Statement.Store Budget.Reward Your Loyal Customers.
How do you attract customers to auto repair?
6 Marketing Ideas for Auto Repair Shops to Keep Customers Coming BackA Car Advice Blog.Social Media.Coupon Advertising.Customer Referrals.Customer Loyalty Programs.Service Reminders.
How much does a mechanic shop owner make a month?
Auto Repair Owner SalaryAnnual SalaryMonthly PayTop Earners$81,500$6,79175th Percentile$57,500$4,791Average$52,969$4,41425th Percentile$31,500$2,625
How much markup is there on auto parts?
Many automotive business consultants suggest an overall 100% markup on parts in order to achieve an overall 50-55% profit margin. This markup is important to achieve a 30 to 35% net operating profit. Shops that fail to succeed often have net operating profits of less than 15%.
How much is an Auto Shop GTA?
They are: Burton: GTA$1,830,000. La Mesa: GTA$1,920,000. Mission Row: GTA$1,670,000.
What is the biggest automotive repair company?
Almost all of the auto repair franchises saw growth this year. Big O Tires tops the list in sales growth at 7.2 percent, with Tuffy Tire next up 3.6 percent. The rest of the companies saw 1 percent or less sales growth this year.
Are muffler shops profitable?
Starting a muffler shop business can be an excellent entrepreneurial activity. With muffler installation experience, you will be able to parlay your background into a profitable business.
How many auto repair shops are in the US?
In the fourth quarter of 2020, there were nearly 234,700 auto repair and maintenance centers in the U.S., a 0.9 percent increase from the previous year. Between the fourth quarter of 2010 and 2020, the industry added over 13,000 establishments.
Do you need a mechanic license to open a shop in Ontario?
A licence is required to operate a body shop/car repair facility, car wash, gas station, car dealership or public garage. Before submitting an application, you must apply for a Preliminary Project Review (PPR) for a Business Licence.
How do I become a auto mechanic?
Steps to Becoming a MechanicDo Some Homework. Career mechanics have physically demanding jobs. ... Complete a High School Education. ... Complete a Mechanic Training Program. ... Become Entry-Level Certified. ... Complete an Apprenticeship or Internship. ... Get Hired as a Mechanic. ... Become a Certified Professional Technician. ... Keep Learning.
Can you fix your own car in Ontario?
Not a business, Yes, You can work on anybodys vehicle without fear of being punished. Because the law in ontario states that you can have whoever you want to fix your vehicle.
How would you identify the potential market in automotive servicing?
Following the five tips below will help you identify your target market, so you can consistently increase sales.Step 1: Pay Attention To Your Customers. ... Step 2: Find Out What Drives Them To Your Repair Shop. ... Step 3: Analyze Your Services. ... Step 4: Check Out the Competition. ... Step 5: Focus In On Demographics.
Due to the spread of the coronavirus, is this business essential?
Yes. Based on current information across multiple states with emergency orders, this business provides essential goods and services.For more inform...
What are the costs involved in opening a car repair shop?
Costs for starting a shop vary, but generally include: Business license: $50 to $100. ASE certifications: $36 registration fee, one time, plus $39...
What are the ongoing expenses for a car repair shop?
Ongoing expenses for the business include shop rental (unless the business owner owns the shop building), insurance, and labor costs. Mechanics can...
Who is the target market?
Clients for auto repair businesses are unique in that they all have one thing in common: a broken or serviceable vehicle. The best types of custome...
How much can you charge customers?
Labor rates vary depending on how the shop is set up. At a dealership, mechanics are paid differently than at an independent shop. One of the main...
How much profit can a car repair shop make?
According to US News, mechanics make between $30,000 and $50,000 per year. So, a one-man shop could expect to make around this much. The owner of a...
How can you make your business more profitable?
Making the business more profitable isn’t easy. Owning a shop is hard work. Pulling in extra income is usually a matter of specialization. Converti...
Is this Business Right For You?
This business is good for people who are mechanically-inclined. In most states, a license is required to work as a mechanic. Each vehicle manufactu...
What happens during a typical day at a car repair shop?
Business owners usually have to check maintenance logs first thing in the morning, check upcoming appointments, and meet with shop managers about v...
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful car repair shop?
Mechanics need special training, usually Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification, in addition to general automotive education. Some high...
What is an auto repair shop?
An auto repair shop, as the name implies, is a business that repairs faulty automobiles. With millions of vehicles plying the road in the United State, an auto repair shop is indeed a sensible business to venture into. If you’re looking to build your own auto shop from scratch, you’re in for some huge project.
How much does a car dealership charge per hour?
If you run an independent shop, you will likely charge your clients between $70 and $100 per hour, whereas a shop at a dealership may charge between $80 and $150 per hour. Many shops also have flat rates for certain routine services, like tune-ups and oil changes.
How much does an auto mechanic make?
In general, a larger auto repair shop can earn $100,000 per year, and mechanics themselves can make between $30,000 and $50,000 per year. This, of course, will vary depending on your location and area of expertise. Every auto shop’s fees are different.
What do I need to do as a one man shop?
Even if you’re a one-man operation, you may need help with manning the phones, handling billing and customer accounts, balancing the bank statements, or even maintaining the workshop. Don’t underestimate the cost (and value) of hiring additional manpower to keep the shop running efficiently.
Do mechanics need ASE certification?
Certifications. Many shops advertise that their mechanics are ASE-certified. This may not be important to you initially, but gaining and keeping up certifications could add to your perceived value to customers. So you need to keep this aspect in mind even if you do not have provisions for it at the mean time.
2. Form a legal entity
A limited liability company (LLC), sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation are the options available for your legal structure – each has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of taxation.
3. Secure financing
You will likely need a loan to help pay for equipment, location acquisition costs, employee salaries, insurance coverage, etc. And every bank and/or investor will want to know the same thing: “Will you be able to pay us back?”
4. Obtain permits & licenses
Certain permits and licenses are required before one can legally run an auto repair shop; businesses can be subjected to heavy fines, or even sealed, if these regulations are not followed.
5. Open a business bank account & get a credit card
A dedicated business bank account and credit card can help protect your personal assets in case of bankruptcy or if any legal action is taken against your auto repair shop.
6. Setup business accounting
Whether you run a real estate business or an automotive repair shop, keeping a detailed and organized history of your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities is critical to understanding your business’s financial performance over time. It will also help you file annual taxes faster because your accounts would already be in place!
7. Get business insurance
Obtain insurance coverage to protect your shop from any unforeseen incidents, such as accidents or natural hazards.
8. Hire the right people
From mechanics to an administrative assistant, you will need skilled individuals to help with day-to-day operations. Finding the right employees should be a top priority for you, as auto repair technicians will influence how well your business performs.
Why is it important to have your own equipment?
It’s important to have your own equipment as opposed to paying outside services to do tasks that you can accomplish in your shop, as that will eat into your profits.
Does every mechanic shop perform every service?
Not every mechanic shop performs every type of service, so these are basic guidelines on what you can expect to spend to get an auto repair shop up and running:
How much does it cost to start an auto shop?
The overhead prices will, of course, vary from shop to shop, but that and supplies can generally cost an auto shop between $10,000 and $20,000 per month. While the costs to start an auto shop will vary, according to this article, the general costs include: Business License: $50 to $100.
Do you need paint in a repair shop?
For a detailing or customizing shop, you will need to have paints, tints, stereo upgrades, and more. None of this is common in a repair shop, and you will not need a lot of the equipment that is usually found in repair shops.
Is owning an auto body shop profitable?
Owning an auto body or repair shop can be a profitable endeavor , especially since it is something that cannot go “out of style” and it is something needed year-round not seasonally. For many auto shop owners, they began as mechanics and eventually decided to transition to the owner, starting their own shops.
Why is it important to open a car repair shop?
If you are interested in opening your own car repair shop, now is a great time because the market for mechanics is currently experiencing significant profit gains. Most drivers now have cars that are at least 10 years old, which means that the need for an auto mechanic is growing for more consumers.
How much does it cost to open a franchise?
While the costs will be more on the business and administrative side than the equipment and resource side, you should still expect to spend $30,000-$200,000 to open your franchise. Guess again!
How long does it take to become an automotive technician?
Technicians must have a two-year degree and a year of formal experience working as an automotive technician (or mechanic). You can become certified in a number of specializations, ranging from school bus repair, collision repair, trucking equipment, and more.
How much insurance do I need to start a business?
This amount may be as low as $50,000 or as high as $300,000. Check with your state's motor vehicle department to determine how much insurance you will need to obtain for your business.
How do I get a license in my state?
To obtain a license in your state, you will need to: Fill out an application. Your motor vehicle department can provide you with an application to apply for your license. Meet eligibility requirements. In most states, you will need to meet certain eligibility requirements to be allowed to apply.
What is the best way to manage your business expenses?
Consider hiring an accountant or a financial advisor to help you establish a budget for your expenses as a new business. An accountant can help you manage your taxes, your payroll system, and advise you on the best bookkeeping system to use in your business.
Who owns Stingray Auto Repair?
This article was co-authored by Jason Shackelford. Jason Shackelford is the Owner of Stingray Auto Repair, a family owned and operated auto repair shop with locations in Seattle and Redmond, Washington.
Does auto repair include car dealerships?
It is important to state that the auto repair industry does not include car dealerships, auto parts retailers or gas stations that provide industry services. So also, the industry services do not include auto bodywork, car washes, oil changes or air conditioning repair.
Is auto mechanics profitable?
The Auto Mechanics industry is amongst the profitable and easy to setup auto services related business ideas that an entrepreneur who is a trained mechanic can successfully start. Car repair is one business that never goes into extinction because daily, fleets of cars get added to the garages of people, so whether it is a brand-new car ...
