
- Choose a good location and shop facility to launch the business
- Make sure you are skilled with repairing different types of small engines and machine
- Be deliberate with your marketing sales approach
- Encourage the use of word of mouth to promote your small engine repair business
- Leverage on all available online and offline platforms to promote your small engine repair business.
Full Answer
How do I start a small engine repair business?
Get assistance from one of the local associations listed in US Small Business Associations directory of local business resources. A small engine repair business is generally run out of a garage. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).
Where can I go to get my car engine repaired?
There are individuals who will attempt to do their own engine repairs (often with limited success). But most will seek out a local lawn and garden dealer who does repair work or the local guy who runs a small engine repair business out of his garage or basement.
What kind of business structure does a small engine repair company have?
The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation. Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your small engine repair business is sued.
Is a small engine repair business self-employed?
With a small engine repair business, you are typically self-employed and responsible for finding your own insurance, which can be quite costly and time-consuming. As a small engine repair business, you typically pay self-employment taxes which can be quite high.

How do I start my own engine shop?
How to Start a Small Engine Repair ShopDetermine the scope of your business.Choose a location.Calculate your expenses and purchase equipment.Acquire funding, choose a business entity, register your business, and obtain federal and state tax ID numbers.Obtain the necessary licenses and permits.Buy insurance coverage.More items...
How do you advertise a small engine repair?
8:1213:04Start A Small Engine Repair Business In 2020 NOW! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou don't even have to advertise. People will start calling you people will know your name they'llMoreYou don't even have to advertise. People will start calling you people will know your name they'll they'll if you do good work they'll recommend.
What tools do you need to rebuild a small engine?
0:4719:35Small Engine Repair - Basic Tools - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd they also include some allen tools in here as well as like a pair of pliers. And just someMoreAnd they also include some allen tools in here as well as like a pair of pliers. And just some various stuff you will also have two spark plug sockets that are most common.
Is an ATV considered a small engine?
Many kinds of motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, and go-karts have something in common with lawn mowers, generators and many other smaller machines – they're all considered to be small engines.
What can I do with a small engine?
Small gas engines serve us in many ways. They power lawn mowers, tillers, cultivators, trimmers, edgers, snowblowers, chain saws, pumps, generators, air compressors, and other useful home tools. They also power our fun: outboard boats, snowmobiles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, ultralight aircraft, and other toys.
How does a small engine work?
How Does a Small Engine Work? Small engines are a type of combustion engine, which runs on an explosion between fuel and a spark. The explosion creates heat energy that the mechanical parts in the engine use to power the equipment. Power from 2-stroke and 4-stroke models is generated in much the same way.
How much does it cost to rebuild a small engine?
between $2,500 and $4,000A typical engine rebuild is between $2,500 and $4,000 in parts and labor costs. This type of engine repair might include simply replacing bearings and seals, and obviously taking the engine out and re-installing it. It could be much higher too.
Is it worth rebuilding a lawn mower engine?
If the equipment the engine powers is old, it may make sense just to buy a new lawn mower, log splitter, or whatever machine is in question rather than spend money diagnosing and fixing its engine. If it's a newer piece of equipment, it could be worth repairing or replacing the engine, depending on the diagnosis.
Do you need special tools to rebuild an engine?
Besides the basic metric wrenches and socket sets you will need many other tools, including: Air compressor. Engine assembly lube. Basic set of hand tools.
Is there a ban on small engines?
California Signs Law Banning Sale of New Gas-Powered Small Engines by 2024. The sale of mowers and other equipment powered by small off-road engines will be regulated by 2024 in an effort to reduce emissions. The sale of new gas-powered small off-road engines will be banned in California by 2024.
Who is the largest small engine manufacturer?
Briggs & StrattonThe four largest manufacturers of small engines for power equipment in 2019 were Briggs & Stratton, Honda, Kawasaki and Kohler. Other major players include: Kubota, Yamaha and Liquid Combustion Technology.
Why did California ban small engines?
The regulation does not ban existing gas-powered equipment, however, which can continue to be used. Combined, these small gas-powered engines create as much smog-causing pollution in California as light-duty passenger cars.
What are the costs involved in opening a small engine repair business?
Costs to start this business can be extremely low. You likely already have the space and tools you need to get started — especially if you don't ha...
What are the ongoing expenses for a small engine repair business?
Expenses are typically on the low side for small engine repair businesses, but owners should factor in the cost of insurance, employees, and contin...
Who is the target market?
The target market can be anyone in the area with a small engine. From Go-Karts to wood chippers to chainsaws, there are plenty of machines that can...
How much can you charge customers?
Customers will typically pay based on the type of machine and the extent of the damage. Most owners will charge for cost-of-labor plus parts. The a...
How much profit can a small engine repair business make?
Small engine repair businesses can be extremely profitable, but they will need a high volume first. An owner would need to repair 6 – 8 lawn mowers...
How can you make your business more profitable?
Small engine repair owners may want to branch out to offer large engine repairs if they’ve noticed a heavy demand for it. They can also offer more...
Is this Business Right For You?
This business is excellent for someone who enjoys working with their hands and working with a variety of tools. They must be excellent at taking ap...
What happens during a typical day at a small engine repair business?
Most of the day will be spent working on the actual engines, though owners will need to devote time to marketing their services and working with cl...
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful small engine repair busin...
Those who open this business should either be a professional repair person or a very skilled hobbyist. Ideally, they should have experience working...
What is the growth potential for a small engine repair business?
There are plenty of small engines in any given neighborhood, which should give owners a fairly steady stream of work. This is a local skill that wo...
Pros of starting a small engine repair business
The cost to start a small engine repair business costs significantly less money than most businesses, ranging anywhere from 3,069 to 35,923.
Cons of starting a small engine repair business
If you plan to have a sales/content team on board, finding creative ways to motivate them can be a challenge. It's important that you're able to offer great incentives and a good work environment for your employees.
How To Name Your Small Engine Repair Business
It's important to find a catchy name for your small engine repair business so that you can stand out in your space.
How To Create A Slogan For Your Small Engine Repair Business
Slogans are a critical piece of your marketing and advertising strategy.
How Much Does It Cost To Start A Small Engine Repair Business
If you are planning to start a small engine repair business, the costs are relatively low. This, of course, depends on if you decide to start the business with lean expenses or bringing in a large team and spending more money.
Raising Money For Your Small Engine Repair Business
Here are the most common ways to raise money for your small engine repair business:
StartEngine
Crowdfunding platform that has helped more than 350 companies raise $175M+ from a community of over 250,000 prospective investors.
How much does a small engine mechanic make?
In the United States, small engine mechanics make $37,840 per year, on average. There are around 76,300 small engine repair jobs in the U.S. The small engine repair industry is expected to grow by 6% between 2018 and 2028, which is about the average rate for the American industry.
Is there yellow tape around small engine repair?
There isn’t too much bureaucratic yellow tape around small engine repair, and most pros won’t require any special certifications. However, it might be a good idea to acquire the following items:
How much does it cost to repair a small engine?
A lot of small engine repair specialists charge as much as $250 to $500 to repair a small engine depending on the fault the engine has. All you need is determination and zeal to work hard.
What is the best legal entity for small engine repair?
When starting a small engine repair business, the LLC is your best legal entity. An LLC is a “pass through” tax entity.
What are the tools needed for small engine work?
Special tools that may be needed for small engine work may include any of the following: Special tools for valve work including a small valve spring compressor, valve seat puller, valve guide remover/driver, valve seat cutters (various sizes), small valve guide reamers (various sizes), and valve guide adjuster tools.
What is the importance of starting a repair shop?
It is also very important that you go for a location where you can easily afford its rent. Also have it in mind that the location that you choose needs to be legally acceptable for whatever you plan to do there.
What tools are needed for camshaft work?
Special tools for camshaft work including cam bearing plug gauges (various sizes) for checking wear and clearances, a camshaft bearing puller, camshaft bearing driver, small flywheel puller and flywheel holder, and magneto bearing puller/installer.
Is it better to buy an engine repair business or start from scratch?
Unless you have compelling reasons to start from the scratch, buying an existing small engine repair business may be the better choice. An acquired small engine repair business is a known entity; starting from the scratch is less certain because its forecast depends on estimated outcomes.
How does a small engine repair shop make money?
A small engine repair shop can earn revenue in many ways. The first revenue stream comes from repair services, whether the business is working with professional service providers, homeowners, or both. A business can establish a second revenue stream by buying broken equipment, repairing it, and selling it for a profit.
What is a small engine repair business?
A small engine repair business may market to various audiences. Contractors and professionals who use their equipment daily will naturally need more frequent repairs than homeowners who occasionally use their equipment. A repair shop may specialize in certain types of repairs, such as working with newer products equipped with advanced technology or working with hybrid engines.
What to do when your small engine breaks?
When those engines break, most people turn to a specialist to help with the repair. If you’re experienced in working on small engines, opening up your own repair business ...
What are the trends in small engine repair?
According to Contractor Equipment, more products now have integrated internet functionality for easier diagnostics and performance monitoring . This higher-tech design captures more data, so repair technicians who know how to interpret that data can more quickly diagnose and repair the equipment. Available fuel options are also expanding, and equipment using gas, diesel, or propane is now commonplace.
How much does an engine mechanic make an hour?
According to Salary.com, small engine mechanics earn an average of $17 per hour, though that can range from $15 to $20 per hour.
How can a business owner maximize its profits?
A business owner can maximize its profits by identifying a niche with plenty of local demand, offering complimentary services like maintenance and cleaning, and even offering delivery and pickup for an additional fee to expand the business’ potential customer base.
How to market a new business?
If you’ve already been taking some jobs on the side, then you’ve got the perfect opportunity to market your new business. Get some business cards printed up and hand them out to your existing customers. Offer them discounts for referrals and check-in to see if they need any work done at the same time. Recruit family and friends to do the same thing. You could post fliers and other marketing materials, but word of mouth marketing is going to be your best asset when you first get started.
What drives business today?
What drives business today are relationships and good work. You’ve already got the relationships, so now it’s time to create a system of consistency. Accurate estimates on pricing and repair times will have people coming back. Meet your deadlines as often as possible and have transparent, open communication for those times when you might be running late.
How To Run A Small Engine Repair Business
When you have a perfect business plan and some money, then you can take the next step, now you can start your business then complete registering this with States. We have to put simple information or guide or plan for your How To Run A Small Engine Repair Business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It’s easy How To Run A Small Engine Repair Business. You know how to do this repair, how to manage this works, account system, and other things.
Conclusion
How To Run A Small Engine Repair Business are comfortable for all. It’s easy to handling, maintenance account, service system do good, etc. The owner should be taking a risk for business, and any problem is solved too quickly. So, anybody, it’s maintained so expertly.
