How to Start a Small Engine Repair Shop
- Determine the scope of your business. Before anything else, it’s best to draft a business plan to hammer out financial goals and figure out the level of ambition you ...
- Choose a location. Those running their small engine repair business out of a basement or home garage already have it figured out, but others that hope to open a ...
- Calculate your expenses and purchase equipment. After you find a spot for your small engine repair shop or decide to offer repair services from your home, it’s time to ...
- Acquire funding, choose a business entity, register your business, and obtain federal and state tax ID numbers. ...
- Obtain the necessary licenses and permits. There isn’t too much bureaucratic yellow tape around small engine repair, and most pros won’t require any special certifications.
- Buy insurance coverage. Insurance coverage is an essential means of protection for most businesses, including small engine repair shops.
- Market your small engine repair shop. Entrepreneurs can’t depend on word-of-mouth for everything: no business can truly thrive without local advertisements and a well-established online presence.
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.
Is there money to be made in small engine repair?
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 a day at a $45 profit to make $90,000 a year.
Is small engine Repair a good career?
Job Outlook Overall employment of small engine mechanics is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 8,600 openings for small engine mechanics are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
What skills do you need to be a small engine mechanic?
Small engine mechanics should also possess the following specific qualities:Customer-service skills. Mechanics must discuss equipment problems and repairs with their customers. ... Detail oriented. ... Dexterity. ... Mechanical skills. ... Troubleshooting skills.
How do small engine repairs advertise?
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.
Is a motorcycle engine considered a small engine?
Small engine mechanics work on a variety of motorized power equipment to include motorcycles, chain saws, motorboats, dirt bikes, and other outdoor power equipment.
How much does a small engine mechanic make in Australia?
$1,812 (AUD)/yr. The average small engine mechanic gross salary in Australia is $63,562 or an equivalent hourly rate of $31.
What do you need to work on small engines?
Most small engine mechanics have a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Some pursue postsecondary education, such as a certificate from a vocational school or community college mechanic's program. Some small engine mechanics also train as automotive mechanics or have experience working in an auto body shop.
What counts as a small engine?
A small engine is defined as an engine that produces less than 25 horsepower. Generally speaking, the larger the engine, the greater the horsepower....Examples of equipment powered by 4-stroke engines include:Lawnmowers.Generators.Pumps.Motorcycles.
What is a mechanics job description?
An Auto Mechanic fixes vehicles and replaces their parts for customers. Their duties include repairing the vehicle's mechanical components, diagnosing problems with cars/ trucks and performing maintenance work on them as well.
What can you do with a small engine?
7 Projects That Add New Life to Your Old Lawnmower EngineConvert Your Lawnmower Engine to Run on Compressed Air. ... Build a DIY Generator Using a Lawnmower Engine. ... Build a Wooden Go-Kart. ... Lawnmower Engine Powered Mulcher. ... Homemade Power Wheelbarrow. ... Convert it into an Outboard Boat Motor. ... Build a MINI-BEEP.More items...•
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...
What Skills Do I Need To Succeed In Starting A Small Engine Repair Business?
As a small engine repair business, there are several essential skills and characteristics that are important to identify prior to starting your business.
How much does it cost to start 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.
Why is adding new products important?
Adding new products to your business is a great way to expand into new markets and grow your business.
Why do entrepreneurs start businesses?
Most entrepreneurs start a business to do something they love- but at the end of the day , you still have bills to pay (maybe now more than ever).
Is a small engine repair business a good investment?
A small engine repair business can be a big time and money investment for your customer, so it's important you plan and predict a longer conversion funnel and stay in communication with potential customers.
Is small engine repair business recession proof?
The demand for small engine repair business is increasing year over year and the business is known to be relatively recession proof.
Is small engine repair dangerous?
Your small engine repair business can have its dangerous moments, which puts you and your employees at risk. It's important to consider all liability and put processes and procedures in place that will prepare you and your team.
How to promote a small engine repair business?
While the second step in promoting and marketing a new small engine repair business is creating opportunities to demonstrate your superior knowledge and skills to the local community.
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 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.
How much does a small engine repairer charge?
As a focused entrepreneur, you can start making money as a small engine repairer by simply learning the trade. 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.
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.
How many HP does a V twin engine have?
There are also V-twins, three-cylinder and four-cylinder small displacement engines, some capable of producing up to 75 hp or more. Many of these are four-strokes, some are two-strokes and some run on diesel, propane or natural gas. In this business, your daily activities will centre on the following;
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 ...
How does repairing equipment increase revenue?
Some repair businesses have increased their revenue streams by not only repairing equipment for customers but by also buying used or broken equipment and repairing it to resell. This strategy can help expand the business’ customer base, reach customers looking to buy equipment, and then convert them into returning customers when they later bring their products in for maintenance or repair.
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.
What is the background for a mechanic?
Background in mechanics. A mechanical background and experience in repairing engines is essential. Previous experience working in a repair shop setting will prepare a business owner for the challenges that come with running this type of business. Even if you do not have previous small-engine repair experience, numerous schools offer in-class and correspondence small-engine repair training that can lead to certification.
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 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.
Why do car repair shops need a CO?
For instance, since car repair shops operate out of garages, a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is mandatory as it proves that all legal and safety regulations have been met by the garage and it is fit for people to work in/customers to visit.
What is Autoleap software?
AutoLeap is a powerful all-in-one auto repair shop software that helps to keep complete track of your business – from scheduling appointments to managing technicians and generating invoices .
What is AutoLeap integration?
AutoLeap’s QuickBooks integration simplifies your accounting with the automated flow of transactional data, saving you a lot of time and hassle.
Why is it important to keep a detailed history of your business?
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!
What to do at a grand opening?
Your big day is here…hold a grand opening where people in the area can stop by and see what differentiates you from the competition. You could advertise promotional discounts for the first week (or month) or give free services (e.g. a 5-point inspection) to get customers into the door.
Do car repair shops have to follow federal regulations?
Car repair shops must follow mandato ry federal and state-level environmental regulations as well. You can find the complete checklist here.
