Welp MagazineOpening your own car repair service is an exciting journey, albeit a demanding one. Funds, equipment, marketing–there are many factors to sort out before achieving success. Take a look at what to consider before opening an auto repair shop to make the process more comprehensive and manageable.
Do You Have Legal Guidance?
Make sure you look into the legalities of starting your own business—otherwise, you could face hefty fines. To guide you through the intricacies of business ownership, you may want to enlist legal assistance. Reliable legal professionals can support you through the following:
- Acquiring a business license
- Ensuring your shop complies with insurance requirements
- Opening accounts for things such as payroll or business taxes
- Filing incorporation paperwork properly
Are You Certified?
A certification in auto repair isn’t required to start your business, but it’s still something to consider before opening an auto repair shop, as it establishes credibility. With a certification, you’re more likely to find a quality deal on liability insurance.
Pro Tip: A certification doesn’t just prove to yourself how serious you are about your shop. It showcases your commitment to insurers, customers, and lenders.
What’s Your Budget?
Starting a business of any kind requires a considerable financial investment. Setting up shop will include a variety of expenses for your facility–rent, training, insurance, and, of course, the necessary equipment for an auto repair shop.
Think about start-up costs before spending to ensure you’re getting the best deals. You may find it helpful to use legal advice when it comes to taking out loans for your investment.
Who Are Your Employees? Do They Need Training?
Unless you plan to manage customer needs on your own, you’ll need a team of employees. Between paperwork, phone calls, and the repairs themselves, having additional individuals in the shop will be a huge help.
Before opening, you’ll want to onboard a few employees. Consider offering well-rounded training to new members so everyone at your facility follows the same safety and operating procedures.
How Will You Market Your Shop?
To gain clientele, you’ll first need to gain attention. Investing in your marketing plan can result in a great return by bringing in new customers.
Think about how you’ll brand your start-up to make it stand out among the rest and satisfy customers. After all, a positive reputation is one of the greatest assets to small businesses.
