How do I open my garage?

The auto mechanic takes over the maintenance and repair of cars. Most of the time the mechanic works in the garage: he is then the garage owner. It is possible to open an independent or franchised garage if you have a mechanic diploma or work experience over 3 years. We explain how to open your garage!

👨‍🔧 How to become an independent mechanic?

To become a mechanic, you need to work in a garage! You can become a garage employee or start your own business. You can open your garage in two cases:

• You do not have no diploma mechanic, but there is more than 3 years of experience as a mechanic ;
• You ЕТЕ S a certified auto mechanic.

Step 1. Make a business plan

Auto garages are very active business sector... Indeed, the French car fleet continues to age. On average, French consumer cars are over 10 years old! Therefore, he needs a mechanic for maintenance and repair.

But mechanics is also very competitive sector... Therefore, it is necessary to make a real market research before you start:

• On which zone do you want to customize?
• What are the other garages already open nearby?
• Source Target are they aiming?
• What are their Tariffs ?

After doing market research, create your own business plan... You must consider your budget investment, your Bringbut also profitability your project based on previous market research. Only then can you find investors or get a loan to start your own business.

Step 2. Find your garage

To open the garage, you need find a local ! You should choose a space large enough to accommodate your workshop, as well as any additional services you want to offer: concession, car wash, gas station, etc. When you start your business, you will probably be a tenant in your garage. But if you have enough funds, you can also buy the premises right away.

You should also equip your garage... This includes the purchase of the necessary tools and materials (oil, etc.), as well as equipment such as:

• One or more elevators ;
• Suitcase self-diagnosis ;
• of cranes shop;
• of critics et candles ;
• Un tire lever и balance ;
• Un Charger ;
• Un Winch ;
• Un exhaust vacuum.

Also find spare parts supplier... Choose a supplier who will allow you to deliver the goods within 2 hours.

Step 3. Create a legal structure

Finally, business needs statutes... In most cases, garages SARL (Limited Liability Company). LLC must have at least 2 partners, if it is not EURL (Sole Proprietorship Limited) or SARL with one person. You should write a charter for your garage, which should include:

• La social form : here SARL;
• La duration of the company : you can register for a maximum of 99 years;
• La company name ;
• Le seat иSocial object ;
• Le size of authorized capital ;
• Le number of shares and their distribution between partners;
• Theassessment of contribution relevant partners;
• Le depositing funds cash contributions;
• La closing date some kind of exercise.

Step 4: open your garage

Now that you've found your workshop, your investment and built a company, you can finally open your garage! Please note that in order to become a mechanic there are several obligations:

• Information commitment : You are required by law to display hourly rates, including your labor tax, as well as rates for various services;
• Account : above 25 € (VAT included), you must issue an invoice to the customer. It should include your contact and customer details, date, details of prices and transactions, and vehicle mileage;
• Evaluation : if the customer requests, an estimate is required. Then he hires a mechanic;
• Responsibility : As a mechanic, it is your responsibility to give advice. You must point the way forward and justify it;
• Demanding results A: Once you agree to have your vehicle repaired, you must return it in good condition. Otherwise, the responsibility falls on you;
• Commitment to safety : you are responsible for the parts used (and therefore any defects).

🚘 How to open a franchised garage?

Instead of becoming an independent mechanic, you can also chooseopen a franchise garage... France has about 80 car service networks and several thousand franchisees. Some of them specialize in the maintenance and repair of cars: these are Midas garages, Speedy, etc. There are also networks of auto centers, such as Norauto or Feu Vert.

To open a franchised garage, you must have minimum investment which depends on one network to another. This investment ranges from several tens to several hundred thousand euros. It includes in particular franchise entry feesbut also the layout of the workshop.

As a franchised garage owner, you have to pay the brand:

• of royalties ;
• One advertising salary ;
• Sometimes operating commission.

In turn, you benefit from the marketing and advertising benefits of the brand, as well as support that includes workshops, tools, and more. as soon as the minimum contribution is reached.

Now you know everything you need to know to open your garage! And to grow your customer base, get more visibility and make it easier to manage your appointments, register your garage with Vroomly.