How to open your own auto repair shop? Business idea!

Until recently, the auto repair shop seemed not to be a very profitable business. However, the events of 2020 have changed the market situation. People have become interested in their own transport again, and specialized car services have become more popular again. That is why such a business idea can be really successful today. How to arrange a car repair shop so that customers want to come to it? Do you need permission or education to run it? We answer all these questions and advise what may be useful to you!

Car service - what should your business offer?

Comprehensive offer ремонт cars is a recipe for efficient workshop operation. The more car models and faults you can fix, the more likely you are to quickly acquire loyal customers. After all, vehicles break down relatively often, so you have to take care of a client who has already trusted you. Your proposal must include:

• repairs (both mechanical and electrical);
• car inspection;
• car varnishing and painting services;
• anti-corrosion treatment, providing an increase in the service life of vehicles;
• installation of various additional parts on vehicles;
• installation and replacement of tires.

Of course, you can choose your specialization. There are, for example, salons that are mainly engaged in anti-corrosion treatment. However, at the very beginning, you need to show that you are able to cope with various problems, because in this way you will prove that you understand cars and no problem scares you.

Auto repair shop - IP permit

If you want to open your own auto repair shop, you do not need any education or special permits. Anyone can open their own restaurant. However, sometimes education and qualifications are required to work with certain equipment. That's why it's worth figuring out which tools you'll need to study in the future. However, this will not be necessary if you are only at the beginning of your journey as a mechanic. You must remember that if you want to run a business, you will have to create your own business. This means filling out paperwork and additional fees.

How to open a car repair shop? Formally, it's not difficult.

If you want to create an individual entrepreneur, you need to register with the Center for Registration and Information on Economic Activities by filling out an application for its creation. When you know you will hire other people immediately, you should do so on the National Court Register. If this is your first business, learn all the details about running your own business. It is worth contacting a specialist who will guide you through all the stages and help you find the right people who, for example, will deal with mandatory payments or invoices. An accounting expert can be invaluable.

Automotive workshop equipment - what should be there?

Before even opening a business, you need to at least think about what will be on its equipment. It is worth making an assessment of the items that you will definitely have to buy for an auto repair shop. They don't have to be new. In many situations, tools that are used but in good condition will be a great start. As for equipment (except tools), the following will definitely come in handy:

•  stable and durable cabinet and shelf (preferably several) - cabinets will often have to hold heavy objects, so they must be resistant to various types of impacts;
• portable boxes on wheels - so that you can always reach all available tools in a convenient way;
• a comfortable and durable table - one on which you can put tools or a car element being repaired;
• hydraulic frog conveyor or piston lift - thanks to this, you can easily lift the car. For passenger cars, a device up to 2 tons is usually sufficient;
• diagnostic equipment - the more different types, the better. After all, you should be able to tell what's going on with your customer's car.

Of course, at the very beginning you can limit yourself to a minimum, but you will see that over time your workshop will begin to fill with all kinds of tools and equipment.

What are auto repair tools? Small purchases

To keep your workshop running smoothly, you will undoubtedly need a wide variety of hand tools. Thanks to them, you will be able to cope with many problems. First of all, you will need:

• at least one set of reliable, well-made keys;
• a set of screwdrivers or hex keys;
• pliers;
• oil filter wrenches. 

Initially, this will be a relatively large investment, especially if you are planning to create a workshop from scratch. The good news is that many tools are made from durable metal alloys, so they can last in your auto shop for years.

Auto repair shop and electric tools. Needed!

Hand tools are essential, but you can't do without the right tools with electric or combustion engines. A drill or grinder can be very helpful, and in some situations are simply necessary, so you should definitely have them in your workshop. When renovating a room, be sure to place sockets in easily accessible places. Extension cords can also come in handy, thanks to which you can connect the equipment where you need it.

Choose the right equipment for car diagnostics

Properly selected equipment for vehicle diagnostics and technical supervision will not only facilitate and improve your work, but also allow you to perform more actions with vehicles. This, of course, will contribute to a greater influx of customers who will visit you constantly. It is known that at the very beginning you will not have all the necessary devices at hand, but it is worth investing in at least a few. Later, you can gradually expand your diagnostic arsenal. In the auto repair shop, these specific diagnostic tools may come in handy.:

• battery testers;
• manometer;
• engine pressure control devices;
• devices for testing propulsion systems.

Of course, these are just a few suggestions. After you have opened the workshop, buy the items that will be most useful to you. After all, you know what problems your customers face in the first place.

Car service - do not forget about advertising

While word of mouth is the best advertisement, in the beginning you'll be better off if you try to promote yourself a little. It doesn't require huge marketing costs, and can provide a really good start in the market. Here are the methods:

• create a suitable logo and hang a banner or sign in front of the workshop. This will give a clear signal that there is a workshop in this place;
• at the very beginning, you can distribute leaflets around the territory;
• do not be afraid to post ads on the Internet;
•  maintain interesting profiles in social networks. They may, for example, be of an educational nature. This should make you recognizable and make potential customers see you as a competent person;
• create your own professional website. It does not have to be very extensive, although it is worth taking care of its correct location;
• let your business appear on google maps so that interested people can quickly find the workshop and get to it more easily.

Many of these activities you can do yourself, at no great cost. You will quickly see that this will bring positive results!

School is not needed ... but useful

You don't need any training to operate an auto repair shop, but knowledge is required. You can get it in practice, but sometimes it's not enough. In many situations, it is worth going to a school that will give you an appropriate vocational education. Thanks to this, you will not only learn the secrets of car repair, but also meet people who like the same thing as you. This will make it much easier for you to share experiences in the future. It may also turn out that in this way you will find a partner to run the business of your dreams. Do not block your path to further education. After all, if you want to be successful in your business, you must be a professional at what you do!

How much does a car service owner earn?

The answer to this question can indeed be very different. The salary of a car repair shop owner depends on many factors, such as:

• does he pay for the rent of the premises;
• where is his workshop?
• how many people work in it;
• how many hours a day does he work. 

So it is not easy to average the income of such a person. After all, the owner of a large diagnostic station will earn differently than a person working alone in his own workshop. However, it should be borne in mind that most people working in their own factory do not earn more than PLN 6,5 thousand. net zł per month.

A car repair shop is the dream of many car enthusiasts. Thanks to our advice, you will be able to bring your plans to life, because dreams are destined to come true. Remember that the action plan and the idea are the basis. It is also worth developing your skills and expanding your knowledge while studying. There you can meet other people who share a passion for car repair and that is their way of life.