How to Start a Backyard Body Shop
A "backyard body shop" is simply an auto body repair shop. Whenever a car is in an accident or needs body repair work, the owner takes the car to an auto body repair shop. Auto backyard body shops have been around since Henry Ford invented the Model T Ford automobile in 1908. You can find a backyard body shop in almost every city or county in the United States because the cars that man makes will always need body repair work. To start your backyard body shop, carefully follow the steps below.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Frame machines
- Lifts
- Hoists
- Dent pullers
- Paint guns
- Wheel balancer
- Pressure washers
Instructions
-
-
1
Make sure you can obtain the financial resources to start a backyard body shop before you do anything. If you have the financial resources, visit the Small Business Administration (SBA) website at sba.gov. Respond and answer the questions under the Small Business Readiness Assessment Tools section. This tool will help you get your backyard body shop running.
-
2
Search around in your area to find a backyard body shop (i.e. auto body repair shop) and offer to work for free until you learn the business. Interview the owner and ask him how he started his backyard body shop. Prepare as many questions as you can and offer to pay him a fee for his time. If you cannot find a backyard repair shop in your area, head to your local library or book store for additional information. Do not forget to use the Internet to help you.
-
-
3
After you have developed the skills to start a backyard body shop, decide if you want to operate from home or rent space. Decide what type of repairs you would like to conduct at your backyard repair shop. In this example, we will use TCP Global as a way to get started. Call (858) 909-2110 and ask to speak to a representative. Ask the representative exactly what supplies and equipment you will need to get your business started. Also inquire about discounts for backyard body shop owners.
-
4
Once you have purchased the supplies and equipment, visit the local print shop and purchase all the office supplies and equipment you will need (i.e. copy paper, invoice forms, phones, computer, and fax machines etc.).
-
5
Your business plan should explain how you plan to operate the business. Add a marketing plan to show how you will attract customers. Show in your financial plan how you will balance and manage the income and expenses of your shop.
-
6
Head to your local city or county office and apply for a permit or license to operate a backyard body shop. Locate your state's Department of Revenue at GovSpot.com. Select your state's Department of Revenue website. Apply for your state tax ID number online. Call (800) 829-4933 and apply for your federal tax ID number. These steps will help you start a backyard body shop.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Keep expenses low, attend auto repair shop trade shows and subscribe to auto repair publications.
Never work alone in your shop; hire employees to help you. Pay taxes on time, develop a good safety program and avoid expensive products and supplies.
