How to Start an Aircraft Parts Business

Aircraft parts business has a specialized market.

If you have a vast knowledge in aircraft parts and planes, you are a perfect candidate to start an aircraft parts business. Buying wholesale and selling retail, parting out airplanes and buying and selling aircraft parts are different ways to run your business. Doing them all is also a profitable option. Knowing your market and consulting with aircraft enthusiasts about your business will help you realize the market and can help with ideas on where and how to start your aircraft parts business.

Instructions

1. Collect enough inventory to have on hand to open your aircraft parts business. You can acquire this inventory by buying parts wholesale from a supplier or manufacturer, parting out intact airplanes, buying used or refurbished parts or buying an existing store.

2. Set up your store or warehouse. You will need ample space for all of the inventory. Some aircraft parts are large in size so a large space is recommended. Creating space for certain items will help keep the parts of one type together and your store space organized. Having large racks custom built for larger more cumbersome parts helps with organization and display. Keep a detailed inventory of all the parts you receive in your aircraft parts business.

3. Market your new aircraft business. With a specialized business such as aircraft parts, your customer base is limited to local airplane owners. You can also use online auctions to sell and market your aircraft parts business. This can help with creating a bigger market for the sale of your aircraft parts. Placing ads in local, regional and national aircraft magazines and publications is a good source of advertising especially if you are going to ship the parts that you sell or have a specialized line of parts that are unique or hard to find. Joining an aviation club is a creative way to market your business.

4. Adding services to your aircraft parts business can increase profits in your business. Engine repair, external repair and painting or powder coating could bring in more business and more customers that need parts. Having a certified aviation mechanic on staff is necessary for engine repair.

References

• Gaebler.com: How to Start an Aircraft Parts & Equipment Retail Business

Resources

• Aircraft Magazine