How Do I Start an Auto Repair & Tire Business?
Starting an auto repair business can yield good profits, but hiring excellent workers will be the key to success. Selling tires as an adjunct to fixing cars should increase profits because the tire business onsite makes it easy for customers to get everything done in one stop. Customers often view a good mechanic and car repair shop as part of their overall support system, so make it a point to hire mechanics who interact well with customers. Selling is all part of the bottom line, so make sure workers can communicate well with the public.
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Things You'll Need
- Funding
- Business license
- Retail space
- Repair tools and equipment
- Tires
- Office desks and computers
- Cash register
Instructions
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Apply for a line of credit or obtain funding to begin the business. Locate several good candidates to help run an auto repair and tire store. Never go into business without having excellent workers because the success of the store will depend upon these individuals. Network with various car sales business owners to find viable candidates.
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2
Look for appropriate business space. Lease or buy a space with both retail and garage areas. Find store space that is ideally close to a busy intersection. Apply for a business license before signing papers for a long-term lease, but sign the building lease the same day the business license is received to keep everything in order. Never wait too long to lease the building because a good location may entice another renter.
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Hire at least one full-time mechanic and one part-time mechanic. Choose another person to manage the sales department for tires and keep the business books as well. Meet with employees to decide which tools and special equipment will be needed immediately.
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Apply for additional funding, if needed, to stock the store appropriately. Ask the mechanics to keep track of additional equipment and supplies that will be needed over time. Order a good supply of tires. Allow a couple of weeks to get merchandise and all repair and tire mounting equipment in place. Furnish the office space with desks, computers and a cash register.
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Advertise in local or neighborhood publications to gain initial customers. Declare an official Grand Opening Day after a month or so. Invite local and regional individuals to stop by for refreshments and meet the workers.
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Tips & Warnings
Provide some type of incentive for initial customers to bring back their friends. Print vouchers for a free tire rotation and balancing, for example. Or offer coupons that give $10 off any tire purchase.
Opening any business is somewhat challenging in the beginning. Expect to have repair jobs that are complex or out of the ordinary. Inform mechanics to state their limitations if a job is overly complex or beyond their scope to fix. Don't risk a lawsuit by addressing issues that are too difficult for present workers. Send the customer to another repair business, if needed.
References
Resources
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