How to Set Up a Custom Car Shop
Experience from having worked in a garage, creativity, sufficient space, and adequate capital are needed to set up a custom car shop. A diploma or degree in automotive engineering would be an added benefit. A custom car shop is a specialized business that requires understanding of the customer's ideas and ability to transform them into reality with help from a team of skilled technicians. You have to be a designer, technician, entrepreneur, efficient manager, and expert salesman all rolled into one to set up and run a custom car shop successfully.
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Instructions
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Write down your business plan. Specify the area of specialization that you would focus on, such as upholstery, fabrication, or painting. Factor in expenses for rent, equipment, employee salaries, and marketing. Hire the services of an accountant to prepare financial projections. This will help you approach a financial institution for assistance.
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Visit the local office of the small business administration (SBA) and find out about the licensing, registration, and other legal requirements to set up a custom car shop. Enquire about any financial assistance that you can get in the form of grants or loans.
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Choose a suitable location and contact the local municipal office to find out whether the location adheres to zoning regulations. A custom car shop is a commercial enterprise and setting it up in a residential zone will get you in trouble.
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Demarcate clearly areas in the shop for welding, painting, fabricating and upholstery. Arrange equipment accordingly for optimum use of available space. Keep a recycling receptacle to dispose of oil, metal, and chemicals.
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Hire employees who have prior experience in customizing cars. You will have to contact the local IRS office and apply for a tax identification number.
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Develop a working relationship with other automobile workshops in your area. Offer to do certain works for free or at discounted rates initially. This will earn you goodwill, spread the word about your workmanship, and help you get orders.
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Tips & Warnings
Attend automobile shows and put your products on display to garner attention.
Setting up a custom car shop without basic automobile mechanical skills is not advisable.
References
- Photo Credit Custom auto door image by Digital Photique from Fotolia.com
