Hello ladies and gentlemen, I m looking in starting my own automotive repair shop.?

Question

I am a Master Mechanic looking to own my own mechanic shop. Fixing vehicle s wise I understand what needs to be done but that doesn t necessarily mean I will get the business I need. What all goes into running a single-man mechanic shop? What are some good ideas to have? What websites can I use for automotive repair manuals? Can I make deals with Auto-Parts Stores on getting parts or fluids come in monthly? What other questions would be good to ask and find out about?

Answer 1

I am a repair shop owner since the early 80's and one of the forums which I've joined since 1995 is IATN (International Automotive Technician Network) . You're a CMAT so your credential plus working experience are exceed the requirements to joint. Come in and all of us will help you.



There are hundred topics discussed just last year alone about shop's opening, operation, how to etc.. so far .. being a basic member won't cost you a penny to joint as long as you have your credentials. See ya there.



This is the link:



https://www.iatn.net/about



If you've decided not to then email me and I'll discuss with you. This topic take to much room and there is more than characters, illustrations that YA forum allows: [e-mail]



Otherwise: Don't forget to close the question. Thank you.

Answer 2

You don't sound like you have much experience, the mechanics I've worked with over the years know the answers to your shop related questions better than the business owners. Parts suppliers and service manuals are something you should have been dealing with for the past several years. If you're serious you'll need to study up on the business end and hire a real mechanic because owning the business takes you away from the shop.

Answer 3

I would highly recommend finding a partner that understands how business works, or taking some management classes BEFORE you start down the road of opening your shop. The office portion of the business requires finesse.



Advertising, paperwork, point of sale receipts, warranty's, talking on the phone to schedule customers, order and run for parts. All these things should be done by other people. Taking time away from a repair to answer phones, or run and get parts is a waste of your time. Dealing with the office is a waste of your time, when fixing the cars is your part of the business, the thing you are able to do well.



It is also more economic to have multiple mechanics under one roof with a team handing the paperwork, the parts, etc than to try to do it all yourself. With all the legal, finances, paperwork, insurance, etc you'd be out of business before you got started.

Answer 4

I believe you may be a Master but with the questions you've posed, you've got a LOT of homework to do before even thinking about opening your own shop. First, take business classes. Being a good mechanic can't make up for not knowing how to run a business.



Talk to parts stores to see what kinds of deals they'll make



Talk to alldata and mitchell to see how much their services cost.



Asking those questions shows how naive you are about owning a business.

Answer 5

You'd set up business accounts with suppliers.



Websites for the sole-source of manuals is risky. This would mean you can't do work if the net or site is down.



Going to need a business license, environmental inspections, and advertising.

Answer 6

You sure don't sound like a " Master Mechanic ".....Oh well,...... # 1 Be honest and don't stiff your customers,..

Answer 7

Hi if you where in deed a qualified mechanic you would not need to ask such dumb questions.