starting business plan - auto repair shop

[rviewmirror]

Hey all.

Can anyone point me to any links or resources to gather information and statistics to help with my business plan.

Very early in my planning, so I am still thinking about the viability of my idea.

I would like to open an auto repair shop and want to know about operating and start up information and competition and pricing information, etc.

any one know of anyone that has started up a similar business that can share ideas?

[Robmic]

Really tough row to hoe nowadays.

Independent garages are going the way of the dinosaur.

The complexity and technology of todays cars is very high and this means scanning equipment are crazy expensive, rents and other overhead are high This means start up costs are high.

The oil change franchises do quite well though.

[faken]

Did you do your marketing research for this business yet? Are you sure that there is a market for it?

Your start up costs for opening is going to be redicilous... Labour is going to kill you if you do not get enough customers.

here's a link to help you out a bit..
http://valuationresources.com/Report...oBodyShops.htm

[Sybersport]

Really tough row to hoe nowadays.

Independent garages are going the way of the dinosaur.

Not true. Independents have over 70% market share in the auto repair market - and growing.

[Robmic]

Not true. Independents have over 70% market share in the auto repair market - and growing.

Reliable source pls?

[nite4evr]

I have a 2 friends who partnered up and opened a auto repair shop.
Best money is from auto body repair, you just need to have connection/communication with dealers & do a good job. The machine and everything else aren't really that expensive.
Of course you can do oil change and other repairs on the side but that should be a good place to start.

[errorinexcellence]

Body shop do make money, but body shop and auto shop are two different markets.

Auto shop it all depends on your area and clientel, and remember that maintenance is where the money is at. The performance market used to be huge but its died down tons and youll make alot more doing a few brake jobs than one engine swap anyday of the week.

Startup cost is alot for an autoshop, espcially if you want to cover most of the areas and not just be able to do mechanical works of it. oil change and such does not make money, thats only to bring customers in to the shop.

[Canucklehead]

Check out Jobber News and SSGM for industry data on the various markets you are considering. Also look for stuff by DesRosiers on the automotive aftermarket. Finally, there are magazines like Bodyshop that have useful info.

IMHO, there are high barriers to entry if you want to go it alone. Think about liability insurance, ongoing training and equipment startup costs.

[PrinceMS]

Costs:
- Lease : $1000 - $3000+

- Equipment: You can lease a shope with equipment already there. If not, buy used certified stuff. Essentially the main cost is "hoist". ~$10,000 for a good used one

- Mechanic: Are you hiring mechanics? Working yourself? You can pay them "per job". So each job they do, they get % of the profit

Location and Marketing should be your biggest concerns.

If you are serious about opening, PM me. I can direct you to different techniques of lowering monthly (running) cost 30% - 50%

[TodayHello]

Just throwing some resources out there ...

D/l a P2P program like eMule and Search 'Business Plan'. There are a lot of eBooks on the subject that can help you with writing one up.

Also - Palo Alto Business Plan Pro 2007 Software

Hope that helps.

[Sybersport]

Reliable source pls?

Desrosier Automotive Consultants
www.desrosiers.ca

(We purchased a report, the info may not be readily available for free)

[AGR-1]

Are you a licensed technician?

[pete379]

Really tough row to hoe nowadays.

Independent garages are going the way of the dinosaur.

The complexity and technology of todays cars is very high and this means scanning equipment are crazy expensive, rents and other overhead are high This means start up costs are high.

The oil change franchises do quite well though.

Independents shops are not going away anytime soon.... oil change franchises just plain suck and dealerships charge way too much

[PrinceMS]

give this a rest - its a two yr old thread. Whatever was gonna happened most likely happened by now

[Jokez Guy]

An auto repair shop service professionally cleans, washes and waxes the interior and exterior of cars, RVs and even truck. There is no shortage of vehicles but detailing can be labor-intensive, so make sure you enjoy cars before you start this type of automotive business.

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