As long as people will have cars, they will need people to repair them. Starting a car repair business can be a great venture for any skilled mechanic who’s ready to go their own way. The competition in this sector is also very fierce, so unless you have a plan of action, determination, and knowledge, you might struggle to make it in this business. Here are a few tips for anyone trying to open their own garage.
Property
There are two ways that you can go about obtaining your premises. You could either buy an existing garage and benefit from all the equipment that is already installed, or go from scratch. Buying a garage is usually a better idea, as long as the equipment is in good condition.
If you’re going to buy or rent property and build your garage from the ground up, make sure that it’s in the right location. Prioritise locations close to city centres, busy roadways, and industrial areas.
Expertise
You and your staff will need to have the experience necessary if you want to be able to provide good service to your clients. Not only that, but you’ll also need some knowledge on how to manage a business. While you don’t necessarily need to get an MBA in order to run a garage, getting a formation wouldn’t hurt. If you’re still working for someone else, it would be wise to start gathering as much information on the business aspect as you can so you can apply it to yours.
Think About Insurance
You’ll also have to think about getting insurance for your staff, your property, and, most importantly, your customers’ cars. This is where motor trade insurance comes in. Motor trade insurance will cover damage done by you or your staff members while handling cars. It should also cover you in case any additional damage is done to cars while in your custody. If you’re looking for the best cover, use this site to find the best deals – you’ll be able to get quotes from multiple insurers all in one place and compare their coverage and premiums.
Marketing
You’ll also need to learn how to market your business as well. While word of mouth will go a long way, you still have to find a way to get your first clients through the door. One particular aspect you’ll need to have down is local SEO. If your market isn’t too crowded, you actually have a chance to get a lot of visibility for a relatively low price if you know how to get on top of local business search results.
The first thing you’ll need to do is make sure that you have a Google Business page and make sure that your NAP (name, address, phone number) is consistent wherever you post it online. Try to get on reputable local directories, and release as much content as you can. Get active on social media and encourage your current clients to join in. And, above all, focus on offering great service, as your reviews will have a direct influence on how high you’ll be in search results.
Consider Franchises
Starting with a franchise can have many benefits. You’ll benefit from well-known branding, and good franchises will make sure that franchisees have all the tools they need to succeed. Start looking at a few franchises, their fees and requirements, and how much support they offer. Also, do your research on what their other franchisees have to say.
Conclusion
Starting a car repair business can be a great option for skilled mechanics who’d like to become their own boss. Make sure that you have the knowledge and expertise needed, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.