Considering opening my own shop. Any tips?

[gunslinger]

I've been in the auto repair biz for over twenty years now and have gotten pretty sick of the BS that goes along with working for someone else. I'm thinking about opening my own shop, and was wondering if any of you that have your own, or had your own, could give me any information that could help. Were there any unexpected things that came up that you had to deal with? How did you go about building a customer base? Insurance??

I'm planning on renting a single bay garage for now and only doing it as side work until I get enough work to warrant doing it full time. I'm not looking to get rich, just enough to be comfortable, and allow me to have the life I have now. The only difference would be I'd be the one signing my paycheck.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[CST 03]

Having your own business is a great feeling. It can also be a "Pain in the Ass"

I have had my own for almost 6 years. Good luck with whatever you decide.:smile:

 

[stack1]

Feel free to PM me with any questions on the insurance end. I've been an auto insurance appraiser for a dozen years.

 

[thessman]

Work hard trat people right and be there when they need you. (8-5 mon-fri)
I see people try to run a business with flexable hours. It wont work.

 

[datant69]

customer service and word of mouth

are the best advertising you can have. i was in a different business but i've had promotional stuff pounded into my head for several years. if your doing it part time you may let your customers know that you'll be there for them when they need you. sure it can be a pain but it's better then not and they go to someone else. it would be great if i could go into business for myself as i know how to run a retail store and the in's and outs of the businesses i've been involved in. your main concern should be customer service as i'm sure you've had bad experiance in that area you didn't go back. you'll work all the time to keep your customers and one bad mistake or poor work and you'll lose that customer for the rest of your business days. hope this helps and good luck.


another thing people do are mail out's with coupons, and blanketing area's in your area letting potential customers know your there for them. you'll bring over customers from the place your at once you let them know your on your own. their loyalty depends on you.

 

[charlief1]

For an auto shop the EPA will be an issue as well as where you live. I wish you all the luck I didn't have, but I had an idiot for a partner.

 

[gunslinger]

Thanks guys, this is the kind of stuff I mean. I hadn't even considered EPA licensing. I'm going to have to look into that.

Anyone have anything else?